Racing: Former star apprentice heading for Singapore

Former star apprentice Michael Walker is on the move again.

Walker, 20, today confirmed he had secured a six-month contract to ride in Singapore.

He takes up the position of stable rider for former New Zealand trainer Paddy Busuttin at the end of this month.

While the initial contract was for six months, there was a right of renewal for a further six months, Walker said.

"Paddy approached me about it when he was back in New Zealand for the Auckland Cup meeting," Walker said.

"I rang him back the next day and told him I was interested."

Busuttin, after a successful New Zealand career when based at Foxton, including training champion stayer Castletown to win three Wellington Cups and an Auckland Cup, is well established as a trainer in Singapore.

Walker said the move was an exciting step in his career.

"I'm able to take rides from outside Paddy's stable too, so as long as I work hard when I get there and stay focused I should do all right," he said.

Not long after completing his stellar apprenticeship with New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock and following a three-month stint in Hong Kong, Walker moved to Melbourne to continue his career last April.

He returned to New Zealand to ride at the summer carnival last month and ponder his future.

Walker admitted his focus strayed when he was riding in Australia, even though still enjoying a good rate of success, including winning the Brisbane Cup.

He said he had addressed those problems since being back in New Zealand.

"I'm adamant that I'm focused now on what I want to do and what I want to achieve.

"I want to make a name for myself as a leading jockey in Singapore, that's my goal."

Walker is not a stranger to the lucrative Singapore racing scene, having ridden on a visitor's permit as a 16-year-old for a short period.

"I've always wanted to get back and ride there since that trip," Walker said.

Accompanying him to Singapore will be his partner Candace Smith of Hawera.

"Candace and I have talked it over and we're both happy about making the move to Singapore."

Walker will be riding alongside other New Zealand jockeys Mark Du Plessis and Jason Waddell.

Walker said the prospects for the Busuttin stable were looking good this year.

"He's got a lot of good, young horses coming through that he's pretty happy with and he's looking forward to the new season."

Walker is serving a 3 1/2 week suspension after being found guilty of careless riding aboard Gee I Jane in the Railway Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 1.

He said he had no plans to ride again in New Zealand before taking up the Singapore contract.

- NZPA