Walker sidelined

Kiwi jockey Michael Walker is facing more time on the sidelines because he needs more surgery. The Melbourne-based Walker has been out of the saddle since February when his back seized up mid-race and he had to be lifted off his mount. Soon after he had a successful microdiscectomy on his lower back and he had returned to training in preparation for a June return but the leading jockey has told Racing.com he will now go under the knife again for his troublesome hip. Walker said the procedure was not a major issue and if it could be done within the next week he should be back riding in around six weeks.