The United States Trotting Association recognizes him as Mitchell K. Walker, but in harness racing circles he’s known by his middle name, Kelly. And to be more precise, in the amateur movement he goes by the nickname 'Sky' --- and for Kelly 'Sky' Walker, these are good times.
He placed well in the seven-month C.K.G. Billings Amateur Driving Series, and in early December Walker won the premier event of the Billings Series, the $25,000 Delvin Miller Memorial Gold Cup Driving Championship at the Meadows.
Walker has now been named National Amateur Driver of the Year by the United States Harness Writers Association.
“My goodness, I can’t say enough about how I feel about receiving this honour,” Walker said.” It’s amazing to me. I’m thrilled. I had a great year, and more than that I had a great time driving, and to receive an honour like this is just the icing on the cake.”
Over the past three years, Walker has won 43 races in 210 starts and has shown real ability as a harness driver. Asked if he has any aspirations of turning professional, it didn’t take him long to answer. “No… I’m not interested in becoming a professional. Not at my age now. Maybe if I was in my 20s I’d think differently, but I’m having too much fun as an amateur.”
Back in October, Walker was the selection of the North American Amateur Drivers Association to represent the United States in the upcoming and most prestigious World Cup of Amateur Racing, which will be staged in New Zealand in mid-January.
When he heard the news, Walker said, joyously, “It’s absolutely fabulous. I’m overwhelmed and exceedingly honoured to be selected to represent the United States in the World Cup. “It’s (the World Cup is) the top of the game and a huge honour.”
Walker, a 55-year-old farmer out of Davison, Mchigan, was introduced to the harness races by his dad when he was a youngster. He learned to read a program and handicap the races, but at age 18 his main interest was purchasing a Corvette which he had been saving for. However, his dad told him he could attract as many girls with a horse as he could with a car. So, instead of buying the famed sports automobile, Walker purchased his first racehorse. Shortly there after, Walker had four racehorses and had employed a professional trainer.
Walker was a hands-on owner and would help jog and train, but when his father passed away the demands of their family farm and greenhouse left him with no time for the horses. Twenty years had transpired before Walker purchased his next racehorse.
Finally, after jogging and training his own stock for seven years under the mentoring of veteran horseman Terry Tomlin, Kelly drove his first amateur race in 2004 as a member of the Michigan Great Lakes Amateur Driving Club. During the 2009 campaign, Walker was named the Michigan Amateur Driver of the Year.
A few years ago, Walker joined the Billings Series, and as time allows he competes whenever he can.
This year was Walker’s best season to date. He finished with a lofty .391 UDR on the strength of 15 wins, 10 seconds and four thirds from 56 starts.
Walker will receive his accolade when USHWA presents its Dan Patch Awards Dinner at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at Sea World on International Drive in Orlando, Florida on February 12.
(USHWA)