Jockey to keep celebrating victory the Maori way

Michael Walker celebrates his winning ways with a pukana. Picture / Dean Purcell

Jockey Michael Walker has vowed to continue to roll his eyes and poke out his tongue when riding winners, despite a ticking-off from racing officials.

While the controversial 22-year-old did not deliver a pukana (poking out tongue and rolling eyes) at yesterday's Te Rapa meeting, he said he would carry on but "only at the big races".

That means his fellow jockeys and racegoers can next expect an exhibition on November 12, when he will ride Darci Brahma in the 2000 Guineas or Northern Beau in the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton in Christchurch.

Walker earned a warning from officials for a pukana delivered after riding La Sizeranne to victory in the Hawkeye Stoney Bridge Stakes at Hawera.

The action prompted a meeting of stipendiary stewards in Wellington last week. They decided that while it was not against the rules, it was not a good look for racing.

Walker said the action was not disrespectful and was in fact a show of pride in his Maori culture and in being victorious.

He is of Ngati Porou and Ngati Whakaue descent,

"I am very proud of where I come from and my heritage. People probably thought I was doing it to be cheeky - that's not the case."

Walker said the action "has been blown out of proportion".

"I don't think it put a bad image on racing - if anything, it has brought a bit of colour."

He said he would continue to pukana.

Kapa haka expert Pita Sharples, co-leader of the Maori Party, said the pukana demonstrated both pride in one's heritage and ferocity in war.

"It is an action derived from times of war to make your face fierce and warlike." Over time the fighting aspect had been modernised to now demonstrate solidarity with the Maori culture.

"It is now a sign of pride. He is saying, 'Hey look, I am Maori and I have won'."

Dr Sharples said the action was not designed to cause offence or as a mark of disrespect.

Ellerslie stipendiary steward Alan Cole said concerns had been raised about the performance but no action had been taken.

"There are all sorts of different people who have made mention of it. There a quite a few who have said it doesn't look good."

He said officials would monitor Walker's actions.