Davidson, who trains her string at Turfway, had no experience in racing when she moved to the sport from the hunter/jumper world about a year and a half ago. "It's been a long, hard road," she said. "I am absolutely delighted, and a little bit in shock. I knew he had a lot of heart. What a treat."Walleye Joe, under apprentice jockey Victor Lebron, held on for a determined win by a head.Walleye Joe was Davidson's fourth starter of the current meet.
Trainer Janet Davidson earned her first career win Friday night at Turfway Park when 51-1 shot Walleye Joe broke his maiden in the fourth race, a six-furlong event for maiden claiming horses. It was the 16th career start for Walleye Joe but his first start for Davidson. The horse is owned by Davidson's husband, Frederick Davidson, who bought the 5-year-old gelding privately from Lucian Anderson about three months ago. Before Friday's race, Walleye Joe had not run since September 2005. He had been running at the $5,000 level but was in Friday for a $15,000 tag. The longest shot in the field, he paid $104.20 for the win.