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Tom Donoghue/DonoghuePhotography.com
South Point GM Ryan Growney, in the suit, and South owner Michael Gaughan play blackjack with a Clydesdale named Elite and a Dalmatian named King at South Point on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012.
Monday, Oct. 15, 2012 | 1:35 p.m.
The Electric Horseman
Shania Twain
It sounds like the start of a joke: A horse and a Dalmatian walk into a casino and decide to play a game of blackjack with the owner, except this was for real and not a standup comic’s gag.
South Point owner Michael Gaughan was all laughs as he welcomed the lead Budweiser Clydesdale named Elite and the Dalmatian named King to his gaming pit.
Contributing photographer Tom Donoghue was on duty to capture the unique trio of card players last Friday afternoon, and South Point General Manager Ryan Growney was on hand to ensure that there was no monkey business or “Animal House” hijinx.
It was a unique photo session that reminded of when actor Robert Redford rode Rising Star into Caesars Palace in 1979's “The Electric Horseman.”
And when singer Shania Twain arrived at the same casino resort this year for the promotional photographs of her residency that begins Dec. 1 at the Colloseum.
Budweiser had the Clydesdales in Las Vegas for weekend events at the South Point Arena.
By the way, the only animal bar joke I know: A chicken walks into a bar, and the bartender says, “We don’t serve poultry.” The chicken replies, “That’s OK. I only want a drink.”
Groaning permitted -- enjoy the photos!
Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.
Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.
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Located South of the Strip, South Point is a hot spot frequented by locals. The hotel-casino is decorated in a Pacific Coast feel, with golds, reds and browns, mixing an island feel with the ambiance of Southern California.
Guests rooms feature 42-inch flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations and plush linens. Outside, the property features landscaped gardens, a hospitality to entertain poolside and a sand volleyball court.
When it comes to gaming, the South Point has more than 120,000 square feet of casino games, as well as a separate race books and sports books, a bingo and poker room. South Point also has some family friendly features, like a 64-lane bowling center, an arcade and a 16-screen movie theater.
Dining options range from an upscale meal at Michael's Gourmet to ice cream at Kate's Korner. The 24-hour Coronado Cafe is the perfect spot for a late-night craving, which include six midnight to 6 a.m. "graveyard" specials. Other restaurants include the Big Sur Oyster Bar, Don Vito's, Garden Buffet, Seattle's Best Coffee House and the Del Mar Deli.
One of South Points more unique features is the Equestrian Center and Arena, a first for Vegas. The Equestrian Center holds a variety of events, from college basketball to Championship Bull Riding.
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