Jockey Campbell Rawiller trained his first-ever greyhound winner on Wednesday.
Rawiller was recently granted a trainer’s license by Greyhound Racing Victoria, and on Wednesday a dream came true for the 20-year-old, with his dog 'Forcefully' taking out Race 11 at The Meadows.
The Rawiller name is famous within the racing circles, especially in the thoroughbred industry with his father (Nash) and uncle (Brad) both star jockeys.
But young Campbell, who is no slouch in the saddle, is hoping to make a name for himself in the world of greyhound racing, and he did just that on Wednesday.
“I’ve got a real passion for racing full stop, I’ve always loved the dogs, doesn’t matter which breed and the more I looked into it the more it really intrigued me and I’m very fortunate to have gained a real passion in the sport,” he said on SEN Track’s Bensley.
“Yesterday was an unbelievable feeling that I haven’t had since my first race ride, so much adrenaline, it was very, very exciting.
“He was terrific, watching him carving it up on the first bend I thought he must’ve been watching some of my races where I get suspended.
“He did a terrific job yesterday and I was holding my breath there on the first bend, watching it live I thought, ‘Ah he’s in a bit of trouble here’, but thankfully he found his way out of it.
HE RIDES AND TRAINS WINNERS
— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) November 17, 2021
Congratulations to jockey @CamRawiller for training his first greyhound winner after FORCEFULLY (3) staved off his rivals from the back straight at @TheMeadowsDogs.
Result 👉 https://t.co/VkXTBgk0xp#GreyhoundRacing @tabcomau @bensporle pic.twitter.com/P2FQgGJVDr
“It was an unbelievable day.”
There’s no doubt being a jockey is tough, throw in training two greyhounds on the side, you’ve got a busy life.
“I start work at around 4am and finish a little bit earlier which is a bonus and I head straight home to get the boys worked and then basically give them a feed and preparation for races if I’ve got weight to lose I’ll go for a good run with the boys,” he said.
“It takes my mind away from that consistency of having that (racing) on your mind all the time it just breaks it up.
“It’s been great for me.”
As for what's next for Forcefully, Rawiller will run him over the 545m trip at Ballarat next Wednesday.
