Walker goes to new level in Singapore
Champion trainer Mark Walker has struck an overdue winning blow at the highest level at Kranji.
The expatriate New Zealand horseman delighted in his first Singapore Group 1 victory (afforded Listed status internationally) when the appropriately-named Elite Invincible beat his stablemate Kingsman, a Kiwi-bred son of Darci Brahma, in the Giovanni Racing Charity Bowl (1600m).
Walker enjoyed 22 top level training successes from Te Akau’s Matamata base during his New Zealand career, which netted him five premierships.
“At home, David Ellis (Te Akau principal) buys the best and you’re spoilt for choice of Group 1 winners and it’s harder to get that quality here,” Walker said.
“It’s taken a while and I’ve got a really good team and you don’t lose your ability to train Group 1 winners. I’ve got two live chances for the Derby now.
“I thought the horse that won yesterday was our best hope and with Kingsman we tried something different and put the blinkers on and that made a big difference.
“The Derby will drop back to 1800m this year and both of our horses will appreciate the extra 200m.”
Walker, who relocated to Singapore in 2010, said his success was down to a great team effort.
“Obviously, Gus and Karen Clutterbuck have been a huge part of the operation.
“They came up here from day one when we established the Singapore base. I’ve been very fortunate, Gus was a great trainer in his own right.
“David and Karyn at home have been just wonderful and have introduced so many new owners to racing and they have all been big supporters of the Singapore stable.
“Every young trainer needs a leg up from someone, and while I’m not young now, David has been there right throughout for me.”
Walker has won two Singapore trainers’ premierships and is currently on 30 winners for the season and one behind Shane Baertschiger in his chase for a third title.
“I talk to a lot of people at home and I know how tough it is there at the moment. I’m appreciative of the opportunities in Singapore,” he said.