by John Siscos, WEG Media

Toronto, ON — Woodbine Entertainment Group has renamed the Burlington Stakes, the key stakes prep race for the Pepsi North America Cup, the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes.

Lisa photo

Somebeachsomewhere ended his racing career with 20 wins in 21 starts for lifetime earnings of $3,221,299.

Somebeachsomewhere, a two-time Horse of the Year in Canada (2007, 2008), kicked off his outstanding 3-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 Bruce Murray, WEG’s Vice-President of Standardbred Racing. “We wanted to acknowledge that brilliance by naming a prominent race after him.”

In 2011, the Somebeachsomewhere Stakes is scheduled for June 4, while the Pepsi North America Cup is set for June 18.

“We as a group are very pleased,” said trainer and part-owner Brent MacGrath. “The Burlington (Stakes) 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 $3,221,299 and a mark of 1:46.4.