Tefara Wright has a passion for grooming

TEFARA WRIGHT brings true meaning to the phrase “Keeping it in the family.”

His love and passion for horse racing were shaped by close family. His father was a groom, his uncle was once a jockey, and currently, his older brother is also a groom at Caymanas Park. With this generational connection to the sport of kings, Tefara ardently continues the trend of his bloodline, grooming his horses to victory.

Tefara says his passion for the industry has made him constantly exercise ‘mind over matter’ to overcome the challenges of the industry due to its technical nature.

“You have to be dedicated. You have to wake up early and prepare yourself for what is to be done mentally and physically because racehorses are very technical. From developing that connection with the horses to grooming them to greatness, it’s not a walk in the park, it does take hard work,” he said.

According to Tefara, it is the aforementioned principles that have led him to groom top performers that have given him a series of victories.

“Some of my proudest moments are winning the Jamaica Cup and the Ian Levy Cup in 2021. Also, winning the Toyota Cup in 2020 and the SVL Jamaica Two-year-old-stakes,” he said.

He also attributes his achievements to date to the training he has received from his colleagues who, according to him, have helped to catapult his horse-racing career. Tefara lauded owner and trainer Rohan Gordon, who taught him the basics of the industry. Likewise, he lauds his previous trainers, Dwight Chin and Oneil Markland, who contributed immensely to his growth in the industry. Wright is currently being mentored by trainer Anthony Baba Nunes, who he regards as the best in the industry.

GRATEFUL

“So far, what I have learnt from these men has led me to winning a couple races, and for that I am grateful. I also have to acknowledge my favourite horse FURTHER AND BEYOND, who also brought me recognition in the industry. Collectively, they have all contributed to my achievements,” he added.

Wright is aiming to get to the pinnacle of horse racing, saying that for him, “the sky’s the limit”, hoping to mirror those grooms who have successfully transitioned to become trainers.

With those intentions in mind, he hopes for a paradigm shift in the industry towards more international racing opportunities for local horses.

“I would love for my horses to be able to compete overseas in countries like the US This, I know, will help to highlight some of our talented horses at Caymanas Park,” he said.

Tefara Wright also has high hopes for the industry itself and wants to become a staple in the industry.

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