WALKER MAKING HIS MARK IN MELBOURNE

Four-time S'pore champion trainer banks on Bellatrix Star for Group 1 glory in Coolmore

- Michael Lee

Former four-time Singapore champion trainer Mark Walker is another ex-Kranji resident looking at cementing his foothold in Australia.

Since leaving Singapore in early 2022, Walker has returned to his native New Zealand, picking up where he left off with two premiership-winning seasons to add to his five titles earned before relocating to Singapore in 2010.

However, the wanderlust came biting again, albeit he crossed only the Tasman Sea this time.

In 2023, whilst at the peak of a breakout season when he became the first trainer in New Zealand history to train more than 200 winners (203), Walker set up a satellite stable in Australia, picking Cranbourne in Victoria.

That Midas touch seemingly knows no bounds for the Matamata man, who went on to claim six Group 1 races in Melbourne. All with freak mare Imperatriz.

One season on, the 52-year-old may not have matched such a scintillating record, but five Group wins and the possibility of more to come have more than vindicated his bold decision to move.

As a proof he was there to stay, he is already upsizing.

"I'm about to complete the second stage of my move to Cranbourne. I just got another 40 boxes ready, I should have 70 horses soon," he said.