Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

FRESH FROM a two-day suspension, title-chasing jockey Trevor Simpson rode three winners at Caymanas Park yesterday but made no real inroads on leading rider Omar Walker, who replied with two winners on the 10-race programme.

While Simpson was away, Walker established himself as a 1-9 favourite to win his first jockeys' championship following back-to-back five timers. The 24-year-old apprentice has ridden 12 winners in the past three racedays.

However, yesterday belong to 'Slicer' Simpson who won aboard 2-5 favourite BLUE CHIP for veteran 'Hall of Fame' trainer Allan 'Billy' Williams in the third race over 1800 metres, PRINCESS LORNA at 5-2 for trainer Phillip Elliott in the sixth over 1100 metres and 3-5 favourite NATURAL DESIRE for owner/trainer Errol Waugh in the day's feature, the Jockey Club Stakes (overnight allowance) for three-year-olds and up over 1400 metres.

Walker booted home 3-5 favourite SUMMER WIND for trainer Fitzgerald Richards in the fifth and 3-2 favourite ABOUNDING GRACE for trainer Dennis Lee in the eighth race over the straight five course. Both were easy winners.

Losing effort

While Simpson (60 wins) had the numbers, it was Walker (71 wins) who came away with the kudos not for riding his two winners, but for his losing effort aboard 1-5 favourite THE GUARDIAN in the 2-y-o maiden special for the Lester Saunders Memorial Trophy over 1400 metres.

Trained by Wayne DaCosta, THE GUARDIAN lost by a nose to the Charles Hussey-ridden JOSIE WALES, this after a brilliant display in the saddle from Walker. Travelling as a team coming into the straight, the two quickly disposed of long-time leader GOOD HOPE to set the stage for a terrific stretch duel.

Although Hussey's mount JOSIE WALES pointed on the outside approaching the distance, Walker lost his whip at this stage. But despite this, the young rider, displaying some quick change of holds, conjured a tremendous rally from THE GUARDIAN on the inside to point 50 metres out, but Hussey, riding one of the races of his life, just managed to pip him in a precise head bob.

Even Hussey was impressed, as metres after they flashed past the post together, he held out his left hand to congratulate Walker for his wonderful effort in a true gesture of sportsmanship.