By MICHAEL GUERIN
Seconds after showing up some of the biggest names in Australian racing, Michael Walker was being himself - a 16-year-old boy having fun.
The champion New Zealand jockey yesterday stunned the Australian racing industry by riding Huge Demand to victory in the $A193,000 ($247,000) Hawkesbury Cup in New South Wales.
In a perfect display of horsemanship, he secured the coveted one-one position after starting from barrier eight and left champion jockeys such as Sydney premiership winner Larry Cassidy in his wake to get the 9-1 chance home by a half-neck.
As if that wasn't enough to win the hearts of the punting-mad Australians, Walker let rip with a post-race celebration that had the crowd on their feet.
He threw his riding goggles into the crowd then hugged the horse and Huge Demand's owner, Nassar Lootah, of the United Arab Emirates.
"It was fun because we can't celebrate like that in New Zealand. The officials won't allow it," said Walker.
"But over here they let you celebrate and that is what it is all about. It's supposed to be fun."
The Taranaki youngster has been riding for only 17 months yet has won the national premiership in his first season and is on track to smash Lance O'Sullivan's record for wins by a New Zealand jockey in a season.
The hype machine was in top gear when Walker arrived in Sydney yesterday but he was as cool off the track as on it.
"I don't see the point of getting nervous. It is great to be here and ride against such good riders but it is only one day."
Walker secured the ride on Huge Demand from New Zealand trainer Graeme Rogerson after partnering the Rogerson-trained Smiling Like to win the New Zealand Cup three weeks ago.
Walker and his boss, trainer Allan Sharrock, know performances like yesterday's will increase pressure for the young gun to move to Australia, where elite jockeys can become millionaires.
But Walker says he is staying in New Zealand until he finishes his apprenticeship in three years.
"That is what Allan wants and he has been the one who helped get me here.
"I would like to come back to Australia to ride some more and it is only a plane ride away."
Walker is returning to New Zealand for a special engagement tonight. He is a nominee in the junior section of the Maori Sportsman of the Year awards.
Racing: Golden boy slays wizards of Oz
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