The Woodbine Entertainment Group has announced that it has renamed the Burlington Stakes, the key stakes prep race for the Pepsi North America Cup, the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes
.
Somebeachsomewhere, Canada's Horse of the Year in both 2007 and 2008, kicked off his outstanding three-year-old campaign with a tour de force victory in the Burlington in 2008.
"He is one of the most outstanding, influential horses the sport has ever seen," said WEG's Vice-President of Standardbred Racing Bruce Murray. "We wanted to acknowledge that brilliance by naming a prominent race after him."
In 2011, the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes is scheduled for June 4, while Pepsi North America Cup is set for June 18.
"We as a group are very pleased," said Brent MacGrath, 'Beach's trainer and part owner. "The Burlington was the first major stake for Beach, and that really kicked off his grand circuit campaign. It was a nice lead up to the North America Cup, which he won as well. We will certainly be at Mohawk Racetrack for the inaugural Somebeachsomewhere Stakes in June."
Somebeachsomewhere ended his racing career with 20 wins and one second in 21 starts for lifetime earnings of $3,328,755 and a mark of 1:46.4.
(WEG)
I agree that the burlington
I agree that the burlington has a rich history and i do not like to see races of this stature renamed. I would rather see them come up with a new pacing series much like they did for cam fella but make no mistake about it sbsw is very deserving of having a race named after him.
Now as far as anyone comparing Art Official to sbsw it just doesn't get much sillier. The connections of the horse had every right to set his schedule, they owned him. As far as ducking Art Official why would they duck a horse that they beat many times and further more Art Official went a huge mile in the m'lands pace but never lived up to that race again.
As far as the beach goes in the m'lands pace he paced one of the greatest trips in the history of the sport in defeat showing how much heart he had. He followed it up by equaling the fastest mile in the history of the sport and lets not forget his win in the messenger stake, where on a windy, rainy night racing in the slop he came first over to defeat Shadow Play who by the end of his 3 yr old year was a much better horse then Art Official. The beach did not have to be on the front and this race proved it. I don't want to be to hard on Art Official who was a real nice horse that anyone would want in there barn but i get tired of those who try to compare him to the beach. The beach should be compared to horses such as Niatross but certainly not to the likes of Art Official.
Great tribute. They should
Great tribute. They should do this more often. Revisit some of the generic names such as Burlington or Metro stakes and change the names to something that is more appropriate such as the Cam Fella or SBSW.
As for Arch Glenn's comment. "1 Hit Wonder"
My son explained it to me why people do this. It's just so you and I will get a raise out of his comment. They are called TROLLERS"
It amazes me how somebody
It amazes me how somebody can call a horse that was only defeated once in his career, was a multiple world champion, made $3.5 million, stands at the premier standardbred nursery in the world and bred the greatest book of mares ever assembled a quote/unquote, one hit wonder... Furthermore, how could he possibly "duck" Art Official in the LBJ, when it was clearly stated at the end of his 2 year old year, he wasn't going to Delaware...??? Then by that reasoning, did Art Official not "duck" SBSW in the Confederation Cup...??? A race that goes for more money, a guarantee of no 3rd heat raceoff, 20 minutes from SBSW'S home base, which coincidentally he won and in the process, set a world record in the second heat...
In reply to It amazes me how somebody by Rob MacKay
racing exists outside the
racing exists outside the province of Ontario. the "Beach's" connections never fully realized that to be included with the greatest of all time, you have to dance in all the major dances. thankfully, the connections of Rock n Roll Heaven did not make the same miscues. SBSW's record in Ontario was impeccable. on that you'll get no arguement.
Bo... It's a good well
Bo...
It's a good well deserved acknowledgment of one great pacer.. I might want to remind Mr.Glenn which horse had the tougher trip in the meadowlands pace and which horse was 'ganged up' on; and lastly which horse had the 'crap' beat out of him at the wire by Mr.Pierce all in the name of bragging rights..certainly not 'the beach'; "winners are judged by the quality of their racing"..
WEG - Thank you for the very
WEG - Thank you for the very good choice. Congratulations to Brent MacGrath for mission accomplished. Somebeachsomewhere deserves the honours! A great horse indeed.
I hope that WEG does not forget another horse which I gave my undivided attention to every Saturday night and that is "Admirals Express". Like Somebeachsomewhere, the Grey Gladiator always gave his best when the gate opened. They ran their hearts out!
My wish is for the WEG to name the "Open Pace" the "Admirals Express Open Pace" which he ran in every Saturday night and was a thrill to watch.
Job well done Mr. MacGrath and I hope you are hiding another fast one (1:46) in your barn!
what a shame. The
what a shame. The Burlington Stakes has a long history, and has produced many fine champions. the renaming of it for a one-hit wonder seems ludicrous. this horse lost to Art Official in the Meadowlands pace, and dodged a rematch with him in the Little Brown Jug.
Very nice gesture on the
Very nice gesture on the part of WEG. The Beach set the bar for greatness and never had a bad day once the gates closed. Can't wait to see his colts and fillies hit the track.
Somebeach is one of the
Somebeach is one of the greatest pacers of all time and this is much deserved. Good job WEG. Although I think the metro would have been more appropiate considersing that was his first major stake win and he set the 2 year old world record (which was subsequently broken). All the same he deserves to have a stake race named after him so good job.
Excellent choice. Now, how
Excellent choice. Now, how do I arrange to see the Pepsi North American Cup and The Somebeachsomewhere Stakes? Can you say "Aeroplan". It would be nice if the "Beach" makes a cameo appearance?
Very good call. I like it a
Very good call. I like it a lot!
Good call WEG...well
Good call WEG...well deserved.