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.
This story is from the November 01, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 01, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Japan's True Blue Tradition
Call it an antidote to fast fashion. Japanese jeans hand-dyed with natural indigo and weaved on a clackety vintage loom, then sold at a premium to global denim connoisseurs.
6 easy dishes to pack for lunch
Nutritionists and food content creators suggest these healthy and convenient recipes
Don't cross Culinary Class Wars star Anh Sung-jae of three-Michelin-starred Mosu
On an early episode of Netflix's hit reality cooking show Culinary Class Wars (2024), chef Anh Sung-jae stood in a warehouse filled with makeshift cooking stations and considered the plate in front of him: a rainbow palette of handmade pastas, purees and delicately cooked seafood. On top was a smattering of flower petals.
Emerald Hill to make Netflix debut
Emerald Hill looks set to be the must-watch local blockbuster series of 2025.
Refreshed museums in SG60 arts
A timely slate of refreshed spaces and new programmes at Singapore's arts and cultural institutions will be launched in 2025, wooing audiences with a different Singapore story as the nation gears up to mark 60 years of independence.
Going casual to woo fickle diners
Serious artwork on the wall. Bespoke crockery on cloth-covered tables. A fine wine list. Eye-watering menu prices. Just don't call it a fine-dining restaurant.
Smartwatches Make Healthcare Smarter
From tracking heart rate to steps taken to sleep quality, smartwatches and fitness trackers can generate biometric data about the people using them.
Quality, not quantity, rules the superhero game
In 2025, the big studios are rolling up their sleeves to tackle a disease plaguing the box office – superhero fatigue.
Big-name musicals to hit the stage
Soothing melodies and soaring high notes are set to fill the air, as the coming year brings along a host of musicals to the Lion City.
Celebrating design with SG60, new hotels and theme parks
Architecture and urban design take centre stage in 2025, with marquee events such as a year-long celebration of Singapore's 60th year of independence (SG60) and launches of Sentosa attractions to enhance the destination's \"islander allure\".
