Jockey Danny Wright to be Honored by Anne Arundel HOF

Jockey Danny Wright's riding career coincided with one of the finest periods in Maryland racing, one that produced Hall of Famers Chris Antley, Kent Desormeaux, Chris McCarron, and Edgar Prado. 



Competing right alongside them all from 1976-93 was Wright, held in high regard by colleagues, horsemen and fans alike for his honesty and dedication. His success over more than five decades in racing, both as a jockey and in later years as a steward, has earned Wright a spot in the Anne Arundel County Sports Hall of Fame.



"I was proud to be a part of the colony," Wright said. "That was when, in my opinion, riding was at its best."



Wright, who turns 76 Dec. 7, will be inducted in the 31st annual ceremony Oct. 12 in Annapolis. Joining him in the Class of 2022 are retired major league pitcher Gavin Floyd, Cornell University All-American wrestler Mack Lewnes, and former Chesapeake High softball coach Dennis Thiele.



"I am definitely excited. I'm just tickled pink they're not presenting it to me posthumously," Wright said. "All kidding aside, it's certainly something I didn't expect. I never felt I was a standout by any stretch of the imagination, but by the same token it's a great honor."



A native of Brooklyn Park, Md., where he was county champion in the 95-pound weight class as a varsity wrestler, Wright made his professional debut Jan. 1, 1976 at Laurel and won his first race later that day aboard Titanic Red.



Laurel is also where Wright won his last race aboard Wilder Now Dec. 15, 1992 and rode for the last time, finishing second on No Peer, March 20, 1993. Over his career, Wright won 1,424 races, a dozen graded stakes and nearly $14 million in purse earnings.



Wright won four graded stakes on Caesar's Wish, who was named champion Maryland-bred filly in each of her two racing seasons. In 2018, she was inducted into the Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame.



Wright also enjoyed success on Cormorant winning the Bay Shore Stakes (G3), Gotham Stakes (G2) and Jersey Derby (G1) in 1977, and finishing fourth behind Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew in the Preakness Stakes (G1).



Other graded stakes wins for Wright came in the 1986 Cotillion (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 steward following his riding career, though not initially by design.



"I had no intentions of retiring at that time. The gentleman I was working for and was first call for 17 years, J.P. Simpson, he strongly suggested that I pursue it and I did. I passed the test and this opportunity came up," he added. "I shared it with him the next day. I told 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, you can start back right where you left off.'"



Wright never did go back to riding races, instead enjoying a fulfilling second career as a steward, admired and respected for the same traits that made him a success on the track. He retired in December 2020 after a long stretch as chief steward at Charles Town.



The Anne Arundel County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place from 6-9 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Annapolis. Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds to benefit Anne Arundel County youth sports.