ML - Vegas Magazine

2012 - Issue 3 - April/May

Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.

Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/61759

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 116 of 139

Surrogate foaling allows a champion mare to further her bloodline with- out missing any competitions. "If she's the age to be shown, she can still show," Gaughan says. And in the world of high-stakes horses, missing a year—or falling out of practice—is rarely an option. Gaughan has been one of the most instrumental players in bringing more top-tier equine events to Las Vegas—thanks to her vision for the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center. The complex, a longtime dream of hers, finally became a reality when she and her husband, gaming execu- tive Michael Gaughan, opened the center in 2006 for shows and competitions. In a very Vegas twist, it is the first venue in the US to feature stall facilities, competition space, hotel rooms, and catering services under one roof. With 1,200 climate-controlled stalls, two arenas (one outside and one indoors), and all-inclusive services onsite, it is widely regarded as the premier horse-show venue in America. "Nobody has what we have," Gaughan says. "You can throw on your jammies at 5 am, go feed your horses, then go back to your room, order room service, and turn on the TV to watch what's happening in the arena." Nowhere else on the circuit do owners, riders, trainers, and grooms get such first-class treatment. Bellboys meet guests in the barns to help unload horse equipment and accessories. They also transport the guests' personal luggage, so their bags are waiting for them at check-in. The center also hosts rodeos and other equine events throughout the year. "Team roping, hunter jumper, cutting, halter, anything!" Gaughan says. "In December, during National Finals Rodeo, we have roping that, this past year, had 2,000 horses." For that event, prize money was a draw as well. "It paid out $4.7 million," she says. With just about 200 horses com- peting, the Arabian Breeders World Cup does not compare when it comes to prize money—the highest- paying categories, the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance two-year- old and yearling futurity classes, expect to pay out about $61,000 each. But this show is not about the cash. "It's the prestige," Mariachi's owner Garehime says. "The money is pretty insignificant. You'll see horses there that have been brought in from other countries. This is such a prestigious show." Indeed, although there are more Arabian horses in the United States than all other countries combined, last year's show saw horses from 14 countries on five continents. Hence, Mariachi isn't really competing for the honorarium; he's competing for honor and international esteem. Fillies, colts, stallions, and mares competing at the Breeders Cup are judged in six categories: Arabian type, head, neck and shoulder, body and topline, feet and legs, and movement. Garehime expects Mariachi to be one of 20 studs in Saturday's qualifying event. Like all stars, Mariachi has a signature quirk that's key to his training: While most horses are content with carrots, apples, and oats, Mariachi has a fierce sweet tooth. "He does not like apples," Garehime says. "He's got a very sensitive palate. He loves peppermints. It's the weirdest thing I've ever seen: He will do absolutely anything you want for a peppermint candy." Not that he needs to be bribed. "He loves to work," Garehime says. "He's just a natural." V vegasmagazine.com 115 each mare at Casa de Shenandoah. Wayne Newton personally foals Michael and Paula Gaughan, owners of South Point Arena & Equestrian Center Hidden Valley Arabians' prize mare, Aliah Bint Sinan A winner at last year's Breeders Cup photography by jeff gale (gaughans); gregory goode (aliah); patrick wilen (newton); courtesy of arabian breeders world cup (last year)

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of ML - Vegas Magazine - 2012 - Issue 3 - April/May