Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has paid heartfelt tribute to Don Wehby Jr, describing him as a distinguished Jamaican businessman, dedicated public servant, and passionate champion of horse racing. SVREL mourns his passing, which occurred on the same day as the Don Wehby Sr Memorial Trophy, a race that honoured his father’s legacy.

“It is with profound sadness that SVREL mourns the passing of Don Wehby Jr, a distinguished Jamaican businessman, dedicated public servant, and passionate champion of horse racing.

In what can only be described as a poignant and bitter irony, Don’s passing occurred on the very day that the racing fraternity gathered to honour his father’s memory through the running of the Don Wehby Sr Memorial Trophy — a race that Don Jr had warmly embraced as a fitting tribute to his father’s enduring legacy in Jamaica’s horse racing industry.

Don Wehby Jr’s contributions to Jamaica extended far beyond the confines of any single sector. As a transformational leader at GraceKennedy Limited, he demonstrated visionary leadership that strengthened one of Jamaica’s most iconic companies and contributed significantly to the nation’s economic development. His tenure as a senator reflected his deep commitment to public service and nation-building, bringing his considerable business acumen to bear on matters of national importance.

In the realm of sports development, Don was a passionate advocate who understood the power of athletics to unite and inspire. His involvement in horse racing was not merely as an owner but as someone who genuinely appreciated the sport’s role in Jamaica’s cultural fabric and its potential for economic growth.

Just last year, reflecting on the inaugural running of the Don Wehby Sr Memorial Trophy, Don Jr shared touching memories of his introduction to the track: ‘My father and I shared a very close relationship. He was an essential part of my life, and his love for horses was easily transmitted to me… He took me to the track when I was eight years old to watch a horse named Monte’s Stitch win the Gold Cup… a race I will never forget.’

These words, spoken with such warmth and reverence, capture the essence of a man who valued family, tradition, and the simple joys that bind generations together. Don’s dedication to preserving and honouring his father’s legacy while carving out his own distinguished path in business and public service exemplified the best of Jamaican leadership.

The horse racing community has lost not just an owner and supporter, but a true gentleman who understood that the sport’s greatest victories are measured not only in trophies won, but in the relationships forged, the traditions preserved, and the opportunities created for others.

Don Wehby Jr’s life was one of service — to his family, his business, his community, and his country. His legacy in commerce, industry, sports development, and nation-building will endure as a testament to a life well lived and values well practised.

SVREL extends its deepest condolence to the Wehby family, his colleagues at GraceKennedy Limited, and all who were touched by his leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s progress. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find comfort in the knowledge that his contributions to Jamaica will long be remembered and celebrated.

As Don himself said of his father, ‘You have played a good innings’— words that ring equally true for his own remarkable life of service and achievement.”