Oaks Stud connection makes Williams' first winner one to savour

Twenty-nine-year-old New Zealander Dean Williams celebrated the first winner of his training career at Murtoa on Saturday, with Tempest Moon (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) capturing the Marma Cup (2050m) in the colours of The Oaks Stud.

The victory carried extra significance for Williams, whose father Rick has been the long-serving General Manager of The Oaks Stud, where Dean spent much of his childhood before embarking on a career in racing.

While the breakthrough was a significant milestone, Williams admitted the overwhelming emotion was one of relief after coming close on several occasions in the opening months of his training career.

"It's a bit of relief to be honest," Williams said.

"I've thrown a few darts at the dartboard over the last month or two and missed, but we went into the race with a bit of confidence. The wet track and stepping up in trip were both in her favour, so it was good to get the job done.

"It was really special for it to be in The Oaks Stud colours."

Williams' association with The Oaks Stud and its owner, Dick Karreman, stretches back almost his entire life. His family moved to the Cambridge nursery when he was just 18 months old, and he grew up immersed in the stud's day-to-day operations.

"I've known Dick Karreman since I was about five or six years old," Williams said.

"I started working on the farm at a very young age and when I spoke to Dick a couple of years ago about wanting to get my licence and have a crack, he has been hugely supportive.

"He's spent a fair bit of money at the yearling sales for me and we've got a nice group of rising three-year-olds and some young horses coming through. Without his support I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing. Every young trainer needs someone to give them a kick along and hopefully we can find a good one for him."

Williams' passion for racing was ignited during The Oaks Stud's golden era, with champion mare Seachange leaving a lasting impression on the aspiring horseman.

"Seachange was probably a huge reason why I'm doing what I'm doing," he said.

"I was only eight or nine when she was racing, but I still remember it very well. I used to drive Mum and Dad mad wanting to go to the races to watch her. She was an incredible mare for the farm."

Williams' own training philosophy has been shaped by some of the industry's leading horsemen. He began his career with Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh before becoming racing manager for Tony Pike, then crossed the Tasman to join Mike Moroney's Flemington stable.

A stint in Ireland with leading trainer Joseph O'Brien followed before Williams returned to Melbourne after accepting an offer to become assistant trainer to the late Steve Richards, eventually striking out on his own at Pakenham.

Williams said both Moroney and Richards had a profound influence on his career.

"They were two very different people, but they couldn't have been nicer," he said.

"Mike could train anything, sprinter or stayer, and Steve just had such a lovely way with horses and so much patience. I've tried to take bits from everyone I've worked for."

Williams eventually established his own operation at Pakenham, believing Victoria offered the best long-term opportunities for a young trainer.

"Looking ahead over the next 10 to 20 years there looks to be more opportunity here," he said.

"I'd love to take horses back to New Zealand one day, but I felt Victoria was the best place to have a crack."

Williams also believes Tempest Moon has more to offer. The daughter of Turn Me Loose was prepared in New Zealand by Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray before finishing a commendable fourth in last year's A$300,000 Jericho Cup (4600m), and Williams is hopeful she can return to the famous staying contest later this year.

"Credit has to go to Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray," he said.

"The job they did to get her to a Jericho Cup last year was incredible because she was just a coat hanger. She's matured now, she's holding her weight much better and I think when she gets to a mile and a half and further she'll continue to improve."

While another Jericho Cup campaign remains the logical target, Williams said a return to New Zealand could also be on the cards if spring conditions prove suitable.

"I think logically the Jericho is where we'll head,” he said. “She has come back a better mare this time around and is holding her weight much better. Rating points will be interesting because if she keeps improving she might end up too highly handicapped.

"If New Zealand has a wet spring there are some Cup races over there we could look at. She really relishes those heavy tracks. On good ground her ceiling is probably a bit lower, but she's very tough and genuine when she gets those testing conditions."