Word spread quickly around Caymanas Park on Sunday, June 7, 2026: Salute The Don didn’t just win the Jamaica 2000 Guineas. He won it on three shoes.

The Gary Subratie-trained colt captured the Classic mile (1,600m) in a stirring display of grit and determination, overcoming a stumbled start that cost him a shoe at the break. Yet under champion jockey Raddesh Roman, he found enough to get home in front and etch his name into Classic history.

Subratie confirmed the twist.

“He stumbled at the start and lost a shoe. I did not know at the time,” Subratie revealed.

“To run the entire race without it makes his achievement even more compelling. The shoe was later returned to me by a member of the starting gate crew,” he added.

Beyond the mishap, Subratie praised the colt’s courage and the significance of the win.

“Salute The Don, ridden by champion Raddesh Roman, gave everything and emerged a Classic winner. It is a testament to the investment made by Don Wehby in Jamaica’s racing industry,” Subratie stated.

Groom Leon Sukoo leads his charge Salute The Don (Raddesh Roman) into the winners’ enclosure after winning the Jamaica 2000 Guineas Classic on Sunday, June 7, 2026. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Bred by the late Don Wehby and now owned by his estate, Salute The Don is by his Into Mischief stallion
Aveenu Malcainu out of Abicadabby, a mare by Breeders’ Cup champion Ghostzapper. Sunday’s win was as much for Wehby’s vision as it was for the colt’s heart.

Subratie also outlined plans for his Guineas trio. Salute The Don, runner-up Stardom, and seventh-placed
God’s Plan, all came out of the race well and are being aimed at the 10-furlong St Leger in early July.

“They came out of the Guineas in good order. After a brief rest, they will return to training. If all continues to go well, the three will line up in the next Classic, which is the St Leger,” Subratie confirmed.

Roman rode with ice in his veins. He settled Salute The Don well off the early speed as Eye of the Tiger, under Robert Halledeen, rocketed to the lead and strung the field out down the backstretch. Into the half-mile turn, Roman began his move, easing Salute The Don into third behind Eye of the Tiger and
Strong Aveenue, piloted by Wesley Henry.

The fractions were honest, setting up a true test of stamina. Turning for home, the complexion changed.
Strong Aveenue tackled Eye of the Tiger on the lead, Salute The Don loomed widest of all, and stablemate
Stardom, with Dane Dawkins up, dove on the outside of horses.

For a heartbeat all four were in line. But it was Salute The Don who found more when it mattered. Under Roman’s strong urging, he edged clear late to beat Stardom by a determined neck, with Strong Aveenue a gallant third after pressing the pace throughout

The victory puts Salute The Don firmly on the Triple Crown trail. With the first jewel in the bag, he now targets the 10-furlong Jamaica St Leger next, before the 12-furlong Jamaica Derby in August.