KINGSTON, Jamaica - The man who starting the owning partnership of Oakridge Farms Donald Wehby Sr, father of GraceKennedy Group Chief Executive Officer Don Jr died Tuesday at age 87, 10 days shy of his 88th birthday on August 12.
Wehby Sr was well-known for his love of horses and from his early days was a regular visitor to Caymanas Park.
In his tribute, Wehby Jr remembered his early days of going to the track in the company of his father.
“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,” Wehby said.
“Dad has been in racing since 1959. Our first winner as a syndicate was with a horse by the name of Oh No Grandpa ridden by Charlie Hussey and trained by Dwight Chen.
“I have never met anybody in life who loved horse racing like him. It was his hobby and he genuinely loved horses.
“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. His favourite horses were Bonnie Blue Flag, None Such and now, of course, the filly Atomica, who will be running in the prestigious Jamaica Derby next Saturday.
“His major disappointment, especially in his later years, was that there is no elevator at the track so that he could come and watch in comfort.
“My father lived a fair and honest life and I will always remember the values he instilled in me. Rest well, Dad, you have played a good innings, and the family is forever thankful,” Wehby said.
