Joe Shiesty Surprises At 29-1 In Wednesday's William Walker

Foster Family Racing, Lonnie Reynolds, Vicki Mills and Donald Coomes’ Joe Shiesty took the lead out of the gate and never was headed in posting a 2 ¼-length victory in the ninth running of the $291,000 William Walker (Listed) for 3-year-olds on Champions Day at Churchill Downs.

Trained by Eric Foster and ridden by Abel Cedillo, Joe Shiesty completed the 5 ½ furlongs on a firm turf course in 1:02.90.

“I love this horse," said Foster. "He’s a brute and a half. I was a little bit concerned about putting him on the grass the first time; but I’m not concerned now. I’ve got a bunch of old friends and clients involved in this horse. He’s really fast, so I think the sky’s the limit for him next.”

Foster purchased Joe Shiesty for a bargain $16,000 as a short yearling at the 2022 Keeneland January sale. The 3-year-old son of Air Force Blue has now won three of his seven lifetime starts for earnings of $264,561.

Joe Shiesty shot to the front and led the field through an opening quarter-mile of :22.05 with Silent Heart in closest pursuit. At the top of the stretch, Joe Shiesty hit another gear, opened up and was not threatened in the run to the wire.

"I just let him go do his own thing and he made the lead easily," Cedillo said. "I looked back at the top of the stretch and didn’t even need to use stick. He was traveling beautifully.”

No Nay Mets (IRE) and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. rallied for second but were disqualified to fourth for interference in the stretch against favored Mansa Musa (IRE).

Joe Shiesty rewarded his backers with payoffs of $61.06, $19.98 and $10.08. Silent Heart, ridden by John Velazquez, returned $10 and $6.06 and finished a neck in front of Mansa Musa, who paid $3.62 to show under Junior Alvarado.

Completing the field in order were No Nay Mets, Sketch (IRE), Bear River, Aspenite, Debt Paid, Refuel, Double Your Money, This Is Uscar and Runnin’ Rocket.