Pensioned broodmare Wheatly Way, dam of grade I winner Bevo, died Oct. 17 at Joclyn Helmbrecht's Echo Lane in Ocala, Fla.
"She was part of the family for many years and will be deeply missed," Helmbrecht said of the 24-year-old daughter of Wheatly Hall—Family Way, by Cyane. "I am glad to have had the opportunity to give her a happy retirement as she has been so good to us."
The foundation mare for Michael Helmbrecht's Woodbridge Farm with partner Bill Geist, Wheatly Way produced 1999 Futurity Stakes (gr. I) winner Bevo, by Prospectors Gamble, as well as 2002 Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes (gr. III) winner Moonlight Sonata, by Carson City.
"Wheatly Way was a tremendous mare," Michael Helmbrecht said. "She was the cornerstone of our breeding operation. I'm truly going to miss the old girl."
Bred in Florida by Hubert and Docia Pilcher, Wheatly Way won the 1991 Melaleuca Stakes. Helmbrecht purchased her privately at the end of her 25-race career, which included two other stakes placings.
Moonlight Sonata went on to produce grade II winner Wilburn , by Bernardini ; and Beethoven, by Sky Mesa . Vargas Girl, another daughter of Wheatly Way, has produced grade III winner Sky Girl.