by Garrett Bell, general manager, Winbak Farm

Chesapeake City, MD — Today is a sad day in Winbak Farm history. On Wednesday night (March 16), the US Harness Racing Hall of Fame and Canadian Hall of Fame mare Classic Wish passed way during foaling. She gave birth to a Somebeachsomewhere colt. The colt survived and is doing well.

Classic Wish earned $436,273 and had a lifetime mark of T1:52 during her race career. After her retirement from the racetrack she came to Winbak Farm and had her first foal, Bettor’s Delight, the 2000 Breeders Crown (2CP) and 2001 Little Brown Jug winner.

Her third foal, No Pan Intended, won the 2003 Breeders Crown (3CP) and became the sport’s 10th Pacing Triple Crown winner. He was named the Horse of the Year in 2003.

Classic Wish was a 100 percent producer with her offspring earning more than $5 million.

As a broodmare, she was the perfect mother, an easy keeper so to speak. She was a happy and healthy mare who was a pleasure to be around. She truly was one in a million. She will be sorely missed.

Classic Wish will be interred at Winbak Farm of Maryland next to Margie’s Melody, the dam of the great Nihilator, and the Thoroughbred mares Natalma (dam of Northern Dancer), Fleur (dam of The Minstrel) and Flaming Page (dam of Nijinsky II and Minsky).