Art Official Rocks Meadowlands Pace
On Saturday, the 19th of July 2008, the Meadowlands Pace took place in New Jersey for the twenty-eighth year. Indeed, the $1.1 million harness racing event was one of the most anticipated races of the year. Of the estimated seventeen thousand spectators who were present, many came to see the legendary Somebeachsomewhere in racing action, and they walked away from the event knowing that they had just witnessed one of the most breathtaking harness racing events of the year.
Coming into the 2008 Meadowlands Pace, Somebeachsomewhere was unbeaten and in most of his previous races, also unchallenged. But the champion’s reign was destined to come to an end in the unpredictable world of racing. Art Official was trained and ready to win the race and take the victory from Somebeachsomewhere by a neck.
Spectators did not quite know how to react to the second place finish of Somebeachsomewhere, who had been in the lead in the home stretch. When, a few meters before the finish line, Art Official pulled up beside the unbeaten colt, many were holding their breath, not knowing what the outcome would be. But Art Official stretched out his neck and gave a last effort to cross the finish line before Somebeachsomewhere. Even though many were elated for the determination and heart shown by Art Official, and cannot deny that he deserved the win after putting in so much effort, there was sadness and disappointment for Somebeachsomewhere. But, Somebeachsomewhere did run a good race and still remains one of the most respected athletes on the harness racing circuit.
Art Official also set a new record with his time of 1:47, a few seconds faster than the record that was held by Rocknroll Hanover, who clocked a time of 1:48.3 in 2005. His time was also good enough to come close in taking the record time of 1:46.4 which was set in 2006 by Holborn Hanover, a five year old, in the Meadowlands Pace.
As Art Official walks away proudly with his sixth career win and total career earnings of just over $1 million, Somebeachsomewhere collected his second place winnings to push his career earnings to close to $1.9 million. Art Official has shown that he has what it takes to be a top performer and champion. Harness racing enthusiasts will now be watching him to see how he performs in future events, and will be hoping that Somebeachsomewhere will regain is winning stride as he heads towards the Ontario Sire Stakes.
