Wright obligated to finding his next diamond

By Glenn Davis

The 'Sugar City' of Mackay may soon have a new star if promising three-year-old Obligated is successful in the Listed Gold Edition Plate at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The gelding’s trainer Lyle Wright has been searching for his racing diamond for half a century and has trained many good sprinters.

Wright has battled ill health in recent times but is back doing what he knows best – training racehorses, after a brief time out of the game due to illness.

“I had open heart surgery six years ago and they had to open me up again after I haemorrhaged,” Wright said.

“Then about a year ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer so I gave training away for about three months while I had radiation treatment in Townsville.

“I sold a lot of my stuff around that time but I soon found out I had to do something so I started training again.

“The cancer seems to be okay now but I still have a few minor issues.”

Wright is confident Obligated can give him cause to celebrate his birthday.

“It is on Saturday so it will be a nice birthday present if he can win,” Wright said.

“I’m very confident he’ll run a big race and more will finish behind him than in front of him.”

Obligated has started seven times for three wins and two placings and is coming off a dominant win in an 1100 metre race against his own age at Mackay last month.

“He goes exceptionally well and if he wins we might stick around in Brisbane and find another suitable race for him,” Wright said.

Wright has trained many good horses over the years including Cyclone Topgirl who retired with 10 victories to her name from 16 starts and earned more than $271,000 for connections.

“As well as Cyclone Topgirl I trained Purple Hand and Willy Worry, who were crowned Horse Of The Year during their racing days in Mackay, and Classy Crystal also was Horse Of The Year in Rockhampton in 2010,” Wright said.

Wright has always had a love of horses since he was a kid but his decision to take up training occurred while working in a Dysart mine. 

“I was 22 and was working in a mine at Dysart when I decided to get my trainers’ licence from the Central Queensland Racing Association,” he said. 

“I was working as a mine examiner and inspected everything to make sure things were safe. 

“But, I hated the night shift so I decided to start training as a hobby.”