by Jeff Porchak

At this time in harness racing history, it is appropriate that an item heavily rooted in the Maritimes would launch the Kurt Hughes Online Benefit Auction.

The Red Mile has donated the actual saddle pad and head numbers worn by Somebeachsomewhere during his epic 1:46.4 mile in the Bluegrass Stake on September 27. The mile lowered the 3-year-old standard set earlier this year by Art Official in the Meadowlands Pace and equaled the all-age world record set by Holborn Hanover in 2006.

“As a writer and sometime historian in the sport,” beamed Ralph Sucee, “I was completely stunned by this donation, and had to pull over the car when I heard about it! Somebeachsomewhere is one of the greatest racehorses in history for certain. And a growing number of fans and followers of the sport have declared him the greatest pacer of all time.

“There will never be another ‘original’ set of these items. They belong in the secure showcase at The Red Mile. They belong in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, or the US Harness Racing Hall of Fame. They belong at Hanover Shoe Farm (where Somebeachsomewhere will stand at stud, or Tara Hills Stud (home of Mach Three, sire of Somebeachsomewhere). They belong in a showcase in the foyer of one of the owner’s homes, or Paul’s (driver MacDonell) house.”

The saddle pad and head number will be accompanied by a ‘Letter of Authenticity’ signed by Joe Costa at The Red Mile, as well as autographs of further authenticity by driver Paul MacDonell and trainer Brent MacGrath. It will include $1,000 toward the appropriate mounting of these treasured objects, as well as a win photo of the 1:46.4 mile.

“I would really like to put an original on my wall — between my limited edition prints of Cam Fella and On The Road Again,” continued Sucee. “I don’t know if my pockets are deep enough to acquire this one, but all I can say is ‘If you want it, come and get it!'”

The benefit auction for Kurt Hughes is now officially open and includes a wide range of stallion services, racing tack, collectibles, dining and entertainment packages and much more. All auctions close on Tuesday, December 16, at 12:00 noon eastern unless the auction has active bids within the last five minutes. Any auctions with bids during the last five minutes will remain open to ensure everyone has a shot at the desired item.

To register for the site and start bidding, visit www.kurthughes.com.