By MIKE DILLON
What a difference a week makes for Michael Walker.
Last Thursday he became the toast of Australia when he won the $A200,000 Hawkesbury Cup on Huge Demand on his debut across the Tasman.
Tomorrow the 16-year-old apprentice sensation will be leading horses around the New Plymouth birdcage for his boss Allan Sharrock.
The three-raceday suspension Walker copped at Waipukurau on Sunday has temporarily halted the blinding rush Walker is making at Lance O'Sullivan's season record of 163 winners.
As well, Walker was fined $1000 and the previous week was fined $2500 for a similar offence at Otaki.
"That's the biggest fine for a fair while, but Michael did request the fine so he could go to Australia and ride in the Hawkesbury Cup," said Sharrock.
The Taranaki trainer admits he is concerned how the two judicial black marks look so close together on Walker's record.
"He might be trying just a fraction too hard, he might have to back off a bit.
"In that sense the three racedays off this week won't do him any harm - it will settle him down a bit."
Nothing special will be added to Walker's life because of the suspension.
One small advantage is Walker has been able to spend a little more time working on his handicap for his newfound game of golf.
The world marvels at Walker's stamina to keep going through a schedule of travelling and race riding that would cripple most.
But if there is burnout it will be of Walker's own doing.
"If I try and stop him he throws his toys out of the cot," said Sharrock. "He's a competitor and he loves being out there.
"He's desperate to break Lance O'Sullivan's record of 163 wins."
The season O'Sullivan set that record he recorded the fastest 100 wins, topping the ton on February 1.
"Michael's on 68 wins and there is a lot of racing between now and February 1," said Sharrock.
Walker resumes riding at the Waikato Cup meeting at Te Rapa on Saturday. His rides include class filly Star Satire in the $40,000 Gasmate Stakes, Bluebird The Word in the Cup and Xtrabar for his boss in the PQ 1600m.
Racing: Suspension halts rush at record
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