Omar Walker Honoured With Special Race Day

Omar "Hot" Walker, a name synonymous with success at Caymanas Park, holds an impressive record with six championship titles and 1,262 wins, marking him as one of the sport's all-time greats. Despite his achievements, Walker remains grounded, often attributing his success to the horses themselves rather than his own skills as a jockey.

“Horses make jockeys, not jockeys make horses.” This statement invites a deeper understanding of the sport, challenging the common belief that a jockey's abilities are the sole determinants of victory. Walker believes that the quality of the horses he rides plays a crucial role in racing outcomes.

Currently, Walker is facing a challenging season, having secured only two wins out of 22 rides. He reflects on the landscape of jockeys in the sport, acknowledging that the emerging talent is currently thriving, saying, “It’s not just about the young jockeys winning. Without access to the best horses, victories remain elusive. They’ve got the mounts now, and it’s their time.”

Walker emphasizes that success in horse racing relies heavily on good mounts, stating, “If you don’t get the right rides, you can’t secure wins. This sport is named horse racing for a reason.”

Throughout his career, Walker has celebrated numerous victories in Classic races, including multiple wins in the Triple Crown and the prestigious Diamond Mile. Among his many accomplishments, his exhilarating 2018 victory in the Burger King-sponsored Superstakes on the distinguished mare She's A Maneater remains unforgettable. Reflecting on that race, he noted the importance of the collaboration with her trainer, Wayne DaCosta, who rectified her previous issues to ensure a memorable performance.

Walker also pays tribute to the late Wayne DaCosta, whose mentorship was pivotal in his journey. He recalls, “My first win was aboard Supernatural, trained by DaCosta. From the start, he had faith in me and pushed me to excel. I am immensely grateful for his influence in my life and career.”

Recently, Walker was celebrated in a heartfelt tribute during a race held in his honour on March 22, 2025. The gesture left him genuinely touched, stating, “Having a race run in my name is an extraordinary honour, typically reserved for those who have passed. I’m grateful to SVREL and Denzil Miller for this recognition—receiving such appreciation while alive is a rare gift.”

As he looks to the future, Walker remains motivated to continue honing his craft and achieving new heights in the sport he loves.