The ownership group of O’Brien Award winner Nijinsky has expanded.
Following Nijinsky's first qualifier of the season on Monday, April 28 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Winbak Farm announced that it has partnered with the four-year-old millionaire pacer's existing ownership group of West Wins Stable, John Fielding and Mark Dumain.
“Nijinsky is an extremely fast horse that refuses to lose,” said West Wins Stable co-owner Casie Coleman. “He never gives up and goes to every dance and is always in the hunt.”
Nijinsky led all horses for earnings in the nation in 2024 with a notable 11 victories from 17 starts, including going nine-for-nine in Canada. His wins included the North America Cup, Monument Circle, Simcoe Stakes, Somebeachsomewhere Stakes, multiple Ontario Sire Stakes and the Super Final. He was second in the Meadowlands Pace, Breeders Crown and Progress Pace.
“When the opportunity arose to purchase part of Nijinsky, we jumped at the chance,” said Joe Thomson, owner of Winbak Farm. “We look forward to him racing in the biggest races in 2025 and to eventually standing him at stud at Winbak Farm.”
Nijinsky shares a name with a notable Thoroughbred. The legendary Nijinsky was bred by E.P Taylor at his Windfields Farm in Ontario. E.P Taylor was also the former owner of what is now Winbak Farm of Maryland (Windfields is where the ‘Win’ in Winbak originates). He was from the second crop of foals sired by Kentucky Derby winner Northern Dancer, who stood part of his career in Maryland at Windfields Farm.
“It is an amazing feeling to work at a farm that is steeped in horse racing history,” said Jack Burke, Winbak Farm's general manager. “This farm has produced champions in two industries and we look forward to Nijinsky siring his own champions one day.”
“Nijinksy, the Thoroughbred, was a prolific racehorse and his dam, Flaming Page, is buried in the cemetery of champions at Winbak Farm of Maryland,” said Thomson. “I think it was fate that we got to buy into a great horse named Nijinsky since we have been sharing his story since we bought the farm.”
Nijinsky is sired by one of Winbak’s greatest graduates, Bettors Delight. The superior stallion has produced winners across the globe and has sired 44 millionaires in North America. Bettors Delight formerly stood at Winbak Farm of Canada before being semi-retired to the southern hemisphere.
“I hope Nijinsky has a successful season in an open division that looks to have many strong contenders,” said Burke. “More details about Nijinsky standing at stud will be available in coming months.”
The Winbak Farm team is grateful for the opportunity to be partners on Nijinsky.
“Thank you to Casie Coleman, Mark Dumain, John Fielding, Ross Warriner and the rest of the connections of Nijinsky,” said Thomson. “We are excited to see him continue to excel under the guidance of his trainer, Anthony Beaton.”
(With files from Winbak Farm)