On 2000 Guineas Day, Caymanas Park carried its usual rhythm of anticipation and release. The stands were not overflowing, yet the atmosphere was charged with the kind of tension only a Classic can summon.

But amid the cheers, the chatter, and the collective heartbeat of racing’s faithful, there was a silence, the absence of one man whose presence would have been inevitable. That absence became painfully clear when Salute The Don, trained by Gary Subratie and ridden with grit by Raddesh Roman, fought his way to a combative victory.

The chestnut colt, resolute to the line, bore the name of his breeder and owner, the late Don Wehby. And in that moment, the triumph felt incomplete. For the man who bred him, who nurtured his lineage, who would have been first to stride onto the track, was no longer there to lead in his champion.

Wehby, affectionately known as “Sir Don” at the racetrack, was no stranger to success. His colours had graced the winners’ enclosure many times before, with horses like Uncle Donny, Digital One, Atomica, and One Don.

Each victory carried his unmistakable stamp, not just the ownership, but the passion. His pride and joy,
Atomica, etched her name into racing history with wins in the Derby, the 1000 Guineas, and repeated triumphs in the Jamaica Cup.

What set Wehby apart was not merely the calibre of his horses, but the way he celebrated them. His trademark was simple yet profound: hugging and kissing his horses after victory. A gesture that spoke of love beyond ownership, of a bond between man and animal that transcended the sport.

The victory of Salute The Don was not just another Classic win. It was the flowering of Wehby’s vision, his breeding programme, his devotion to the sport. A win felt, not just seen.

And so, on Guineas Day, as Roman guided Salute The Don past the winning post, the absence of Wehby was felt more keenly than ever. For sure, he would have been there, rushing to the track, arms outstretched, ready to embrace his home-bred champion.

For sure, he would have kissed the colt, his pride swelling with joy. But instead, the moment belonged to memory. To the countless times Wehby had stood in that same spot, celebrating victories with unbridled affection. To the legacy he left behind in horses that continue to carry his name and spirit.

Salute The Don won the 2000 Guineas shoeless after stumbling at the start. He won it with courage. He won it for Don Wehby.

Always sleep in peace, Sir Don. Your presence may have been missing from the track, but your soul galloped alongside Salute The Don. Your love for the sport will forever remain etched in Caymanas Park’s story.