Hall of Fame

 



classical way

Year of Birth: 
1976
Inducted as a: 
Racehorse
Immortal: 
Yes
Elected as Immortal: 
2011
Year of Death: 
2005
Gait: 
Trotter
Record: 
2,T1:59.4; 3,1:57.4; 4,T1:55.2
Earnings: 
$715,499
Sire: 
Speedy Scot
Dam: 
Kerry Way
Sire of Dam: 
Star's Pride
Biography: 

Daughter of Immortal Speedy Scot out of Kerry Way - both Hambletonian winners - trotter Classical Way was foaled on March 2, 1976. She was a homebred of Immortal Clarence F. Gaines, founder of Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, and was trained and driven throughout her career by Hall of Famer John F. Simpson Jr.

As a two-year-old in 1978, Classical Way showed promise by winning 7 of 17, finishing on the board in 11 and earn-ing $39,489.

In 1979 three-year-old Classical Way won 16 of 20 and earned $217,025. In July, at a Grand Circuit event at Blue Bonnets Raceway in Montreal, she set a world record for three-year-old filly trotters on a 5/8 mile track (1:58.4). Later that summer Classical Way won the Arden Downs Stake at The Meadows. In October she became the first filly in a dozen years to win the Kentucky Futurity as she defeated a field of the sport's best trotting colts in straight heats, besting Chiola Hanover, Lindy's Crown and Hambletonian winner Legend Hanover. Classical Way was voted 1979 Three-Year-Old Filly Trotter of the Year.

As a four-year-old in 1980, Classical Way won the American Trotting Championship at Roosevelt Raceway, earning the right to represent the U.S. in the one-mile Roosevelt International Trot, where she was also victorious. With her win in the 1-mile Challenge Cup, Classical Way became only the third horse - after Immortals Speedy Crown and Savoir - to sweep Roosevelt's three major international events. The following month she lowered the 1 1/8-mile trotting record to 2:11.3 in the American Classic Trot at Hollywood Park. In October, Classical Way time trialed at The Red Mile to a world record T1:55.2 for all-age mares trotting on a mile track. Two-time world champion Classical Way was voted 1980 Trotter of the Year and Older Trotting Mare of the Year, finishing the season with a 16-9-2-1 record and earnings of $350,410. Classical Way ended her racing career in style, winning the 1981 Prix de France - her final race. She retired as the fastest trotting filly or mare of all time.

As a broodmare, Classical Way produced six foals, five of them fillies. Her best performer was Celestial Way 3,1:57.3($61,527) by Immortal Bonefish. Celestial Way produced the gelding Columbus Hanover 4,1:53.4 ($469,078).

Classical Way was euthanized at Hunterton Farm at Stoner Creek, Paris, Kentucky at the age of 29 due to the infirmities of old age. She was laid to rest at Stoner Creek Stud cemetery, joining the Immortals Meadow Skipper and Nevele Pride. At the time of her death, Classical Way was owned by Margareta Wallenius-Kleberg of Menhammar Stuteri AS of Sweden.