Trot Insider has learned that 2022 Meadowlands Pace winner and O'Brien Award finalist Beach Glass has been retired and will stand at stud in 2024.
Winbak Farm of Canada has announced that Beach Glass, p,2,1:51.1s, 3,1:47.2, with earnings of $1,189,416, will stand at Winbak Ontario starting in 2024.
Pat Woods, Farm Manager at Winbak, described Beach Glass as "the last son of the legendary Somebeachsomewhere, embodying an ideal blend of looks, speed, and an exceptional pedigree."
Despite limited starts at two, Beach Glass made a significant impact, winning his first three races at Woodbine Mohawk Park. His third victory, by a stunning nine lengths in 1:51.1, was particularly impressive.
"Although his starts at two were few, Beach Glass demonstrated remarkable speed and capability," added Woods.
At three, he triumphed in the prestigious $600,000 Meadowlands Pace final, securing the one trophy his illustrious sire never captured. His extraordinary achievements include wins at the North America Cup and Meadowlands Pace eliminations, Max Hempt Memorial, Cane Pace, Simcoe Stakes, Progress Pace elimination and final, and Delvin Miller Adios elimination.
"Beach Glass is a beautiful horse with a flawless gait, tremendous speed, great stamina and a will to win," said driver Yannick Gingras. "It’s very unfortunate that his career was cut short. With his outstanding ability, I was looking forward to great things as an aged competitor."
"Joining the ranks of Somebeachsomewhere sons like Captaintreacherous, Downbytheseaside and Huntsville, Beach Glass represents an exciting opportunity for breeders to participate in the rich Ontario Program and the Grand Circuit," noted Jack Burke, General Manager at Winbak Farm.
Beach Glass's impressive lineage includes his dam, Im With Her, a Bettors Delight half-sister to notable stalwarts Holborn Hanover and Hyperion Hanover. His second dam, Hall of Fame inductee Hattie, and close relations to Funknwaffles and Real Nice, further highlight his exceptional breeding.
Joe Thomson, owner of Winbak Farm, anticipated breeding some of the farm's top mares to Beach Glass. He extends gratitude to the Beach Glass team for the opportunity to stand one of North America's most promising stallion prospects
Brent MacGrath, trainer and co-owner, expressed enthusiasm about Beach Glass's potential as a sire.
"Training Beach Glass was a joy. He's not only physically stunning but also intelligent and well-mannered. His conformation perfectly combines his mother's elegance with his sire's power and muscle. Like Somebeachsomewhere, he possesses a flawless gait, high speed, and an innate desire to win.
"He excels at speed, gait and brains," MacGrath told Trot Insider when asked which attribute he'd most like to see Beach Glass pass to his offspring. "You know, it's just really, really hard to to pick one."
One thing the connections for Beach Glass did have to pick was a jurisdiction and location to stand at stud.
"We're Canadian, first and foremost. And I always felt a little bit guilty, you know, we get thrown into the limelight like we did with [Somebeachsomewhere] and 'Beach' was Canada's horse. And we're Canadian. And at that time in my life, I just couldn't afford not to send him to Hanover, and this horse is different. He's not his father. And I am in a different place financially than I was with 'Beach' and we want Beach Glass to be in Canada. We want to be part of it. We want to have some babies and we want to race in Canada.
"I believe that that we will find the right amount of mares in Ontario," continued MacGrath. "I think our selection in Ontario is as good as anywhere."
(with files from Winbak Farm)