Canadian Hall of Famer member Sky Classic (Nijinsky II–No Class, by Nodouble), a pensioner at Pin Oak Stud where he stood his entire career until relieved of stud duty at the end of 2014, passed away in his paddock Thursday morning at 28-years-old. Earning the Eclipse for Champion Turf Horse in 1992, the Sam-Son Farm homebred was given his first Sovereign Award in 1990 when named Champion 2-Year-Old Colt and collected two more in 1991 as Champion Older Horse and Champion Turf Horse. Conditioned by James Day, the chestnut set course records in both his wins at the highest level in the 1991 GI International S. at Woodbine and the 1992 GI Turf Classic Invitational S. at Belmont. In addition to his Grade I wins, he captured an additional seven graded stakes. At the time of his retirement to Pin Oak Stud at the age of six, his record stood at 29-15-6-1 with $3,320,398 in earnings.
“Sky Classic's arrival at the farm remains fresh in my mind even after 23 years,” said Pin Oak Stud manager Clifford Barry. “Standing a stallion of his caliber started a very exciting chapter for Pin Oak, and his impact on our breeding program has proven immeasurable. We lost a champion today, and the most faithful of servants to the farm, but we are honored and grateful to Sam-Son Farm for entrusting him to us for all these years.”
During his tenure at Pin Oak Stud, Sky Classic sired six champions including Sky Conqueror and Thornfield among his 10 Grade I winners. He also sired 59 stakes winners from 19 crops to race. As a broodmare sire, the blaze-faced chestnut is represented by three champions. His daughter have produced 43 stakes winners including English Classic winner Speciosa (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and 2014 GISW La Tia (City Place). His progeny have earned over $46 million. Out of Canadian Hall of Fame member No Class (No Double), Sky Classic was a half-brother to Canadian champions Classy 'N Smart (Smarten), Grey Classic (Grey Dawn II), Regal Classic (Vice Regent) and stakes winners Classic Reign (Vice Regent) and Always a Classic (Deputy Minister).
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
