Trainer Gary Subratie paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Don Wehby Jr, racehorse breeder and owner, after his charge Salute The Don emerged victorious in the Cradle Stakes (Red Stripe) on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
After Salute The Don, bred by Wehby, owned by his Oakridge Farms, and ridden by Dane Dawkins, won the native-bred two-year-old maiden special weight contest over 3 furlongs (600m), Subratie dedicated the win to the memory of Wehby, who passed away on July 26 at the age of 62.
Salute The Don (Aveenu Malcainu – Abicadabby) won by a length in a time of 37.1 defeating Fidelity (Reyan Lewis) and Maybelle (Robert Halledeen).
Subratie shared the emotional story behind Salute The Don's name and the significance of the win.
"Before Mr Wehby died, I was telling him about this race, but he doesn't like to run babies over the straight or at three furlongs," Subratie recalled.
"I told him that this horse was ready to run. He gave me a name for the horse, but it wasn't approved by the regulatory authority, and he died right after that. His family came up with the name for this horse, Salute The Don – that's how the name came around. This win is dedicated to him,” Subratie stated.
Subratie spoke fondly of Wehby, describing him as a special person who was always looking out for others.
"Don had been a backbone of my stables," Subratie said. "He is a special person, always looking out for us, and he has been just a good horseman. He loves his animals, and I am lost for words when it comes to Don. It was really special to win this race for him."
When asked about the win, Subratie downplayed concerns about the final time, citing the strong headwind and the current state of the track.
"The win was good. The final time looked slow, don't worry about the time because there was a strong headwind and the track is not the greatest right now. I am just happy that he came back good and everything looks good,” Subratie said.
Subratie attributed the success to careful preparation and patience.
"It started from way back," he explained. "It is progression; you can't force them as they will tell you when they are ready. You have to listen and learn to observe. It is not rocket science, but it is something that a lot of experience teaches you."
