AmWest Sponsors Awards Program for Racing Media
12/02/2011
Taking a new step in its ongoing support of various segments of the Thoroughbred racing industry, AmWest Entertainment proudly served as primary sponsor of the 52nd National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Annual Awards Dinner during Breeders’ Cup week.
AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens addressed the crowd of about 200 assembled for the dinner, which was held at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in Louisville, Kentucky.
Clemmens spoke about the key role that members of the media have in delivering not only the news about racing, but also the very heart and soul of the sport, to fans and followers. Thus, much of the public’s interest in, and understanding of, racing can be attributed to how well media members perform their communications duties.
Mike Penna of Horse Racing Radio Network, which AmWest has enthusiastically supported, served as emcee of the dinner and introduced Clemmens. Some of AmWest’s guests attending the event included director Leo Govoni, founder and president of Boston Asset Management who also has invested in racing partnerships managed by Clemmens, and trainer Eddie Kenneally and his wife, Catherine.
Following Clemmens’ talk, each of the award winners took their turn at the microphone, with Terry Wallace, winner of the Mr. Fitz Award typifying the spirit of racing, eliciting laughs and sighs as he recalled some of the landmarks of his life and career at Oaklawn Park. Wallace retired this year as track announcer after 37 seasons but remains connected to Oaklawn as a goodwill ambassador and simulcast host.
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, led by Executive Director Nancy LaSala, was honored with the Joe Palmer Award for meritorious service to racing, while Daily Racing Form reporter David Grening earned the Walter Haight Award for career excellence in turf writing.
AmWest Sponsors Awards Dinner in TOBA’s 50th Year
10/20/2011
For the third consecutive year, AmWest Entertainment proudly sponsored the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s National Awards Dinner in Lexington, Kentucky.
While helping TOBA to celebrate its 50th anniversary, AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens was privileged to have the opportunity to present the Eastern Region Owner of the Year Award to WinStar Farm, which won two of the three Triple Crown races in 2010.
Bill Casner, who established WinStar with Kenny Troutt in 2000, accepted the award, which followed the farm's Eclipse Award as America’s outstanding owner for 2010.
“2010 was just one of those extraordinary years,” Casner reflected. “To win a thrilling Kentucky Derby (G1) with a homebred (Super Saver) is everyone’s dream and represented the concerted efforts of many people at the farm.”
WinStar also campaigned Drosselmeyer, a son of the farm’s internationally successful stallion Distorted Humor, to win the Belmont Stakes (G1).
Many of America’s most accomplished owners and breeders were honored during the dinner ceremony, which was held at Gainesway Farm and which featured a special showing of top stallions Tapit, Birdstone and Afleet Alex.
Other major winners during the evening were Claiborne Farm, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2010, and partner Adele Dilschneider, who together were honored with the Southern Region Owner of the Year award; Airdrie Stud owner Brereton Jones, Midwestern Region Owner of the Year, and Zetcher Racing Stable, Western Region Owner of the Year.
The late Edward Evans was honored as National Breeder of the Year, an award he also received in 2009, as well as the Virginia Breeder of the Year for the ninth time in the last 11 years. Evans founded Spring Hill Farm in Virginia in 1969 and his broodmare band, based on the farm's about 2,700 acres, had produced more than 100 stakes winners. Evans’s leading star of 2010 was three-time Grade 1 winner Quality Road.
Virginia and Rudy Tarra of Illinois received the National Small Breeder of the Year award. The Tarras have been involved in racing in the state for six decades.
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AmWest Exploring Opportunities with French Racing
05/03/2011
A team from AmWest Entertainment recently completed a return visit to France that spanned three days of meetings with a variety of officials, including several from the international department of the Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU), and other racing professionals.
The PMU operates wagering in France on behalf of the organizations that conduct Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing.
“We want to thank the PMU, and particularly Ines Hendili and Sophie Eliazord, for their time and expertise in collaborating with us,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. 
“This was a very productive, enjoyable and educational visit in which we learned much more about French racing and its many strengths while sharing AmWest’s dedication to furthering the development of international racing in the North and South American markets.”
In contrast to many areas of the world, the PMU’s total handle has been growing during the challenging past few years. In turn, French breeding is being stimulated by a system of premium awards that surpasses any other in Europe—and perhaps the world. Additionally, the French television production of racing video images and the distribution of wagering information is superior.
As part of the visit, the AmWest team spent an afternoon enjoying the sport at Saint-Cloud Racecourse, which lies in a tranquil park setting on the outskirts of Paris just across the Seine River from Longchamp. Full fields of exceptionally well-bred runners representing some of the best stables in the world and jockeys including international stars such as Olivier Peslier, Christophe Soumillon and Gerald Mosse made what would be a routine day at the track in France a memorable occasion.
“French racing is the ultimate in exciting wagering combined with the very best of the sport, and the programs are presented to fans and players in the most compelling ways, both on track and through exceptional video production,” Clemmens said. “We are truly impressed with all the PMU has accomplished and we are looking forward to returning to France for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) weekend at Longchamp in October.”
AmWest, which participated in the European Pari-Mutuel Association’s annual racing and betting business forum last year held in conjunction with the Arc, plans to again be involved in that conference and possibly other events in France.
Deep American Team to Run on $26-million Dubai World Cup Program
03/14/2011
PROSPECT, KENTUCKY, March 14, 2011—A strong American-based team of 13 horses topped by three-time champion Gio Ponti, defending Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) winner Kinsale King and three other Grade 1 winners, will fly to the Middle East for the $26-million Dubai World Cup (G1) program featuring the $10-million World Cup on March 26.
The American horses, who are due to depart from California and Florida on March 15 for the best trainers in the sport including previous World Cup winners Bob Baffert, Richard Mandella and Eoin Harty, will take on the most talented group of international runners ever assembled. The seven races on the World Cup program, the richest day of racing on the globe, promise to offer the most exciting wagering opportunities this year.
Global racing stars set to compete include the fabulous filly Snow Fairy, a Group 1 winner in Ireland, England, Japan and Hong Kong; Japanese champions Buena Vista, Victoire Pisa and Transcend; South African Group 1 winners Bold Silvano, J J the Jet Plane, River Jetez and Mahbooba; English-based Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner Dangerous Midge; Hong Kong Mile (G1) star Beauty Flash, and Irish Derby (G1) winner Cape Blanco.
AmWest Entertainment, the Kentucky-based account wagering and simulcast services company that partners with the Dubai Racing Club, will offer wagering on the World Cup program throughout North and South America for the second consecutive year. AmWest followed up on its record-setting 2010 Dubai season with a record handle for the Super Thursday program on March 3 that featured six rich stakes preps for World Cup night.
While handle continues to decline around North America for 2011 according to Equibase, AmWest experienced a 32.2% rise in wagering on Super Thursday.
“In the face of declining handle industry-wide, we are greatly pleased with the recognition from both players and fans of the Dubai International Racing Carnival and World Cup,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. “To attain a new Carnival wagering record and to watch the interest accelerate toward what will be the most competitive World Cup day of racing ever is a tribute to the superior fields brought by the Dubai Racing Club and the unique wagering program produced by our AmWest team. Quality is at the heart of everything we do and we are proud to share this exciting experience with fans, players and racetrack patrons.”
AmWest is once again working with tracks and other wagering outlets in presenting the World Cup to fans throughout the Americas. In addition to providing a special line of Dubai World Cup merchandise and posters, AmWest will help sponsor a handicapping competition during Gulfstream Park’s free World Cup day breakfast for fans and will assist the New York Racing Association with a special March 25 World Cup preview show. First post on World Cup day will be at 9:15 a.m. EDT with the final race, the World Cup, at 1:35 p.m. EDT.
“We’re thrilled to provide the Dubai World Cup to our account wagering customers online and at Belmont Park and Aqueduct,” said NYRA Vice President Elizabeth Bracken. “We will have multiple platforms available to see the races, including video streaming, and for wagering online and by telephone. We hope to reach people throughout New York City and Long Island.”
For their part, many of the American trainers are upbeat about their horses’ chances.
Despite the fact he has not had a prep race this year, Gio Ponti is ready to run again for the $10-million World Cup. “Everything is good—the horse looks good, he’s very sound and in very good order,” pronounced trainer Christophe Clement on March 14, a day after the six-year-old son of Tale of the Cat breezed six furlongs at Payson Park in 1:18. Last year, Gio Ponti finished fourth in the World Cup, just 1 ¼ lengths behind winner Gloria de Campeao.
Trainer Nick Zito said Dwyer Stakes (G2) winner Fly Down, who was third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and second in the Belmont (G1) and Travers (G1) Stakes, indicated he is on target for the World Cup when worked a bullet half-mile in :48.30 on March 14 at Palm Meadows Training Center. “He worked very, very well,” Zito said of the four-year-old son of Mineshaft. “He’s a very consistent horse and he never runs a bad race.”
Harty, who saddled Well Armed to win the 2009 Dubai World Cup, will send out Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1) winner Victor’s Cry in the $5-million Dubai Duty Free (G1) on turf. “Victor’s Cry is doing super. He’s very fit, very fresh and very happy,” Harty reported. “All I need to do is get very lucky.”
Baffet, who won the 1998 World Cup with Silver Charm and the 2001 edition of the race with Captain Steve, has to leave Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner Game On Dude at Santa Anita after the gelding showed signs of a foot abscess after galloping on March 14. Baffert still plans to travel to Dubai to saddle Euroears in the $2-million Golden Shaheen at 1,200 meters (about six furlongs). Winner of the Palos Verdes Stakes (G2) in January, Euroears worked a bullet six furlongs in 1:09.80 at Santa Anita on March 14. “He worked well and he’s ready,” Baffert said.
About AmWest Entertainment:
AmWest is a diversified simulcast service provider that enjoys strong relationships with racetracks and other racing industry organizations. Our continued involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and our ongoing commitment to many state and national initiatives are major determinants in how the company conducts business. AmWest is committed to serve the industry and our customers utilizing transparency and best practices.www.amwestentertainment.com
AmWest joins Daily Racing Form in presenting live Dubai racing video
02/16/2011
Daily Racing Form has joined with AmWest Entertainment to present live streaming video of the Dubai International Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup to horseplayers and fans.
Each Carnival program, including the two-day Meydan Masters jockey competition featuring Calvin Borel on Thursday and Friday, February 17-18 and Super Thursday’s six rich stakes on March 3, will be shown in its entirety on Daily Racing Form’s website, DRF.com. The $26-million, seven-race Dubai World Cup card on March 26 showcasing the most exciting wagering opportunities and the best racing on the globe also will be shown from first post to final interviews.
Free DRF past performance data will be provided by both Daily Racing Form and AmWest Entertainment, which distributes the Dubai racing signal throughout North and South America. AmWest’s extensive Dubai information including news and photos can be accessed at http://www.amwestentertainment.com/dubai-racing/recaps/
“Consistent with Daily Racing Form’s mission to serve the core horseplayer and grow Thoroughbred racing’s fan base, DRF.com is thrilled to bring this live video experience of the Dubai International Racing Carnival to the broadest possible audience,” said John Hartig, Daily Racing Form’s CEO. “And with the introduction of DRFBets, horseplayers can now watch and wager on these incredible races, all at DRF.com. AmWest is a wonderful partner to provide this opportunity for horseplayers to get in on the live action that surrounds this important festival of the world’s finest racing.”
“We are enthused about this partnership with Daily Racing Form and the chance to present the unparalleled wagering propositions that the Dubai Carnival and World Cup offer,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. “For handicappers and fans to be provided the live racing coverage, exclusive information and free past performance lines is a winning move for all. Dubai racing not only features the highest quality competitors in the world, it is a formful product consisting of fields averaging more than 13 horses. While 35% of Dubai favorites win, the large fields insure attractive payoffs, and an excellent wagering menu makes these programs a great experience for all involved.”
Argentina welcomes AmWest for Derby, farm visits
12/15/2010
When Expressive Halo sailed down the middle of the track after a demanding 2,500 meters to win the Gran Premio Nacional (Argentine Derby) (G1), a delegation from AmWest Entertainment was in the winner’s circle in Buenos Aires to celebrate the event, one of the most significant on Argentina’s racing calendar.
Led by AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens, the group met with Antonio Bullrich, president of the Palermo Racecourse management team, and enjoyed the spectacular 18-race program that began early on the sun-splashed day and extended into the evening.
Among others in the crowd estimated at about 50,000 was American Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, who said he dedicates some special vacation time every year to visiting Argentina.
Committed to the development of an unrivalled international racing program and promoting the sport worldwide, AmWest is exploring ways to maximize the presentation of racing from Argentina and the rest of South America in the North American market, as well as providing North American and other content to the south.
In addition, Clemmens, who is an owner and breeder with international experience, visited three major breeding farms in Argentina with a view to learning more about the Thoroughbred business there.
The AmWest delegation was privileged to see stallions, mares and foals at Haras La Quebrada, Haras Vacacion and La Mission. Among the highlights were Mutakddim and El Corredor at Quebrada; King’s Best at Vacacion, who was especially meaningful since the AmWest team had been present for his champion son Workforce’s tenacious win in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) in Paris, and Harlan’s Holiday, Catcher in the Rye, Pollard’s Vision, Footstepsinthesand and Honour and Glory at La Mission.
AmWest is particularly grateful to Argentine journalist and television commentator Gustavo Gonzalez for his time and help with the farm tours and with key introductions to leading breeders and bloodstock managers.
Expressive Halo’s Argentine Derby victory was brimming with drama. Not only did the son of American stakes winner Halo Sunshine, a son of Halo who was fourth in the 1996 Kentucky Derby (G1), have to rally from a stalking position, he also had to adapt to a late jockey substitution.
Gustavo Calvente was hoisted aboard the handsome dark bay colt after his usual pilot, Jorge Ruiz Diaz, was declared ineligible to ride under Argentine rules because he had been unseated in the previous race. Although Ruiz Diaz was unhurt in the spill, he still was prohibited from riding and thus missed the chance of a lifetime in his country’s Derby.
As Expressive Halo romped under the finish line, Calvente rose in the irons and blew kisses to the crowd. But tears streamed down the face of Ruiz Diaz as he stood near the finish line.
When Calvente returned with Expressive Halo, an ecstatic celebration ensued featuring owner Luis Bolettieri and trainer Carlos Brunel. Calvente hugged his friend Ruiz Diaz as both cried and the winning jockey dedicated the race to his unlucky colleague.
Breeders’ Cup is Festive for AmWest, Partners
11/10/2010
Members of AmWest Entertainment’s management team joined with friends and business associates to celebrate the two-day Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs on November 5 and 6.
Gathering in the Jockey Club Suites at the track, the AmWest team was able to cheer for Zenyatta in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Goldikova in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) and all the other champions and prominent runners who competed.
Some of the AmWest team also was able to observe morning training by the Breeders’ Cup contenders in the days preceding the races, as well as see the training of horses who run in the yellow and blue silks of Nelson Clemmens, AmWest chief executive officer. Trainer William “Buff” Bradley handles Clemmens’ horses at Churchill Downs.
Representatives of racing and wagering companies based in England and France as well as around the United States visited with AmWest in the Jockey Club Suites.
AmWest Participates in European Meetings
11/10/2010
With a view toward increasing international simulcasting and promoting racing worldwide, AmWest Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens traveled to France in early October to meet with industry leaders from across the globe.
Clemmens attended the European Pari-Mutuel Association’s annual Racing and Betting Business Forum in Paris on October 1, an event that drew more than 100 attendees from virtually all major racing jurisdictions and prominent wagering operations.
A number of other meetings were held in conjunction with the forum, and Clemmens joined some of racing’s most influential leaders and stars who gathered at Longchamp on October 2 and 3 for two days of elite racing topped by the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1). The Arc program featured stunning performances by Epsom Derby (G1) winner Workforce, who held off a sustained challenge from Japanese rival Nakayama Festa to win the Arc, and international champion Goldikova, who thrilled fans with a dramatic victory in the Prix de la Foret (G1).
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities held its annual meeting the day after the Arc and Clemmens also was able to meet with executives of Pari-Mutuel Urbain, which is the betting arm of French racing.
Following the meetings in France, Clemmens journeyed to London to overseee progress on a new project AmWest is coordinating that will offer major enhancements to customers.
AmWest's Clemmens moderates Simulcast Conference panel
09/29/2010
Many challenges continue to exist for international simulcasting, according to panelists during a featured International Simulcast Conference session moderated by Nelson Clemmens, chief executive officer of AmWest Entertainment.
With Clemmens sparking a lively discussion, the panel consisted of Terry Spargo of the Emirates Racing Authority, United Arab Emirates; John Stuart, Phumelela Gold International, South Africa; Ramon Rionda Jean, director of racing operations for Codere America, which has operations in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay, and Alex Dadoyan, assistant vice president of the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
Differing time zones, currencies and laws are among the challenges cited.
Yet despite those complexities, AmWest is dedicated to connecting its customers with the best racing around the world. As the link to Dubai racing during the Dubai World Cup and Dubai International Racing Carnival, AmWest provides fans in North America, South America and the Caribbean with the chance to wager on the world’s richest and most exciting racing.
In addition, AmWest is working with racing and simulcast organizers in South America on enhancing their product for the North American audience and is developing other opportunities to offer the most prestigious racing meets.
Please check our website for upcoming special international events
AmWest CEO Presents National Breeder Award
09/25/2010
Nelson Clemmens, founder and chief executive officer of AmWest Entertainment, took great pleasure in the chance to present the 2009 small breeder of the year award to Barbara Card during the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders annual awards dinner.
A devoted owner and breeder himself, Clemmens and everyone else in the audience at Keeneland on September 10 was touched by Mrs. Card’s emotion in accepting the award. She and her husband, Keith, own Hi Card Ranch in Murrieta, California, and race California Flag, winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.
“This is probably our proudest moment,” Mrs. Card said after Clemmens gave her the trophy. “I wish my husband could be here with me.”
Keith Card’s health prevents him from traveling but not from being inspired by the exploits of California Flag, a handsome gray gelding whose speed has earned more than $1 million and who set a course record at Santa Anita Park.
California Flag has carried the Cards’ silks around the world, finishing just 1 ¾ lengths behind winner Sacred Kingdom while fifth in the 2009 Hong Kong Sprint (G1) and third by a length to Joy And Fun in the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint (G3) on the Dubai World Cup (G1) program.
The TOBA awards dinner was sponsored by AmWest as part of its commitment to the Thoroughbred industry.
On a glittering night, other major award winners were Jerry and Ann Moss, the owners of undefeated champion Zenyatta, as the top American owners of 2009, and Edward Evans as the national breeder of the year.
“We have had an amazing life in racing,” Jerry Moss said in accepting the award.
“Like most people in this business, we’re optimists,” said Chris Baker, manager of Evans’ Spring Hill Farm in Virginia. “We’re enjoying where we are right now,” he added, referring to stars such as multiple Grade 1 winner Quality Road that were bred by Evans, “but we continue to believe our best days are ahead.”
Other honorees included the Dubai-based Godolphin Stable, Eastern region owner of the year; George Strawbridge’s Augustin Stable, Midwestern region owner of the year, and Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Southern region owner of the year.
TOBA National Awards Dinner 2009
09/11/2009
AmWest will be a sponsor of the 2009 TOBA National Awards Dinner hosted by Spendthrift Farm. For more details on TOBA and the Awards dinner, please visit the TOBA website at http://www.hbpa.org/.
Global Gaming Expo 2008
11/19/2008
At the 2008 Global Gaming Expo, Nelson Clemmens served as a speaker for the "More is Better: Additional Revenue Sources" forum, organized and moderated by Richard Thalheimer of Thalheimer Research Associates, Inc. The panelists discussed a variety of new racing-related programs to attract new customers to the racing industry, as well as innovations in racing simulcast operations. For more details on G2E, please visit the G2E website at http://www.globalgamingexpo.com.
TRA International Simulcast Conference 2008
09/29/2008
At the 2008 TRA International Simulcast Conference, Nelson Clemmens served as a panelist for a forum focused on addressing current issues in managing off-track wagering facilities and simulcasting. For more details, please visit the TRA website at http://www.tra-online.com/conference.html.
Symposium on Racing and Gaming 2007
12/03/2007
AmWest was a sponsor of the 2007 Symposium on Racing and Gaming, hosted by the University of Arizona's Racetrack Industry Program. For more details, please visit the Racetrack Industry Program website at http://www.ua-rtip.org/symposium.