Jockey Danny Wright’s equestrian career coincided with one of the best periods in Maryland racing, one that spawned the Chris Antley Hall of Fame, Kent Desormeaux, Chris McCarron and Edgar Prado.
Competing against them all from 1976-93 was Wright, highly regarded by his peers, riders and fans for his honesty and dedication. His success over five decades in racing, both as a jockey and later years as a manager, earned Wright a place in the Great Hall. Sports Anne Arundel County.
“I am proud to be part of the colony,” says Wright. “That’s when, in my opinion, horseback riding is best.”
Wright, who turns 76 on December 7, will be introduced at the 31st annual ceremony on October 12 in Annapolis. Joining him in the Class of 2022 are retired major league pitcher Gavin Floyd, all-American wrestler Mack Lewnes of Cornell University, and former Chesapeake High softball coach Dennis Thiele.
“I’m definitely excited,” Wright said. “I was just tickled because they didn’t present it to me after death.” “All jokes aside, it was definitely something I didn’t expect. I never felt like I stood out by any means, but it means it’s a great honor.”
Born in Brooklyn Park, Md., where he was the 95-pound district champion as a weightlifter, Wright made his professional debut on January 1, 1976 in Laurel and won. in the first race later that day aboard the Titanic Red.
Laurel was also where Wright won his last race aboard the Wilder Now on December 15, 1992, and rode his last, finishing second on No Peer, March 20, 1993. During his career , Wright won 1,424 races, a dozen classified bets, and almost $14 million in purse income.
Wright won four graded shares in Caesar’s Wish, who was named the Maryland-bred champion in each of her two racing seasons. In 2018, she was inducted into the Maryland Purebred Hall of Fame.
Wright also achieved success when Cormorant won the Bay Shore Stakes (G3), Gotham Stakes (G2) and Jersey Derby (G1) in 1977, and finished fourth behind Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew in the Preakness Stakes (G1).
Other equity wins for Wright came in Cotillion 1986 (G3) and Anne Arundel County (G3) with Toes Knows; 1983 Riggs Handicap (G3T) with Sun and Shine; 1977 Barbara Fritchie Handicap (G3) with Mt. Airy Queen and 1976 Patriot (G3) with In a Trace.
Wright went on to become a manager after his equestrian career, though not initially by design.
“I had no intention of retiring at the time. The man I was working for and called for the first time in 17 years, JP Simpson, he suggested I pursue it and I did. I did. passed the test and this opportunity came”. he added. “I shared it with him the next day. I said to Mr. Simpson and he said, ‘Danny, take advantage of it. Don’t worry about it. When you come back, if you still want to ride it. , you can start right back where you left off.'”
Wright never returned to equestrian races, instead enjoying a fulfilling second career as a manager, admired and respected for the traits that made him successful on the road. racetrack. He retired in December 2020 after a long time working as a head manager at Charles Town.
The Anne Arundel County Sports Hall of Fame introduction will take place from 6-9 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Annapolis. Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds going to benefit Anne Arundel County youth sports.
This press release has been edited for content and style by the BloodHorse Staff.
