Racing: Walker back in the saddle

Top jockey Michael Walker will be back in action on Saturday.

Walker rides at the Rangitikei Racing Club's meeting at Awapuni, Palmerston North, after being sidelined for 2 1/2 months with a hip injury.

He had hoped to have a hip operation before he returned to riding but it will now be some time before that happens.

"I've have got a four-inch [10cm] lesion on my hip that shouldn't be there," Walker said.

"Originally they were looking at a hip reconstruction, which would have sidelined me for several months.

"But now they are looking at an arthroscopic procedure, which means I might only need three to four weeks off."

Walker said the time off had enabled him to return to the fitness required for riding and he had been riding trackwork recently.

He has returned to Taranaki after being in Waikato. "I'm feeling good and happy to be back," he said.

Walker has already been listed for four rides on Saturday.

- NZPA