Equestrian Canada posthumously awarded the 2017 Hickstead Horse of the Year Award to Somebeachsomewhere during its convention in Ottawa, Ont. on Saturday, April 7.
The Hickstead Award is given to high performance horses of the highest exception, and therefore is only awarded when warranted, and not necessarily on an annual basis. Up to 2017, there had been only four recipients: Hickstead, Northern Dancer, Big Ben and Fine Lady 5.
Somebeachsomewhere, a Mach Three stallion out of the Beach Towel mare Wheres The Beach, competed 21 times on the track, winning 20 and with them collecting eight world records and over $3.3 million in earnings. Off track, Somebeachsomewhere became one of the most successful stallions in history, becoming the first to have progeny earn over $20 million in a single season. In all, his offspring have compiled over $87 million in earnings.
On Jan. 14, 2018, Somebeachsomewhere was humanely euthanized at the Mid-Atlantic Veterinary Clinic in New Jersey following a short battle with cancer.
From his illustrious career, Somebeachsomewhere received many accolades, including CBC Nova Scotia Newsmaker of the Year, over 10 Horse of the Year awards, including two Canadian Horse of the Year titles and an induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
On hand for the Hickstead Award presentation (from left to right) were Standardbred Canada president Dan Gall, Reg and Louise Petipas and Carla Robin, executive director of Harness Racing British Columbia and member of the Board of Directors of Equestrian Canada.