Somebeachsomewhere: A Harness Racing Legend from a One-Horse Stable

by Marjorie Simmins

A comprehensive, fully illustrated biography of Nova Scotia's Somebeachsomewhere, the greatest standardbred pacer of all time, from the award-winning author of Year of the Horse.

It's November 2006 and Brent MacGrath, a car salesman from Nova Scotia, has just had his first glimpse of a gorgeous yearling at the Lexington Yearling Sale—and his heart skips a beat. He takes another look. Even this young, the bay stallion has size and "presence." Against all odds, and with limited funds, MacGrath makes a successful bid for the colt.

Somebeachsomewhere: The Harness Racing Legend from a One-Horse Stable is a work of narrative non-fiction that follows the life and career of the Ohio-born, Canadian-sired superstar pacer known as "Beach" who belonged to a syndicate of six owners from Canada's East Coast. From a relatively humble lineage, Somebeachsomewhere turned out to be a horse of a lifetime: a world-champion Hall of Famer, smashing records and setting a single-season earning record as a three-year-old. Many consider Beach, who died unexpectedly in 2018, the greatest pacer and Standardbred sire of all time. Canadian and American racing fans loved the friendly stallion with "an extra gear," and threw "Beach Parties" whenever he raced.

This is the first-ever complete, generously illustrated account of "the Beach," a horse who captivated the world with his speed, courage and near-flawless gait. It is also a story of improbabilities and magic, featuring dozens of interviews with top American and Canadian horsemen and women, the owners of Empire Stallions in Avenel, Australia, and harness racing industry professionals.

280 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2021

Reviews

[Danika LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a legend😍

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. I just love horse books and although I had seen this type of racing before I knew nothing about pacer horses. It was so fascinating reading and learning about it. I loved it all. I always find it so interesting reading about horses that are bought for a smaller amount of money then they become a star. The author wrote this book so well and it flowed so well I became totally engrossed in the story. I especially loved all the pictures in this book it really added to the great atmosphere. I just had to read this book in one sitting I even had to switch to text to speech when I went shopping lol. It was brilliant how many awards the horse won and how it was loved by all Canadians. I found it fascinating learning about the differences between this type of racing verses thoroughbred racing.
I definitely recommend this book to all horse fans out there especially those like me know know nothing about this type of racing. I'm sure you will love it just as much as I did.

So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this wonderful and exciting story of a fantastic horse.

[Thomas Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a modern day version of Seabiscuit only this horse is involved in harness racing and mostly focused in Canada. As the description shows this is the story of a harness racing horse named Somebeachsomewhere and the 6 person stable of individuals who came together to purchase a higher priced horse to race. Realistically this grouped hope they may have a horse that maybe they broke even or made a little money but nothing serious. But these folks ended up with the lottery winner and one of the most famous horse's in Harness racing history. Even if you are a novice like myself this is an entertaining read and if you do not know the history of this horse you find yourself pulling for him on every race. Not only is this exciting this really informational . Thank you to Netgalley and Nimbus Publishing for an ARC for a fair and honest review.

[Ramona Jennex · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only regret about this well researched and written book about the horse,Somebeachsomewhere, is that my father didn't get the chance to read it. He loved Beach and followed him with a passion.
I know nothing at all about horses and even less about the sport of racing. The author was mindful of readers like me and to readers who are horse lovers and love the sport. I have been recommending this book to some of my friends who I know will love this book.
Brava Marjorie Simmins! I am so glad you wrote this book- I learned so much! Well done!!

[Elizabeth Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. It's very entertaining, moves at a fast pace -- like the horse himself -- and knowing nothing about harness racing when I started the book, I was delighted to have the inside scoop. I think this would be a great read for anyone who likes horses, success stories, and wants to know about how stallions get it on with a fake mare. Well done, Marjorie Simmins for another superb book. What next?

[Britney Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Standardbred owner, breeder, and trainer, I am very familiar with Somebeachsomewhere, his legend and his legacy. But this book made the horse "real" to me. It was impeccably researched and well-written; Simmins has a way of writing that makes it possible for both experts and beginners to enjoy the story. I'm glad she took it upon herself to tell Beach's story.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It’s always a pleasure to read about the owner’s devotion to an athlete. Having adopted harness horses this book touched a special part of my heart.

[Alice Bottje · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved following Beach when he raced. Enjoyed reading the story behind the headlines.

[Grace Burtt-Dykstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable story. What a book! Didn't expect to learn so much about harness racing in Canada. Learnt so much about the horse!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about an amazing Canadian standarbred! A heart warming tale that also gives a great inside look at Canadian harness racing.