Dali wins Matron Stakes in World Record 1.48.2!!!

Matts Scooter grandkids Beach, Shadow and Dali Shine in '09

Congrats to Dali and all his connections on a great finish to a solid season. The ascending 3 year old colt broke the track record, the Matron Stakes record and tied the world record for a 3 year old pacer on a 5/8 mile track, set by Shadow Play in the Adios earlier this year.

HN Horse Driver Win Place Show
6 Dali Ron Pierce 3.60 2.40 2.20
2 Blueridge Western Dave Palone 2.80 2.10
4 Lisfinny David Miller 2.20



Time: 1:48.2

Finish Order: Dali, Blueridge Western, Lisfinny, Santanna Blue Chip, Proper Respect, Jo Pa`s Wild Card, First Rate, Mystery Chase


With this convincing victory Dali lowered his lifetime mark by a second and set himself up nicely for stud duties, whether it be in 2009 or 2010.

Read the USTA article on Dali winning the Matron Stakes at Dover Downs

Once again it proves to be Matts Scooter's year. Somebeachsomewhere is by his son Mach Three. Shadow Play is out of Matts Filly, a daughter of Matts Scooter and Breezes Girl, by Warm Breeze.

Dali, a son of Real Desire out of the Matts Scooter daughter Armbro Tea, is the star of the Holyday Season and makes grandad Matts proud yet again. Considering the robust and improving form Dali showed in the elimination and final, had Somebeachsomewhere been there it's likely there would have been an incredible stretch duel between Beach and Dali, with the winner breaking the world record. Even as it is, Dali's victory over a sharp Blueridge Western and a strong Lisfinny is a completely satisfying way for a Canadian stantardbred racing fan to end the harness horse stakes racing season. For someone with PEI (dad) and NB (mom) heritage, 2009 will always be remembered as the Dream Season. Dali is some beautiful icing on the cake for all his fans in Ontario, and across Canada, the USA and around the world.

Here's thanks to all involved in harness racing in 2008, and may you have an inspiring, fun, adventurous and rewarding 2009!!!

Beach to Race in Matron Stakes at Dover!!!

That McGrath's quite a kidder. "I feel badly that I didn't say anything before now, but if he'd shown the least little bit of tiredness tonight, it would have been his last race," the trainer said. "But we decided to show him off a little bit more."

I've loved everything about the way Somebeachsomewhere's career has been handled, and this latest surprise is a truly unexpected dessert. The eliminations if necessary will be a week from tonight on Monday, December 8th, with the Matron Stakes Final going to post December 15, 2008.

Congatulations on an amazing season that just keeps rolling on to Brent McGrath, Jean-Louis Arsenault, Paul Macdonnell, co-owners James Bagnell, Pamela Dean, Reg Pettipas, Garry Pye, Stuart Rath and breeder Stephanie Smith-Rothaug.