The battle for his first jockeys' title has not yet been won, but leading rider Omar Walker must have convinced many doubting Thomases of his extraordinary ability in the saddle with his ride aboard the Wayne daCosta-trained THE GUARDIAN in the fourth race at Caymanas Park last Saturday.

Walker lost by a short head to the Charles Hussey-ridden JOSEY WALES, but he had many singing his praises after his display when he lost his whip in the final 2000 metres. He produced a brilliant hand-ride and only lost out to the bustling Hussey because the latter had the use of his whip.

Even Hussey, considered one of the country's best-ever riders, was impressed by the ride and gave the young reinsman a high-five moments after they passed the winning post.

Walker does most of his riding for DaCosta, one of the track's leading trainers, but that is not the only reason why he is in front. He has gradually won the confidence of a number of other trainers and is getting many winning rides from the barns of Robert Darby Sr., Noel Ennevor and a few other 'small' trainers.

His back-to-back five-timers in recent weeks have put him in the company of most of the best riders who have graced Caymanas Park including George HoSang, Winston Griffiths, Emelio Rod-riquez, Andrew Ramgeet and his main rival for this year's title, Trevor Simpson.

Patient walker

Omar Walker ... produced a brilliant ride aboard THE GUARDIAN last Saturday. - file

I have been particularly impressed by the patience of Walker. He rates his mounts beautifully, somewhat in the mould of the Trinidadian Brian Harding. He always seems unhurried but when tested, as in the case of THE GUARDIAN, can get the best out of his mount in a finish.

He will still get a stern test from Simpson for the remainder of the year. Simpson, as can be seen from today's programme, is still receiving some very good rides from many-time champion trainer Philip Feanny. Today the five-time champion jockey looks very good for a four-timer while Walker will have to be at his very best to ride more than two winners.

On current overall form, however, there is very little doubt in my mind, that Walker, if he remains injury-free and free of suspensions, will emerge champion jockey for 2007 by a comfortable margin.

David Hunt's death

Local sport suffered a great loss when former national under-17 coach David Hunt died last Friday at the age of 51.

The Kingston College old boy is best known nationally as a coach of football but to journalists involved in track and field his contribution to that sport was invaluable. His 'Champs Preview,' which was published just before the annual Boys' and Girls' Championships each year, was a must-have for those who wanted a detailed analysis on the top contenders in each event.

Each season, Hunt would attend all the various meets - including the Howard Jackson Relays in Morant Bay, the Gibson Relays and the Carifta Trials - and collect data on the leading athletes. His predictions on the top four places at Boys' Champion-ships were usually spot-on. It is hoped that those close to him will continue to publish this very important magazine.