An overseas career for star apprentice rider Michael Walker should not be rushed into, believes top New Zealand breeder Sir Patrick Hogan.
Sir Patrick is the part-owner of Saturday's New Zealand Cup winner Smiling Like who was ridden to victory by the 16-year-old whizz kid.
Walker recently had a short stint in Singapore with former New Zealand trainer Paddy Busuttin.
Busuttin, who was on hand for Saturday's meeting, said that he had inquired with Walker's employer, New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock, about Walker riding in Singapore on a longer term basis.
It was agreed it was probably too early for such an assignment but it could be reconsidered in "another year or two".
Sir Patrick said despite Walker's outstanding record it was only 16 months ago that he started riding.
"I think in the next couple of years they want to take him along quietly, not burn him out," Sir Patrick said.
Walker last season achieved the almost unthinkable of winning the New Zealand jockeys' premiership in his first year of riding. He rode 131 winners with his nearest rival 28 wins in arrears.
Sir Patrick said Walker's feats were remarkable.
"He's put the record on the board. He's done an enormous job for the country and for himself and for his stable. Everybody has to be greatly proud of him.
"He's a young bloke still maturing and I'm sure he's going to handle himself magnificently."
Smiling Like's trainer Keith Hawtin, for whom Walker has often ridden, said the apprentice's greatest attribute was not to panic during a race.
"He's cool, calm and collected," Hawtin said.
That was reflected in his ride on Smiling Like on Saturday. She was sent out the favourite but Walker bided his time at the back of the field for much of 3200m journey.
With 600m to run Smiling Like was near-last and Walker tagged onto others. First he followed the little fancied Lazy Loot, then the second favourite Count Cristo.
Count Cristo hit the front about 300m from the finish but Smiling Like swooped past and won by 5 1/2 lengths.
The cup win capped a memorable weekend for Walker. On Friday night he won the Taranaki Sportsperson of the Year award. He was also the province's Sportsman of the Year.
- NZPA
Racing: Go quietly is Hogan's advice on overseas rides for ace
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