Anthony “Baba” Nunes, former three-time champion trainer, has paid a heartfelt tribute to Don Wehby Jr, describing him as a friend, client, and passionate horse owner. Nunes reflected on Wehby’s legacy, both in business and horse racing, and the impact he had on those around him:

It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute for my friend and client, Don Wehby Jr.

He has left behind two beautiful, loving and caring daughters, a son and wonderful wife that will miss him dearly but will carry on his legacy. And what a legacy it was!

The ultimate businessman. His success with GraceKennedy is well-documented but also his incredible success in the horse racing industry.

His passion and love for his beloved horses were a pleasure to see. Most Sundays he would come out to the stables, when it was quiet, with at least one of the children. Just to pat and show some love, affection and appreciation for his horses and take pictures with them and the family.

I have had the pleasure of training for Sir Don from 2010 when he gave me a big, gangly grey Yearling colt with a sway back, I might add, to train.

He was bred by Don himself; he was by Dayton Flyer out of Pretty Hilly.

That big, gangly, sway back, grey colt turned out to be the 2012, 2000 Guineas winner, Uncle Donny.

And from that point until today, I have trained many, many horses for him with much success over the past 15 years.

He was as loyal as he was passionate about his horses and the people that worked for him.

It is very sad for us here at the barn that he will not see these three really nice two-year-olds that we presently have for him race. He was so looking forward to seeing them race.

I still believe that he most certainly will be looking down from heaven when they do race, with a smile on his face.

He, in fact, had wanted to name the imported colt I purchased for him at Keeneland last year, Sir Don.

So, to you my friend, I say thank you, thank you for being a friend, thank you for being loyal and supportive to the Nunes racing family for over 15 years.

We will miss you, each and every Sunday afternoon.

RIP, Sir Don!