KEY POINTS:
The Michael Walker-Mark Walker relationship is over, at least temporarily.
For the summer and autumn Michael Walker will not be No 1 rider for last season's joint leading trainer and sole winner of the 2004 premiership.
Michael Walker says he will be taking it easier in the immediate future to allow repair time for the leg/hip problem he has lived and ridden with for a couple of seasons.
The Matamata jockey made a big statement by riding four winners at yesterday's Otaki races.
"The door certainly isn't closing on Michael," said Mark Walker last night.
"How could it, he rode four winners today."
Mark Walker said his Te Akau Racing Stables will use several jockeys for high-profile races through the next six months," he said.
"Opie Bosson will ride a number of them.
"We've had a great association with Opie through the years and he's a Matamata jockey.
"We'll be looking for jockeys that suit certain horses.
"A lot will depend on how long Michael is out for."
Michael Walker's last major ride for Te Akau was finishing second to Dorabella on Princess Coup in Saturday's $275,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas at Riccarton last Saturday.
Michael Walker could not be contacted last night.
