The racing fraternity finally got a glimpse of the highly touted three-year-old Walk The Plank on Saturday, July 11, 2026, and he did not disappoint. Making his long-awaited career debut, the colt turned the John Clifton Wright Memorial Cup into a one-horse exhibition, sprinting away from his rivals to secure a dominant 8-length victory.
Trained by champion conditioner Anthony Nunes and guided by jockey Reyan Lewis, Walk The Plank stopped the clock in a respectable 1:13.1 for the 6-furlong maiden condition race for native-bred three-year-olds.
Breaking alertly, the colt quickly assumed control of the pace, setting the tone early while closely tracked by She’s Ideal (Demar Williams) and Fratellanza (Dane Dawkins). Approaching the half-mile (800m) turn, Lewis asked his mount for an effort. Walk The Plank instantly upped the tempo, easily shifting into another gear and leaving his pursuers in his wake. Turning for home, the race was effectively over. Walk The Plank turned on the afterburners in deep stretch, widening his lead with every stride to win isolated. His stablemate, Code Red, stayed on to secure a Nunes-trained quinella, while My Friend Micki filled the trifecta spot.
The victory was especially sweet for the connections, who have had to exercise immense patience to get the talented colt to the starting gates.
"It has taken a long while to get Walk The Plank to the races. I have always regarded Walk The Plank as one of my better three-year-olds, but he has had to deal with a number of issues.
We had him down to race earlier in the year, but because of late last-minute issues, plans had to be changed. Thanks to the dedication and hard work put in by the team at the stables, Walk The Plank was finally able to start, and he confirmed our original thoughts, that he has talent,” shared trainer Nunes with this website.
Walk The Plank is sired by the swift Buzz Nightmare out of the War Marshall mare Rackam’s Mistress.
