After just narrowly missing in what many believe was one of the most thrilling harness races in the history of the sport, Somebeachsomewhere's veteran reinsman, Paul MacDonell has commented on his feelings since the $1.1 million Meadowlands Pace.
According to an article in The Guelph Mercury, MacDonell, one of the most respected drivers in Canada, has said that he feels he let down 'The Beach,' the horse's connections and the nation.
"I was really down after the race, before I went to bed that night. I was really, really, really down," MacDonell told The Guelph Mercury. "I felt bad for the horse and that he deserved to win. I felt bad for the owners. I felt bad for harness racing, but after a night's sleep, I accepted it. We're moving on to the next race."
After blazing through torrid fractions, MacDonell and Somebeachsomewhere were just caught during the closing strides by Art Official, who eked out a neck victory in a sensational World Record clocking of 1:47.
2008 Meadowlands Pace
"He fought and battled, fought and battled and came up a neck short," MacDonell explained. "He battled right to the end. I'm as proud of him from that race as I have been in any other race he's been in.
"The other thing about it is I know [Somebeachsomewhere] can do it again. He can survive this and prosper from it. He doesn't have his head in the corner of his stall. He's sharp, he's alert, he trucked home well. He's a true champion, he really is."
Upon return to his native land, MacDonell said that the support he has received from industry has been strong.
"Everybody in racing has been unbelievable to me since I got back [to Ontario] -- pats on the shoulder, and in awe of the horse and 'What else more could you have done?' Nobody has slighted me at all."
(With files from The Guelph Mercury)