A weeklong "Beach" party

The awards season for harness racing is here and the connections of the best horse I've ever seen are in for a busy time. The principals of Schooner Stables (don't they look nice) have had one helluva year and the fun continues this week in Las Vegas. The Dan Patch awards take place Wednesday night at the Bellagio and another armful of hardware is in store to honor Somebeachsomewhere for his magical 2009 campaign.

Their horse accomplished pretty much everything one could hope for, his only loss coming in the fierce duel with Art Official in the Meadowlands Pace. Records were set, good horses were dominated and the lottery ticket was finally cashed in a year's end at Hanover Shoe Farms where the "Beach" will serve the cream of the crop broodmares in his next career at stud. He will be missed.

Brent McGrath did a flawless job of managing and conditioning the colt, having him in top form from start to finish and deserves more credit than he gets. I guess the horse distracted everyone.

This group seems to know how to enjoy a good time and the Bellagio is the perfect place to enjoy the glamorous life. I'm wondering, since the O'Brien awards were just on Sunday, would you just leave the formal wear on for the trip and continue throughout the stay in Vegas dressed for success? Pretty tempting, eh? Well done!