Three Top American Runners Challenge World in Dubai Cup
03/28/2013
By Michele MacDonald
Godolphin’s Hunter’s Light, strong winner of his last three starts including the Al Maktoum Challenge Round III (G1) at Meydan on March 9, is the early 7-2 favorite in Saturday’s $10 million Dubai World Cup (G1) following Wednesday’s post position draw.
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor chose post four for Hunter’s Light in a selection process in which the names of the 13 horses in the field were chosen randomly and then the connections opted for stalls in the starting gate. Bin Suroor got the sixth choice in the field.
“He is a horse who is improving and a tough performer. He will be there at the end because he has a big heart,” bin Suroor said of Hunter’s Light, a five-year-old son of Dubawi. “A mile and a quarter is the best trip for him, and he has pleased me in the run-up to this race—his biggest test. He really likes this track.”
American Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, given the third choice, selected post eight for Besilu Stables’ two-time champion Royal Delta, who is bidding to make history as the first female winner of the world’s richest race. The daughter of Empire Maker is the second choice on the morning line at 4-1..jpg "Royal Delta has trained eagerly at Meydan under Bill Mott's assistant Rodolphe Brisset (Michele MacDonald photo)")
“We wanted to be somewhere in the middle to give the mare a chance to break well and settle. The rest is up to (jockey) Mike Smith,” said a delighted Mott, who won the inaugural World Cup in 1996 with Cigar, who started from post eight.
Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Animal Kingdom’s connections were not as lucky; with the next-to-last choice, they got post 12 but are rated a close third choice at 5-1.
“It’s not what I would have chosen,” said trainer Graham Motion while adding that he was more concerned about being on the inside. “Hopefully (jockey) Joel Rosario will have him in a good spot. Our tactics won’t change and he’s capable of coming from off of (the pace) if he has to. After all, we won the Derby from post 16.”
The other American entrant, Donegal Racing’s Dullahan, will start just to the inside of Hunter’s Light from post three and is the early fourth choice at 6-1.
“Post three is all right—it’s a good spot,” said trainer Dale Romans. “We’d rather not be outside. He’ll probably settle and come running. (Jockey) Gary Stevens and I will study the race and come up with a strategy.”
Also likely to be plotting strategy is the Godolphin camp since there are five runners in the race that will be carrying the stable’s royal blue silks. Ironically, last year’s winner Monterosso and runner-up Capponi both are listed at 20-1 in the field and will start from posts ten and five, respectively.
In addition to that pair and Hunter’s Light, the stable has entered 2012 Godolphin Mile (G2) winner African Story (10-1 from post 11) and 2013 Dubai World Cup Carnival star Kassiano (12-1 from the outside post).
Large, competitive fields are the order of Dubai World Cup day. In the other races:
· Japan’s reigning Horse of the Year Gentildonna, last year’s Filly Triple Crown winner, is the strong 9-5 favorite in the $5 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) over 2410 meters (about 1 ½ miles) on turf. She will be making her first start since winning the Japan Cup (G1) in November and her main competition is expected to come from Coolmore’s 5-2 St Nicholas Abbey, the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner who finished second in last year’s Sheema Classic.
· Priscilla Vaccarezza’s Little Mike, a three-time Grade 1 winner last year who capped his season by taking the Breeders’ Cup Turf, is the 3-1 morning line choice in the $5 million Dubai Duty Free (G1) over 1800 meters (about 1 1/8 miles) on grass. Trainer Dale Romans said the game and speedy Little Mike will be sent to the lead; from there he will have to fend off 9-2 Ocean Park, last year’s Cox Plate (G1) winner in Australia, and Godolphin’s course record-setting mare Sajjhaa.
· Sherry Parbhoo’s American champion sprinter Trinniberg takes on a dozen rivals as the 5-2 early favorite in the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) at 1200 meters (about six furlongs) on the all-weather track. Defending champion Krypton Factor, 8-1, will try to run down Trinniberg but Godolphin’s Australian Group 1 winner Mental is given the better chance at 7-2.
· Two American speedsters, 6-1 Varsity and 8-1 Great Attack, are entered in field of 14 for the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint (G1) over 1000 meters (about five furlongs) on turf. South African Group 1 winner Shea Shea, another course record setter, is the early choice at 5-2, with last year’s runner-up Sole Power at 5-1.
· Godolphin’s UAE classic winner Secret Number, a son of Raven’s Pass, heads the $2 million UAE Derby over 1900 meters (about 1 3/16 miles) on the all-weather track at 3-1 over 11 rivals. Reddam Racing’s He’s Had Enough, runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), will run for qualifying points to the Kentucky Derby (G1) while starting from the outside post at 8-1 on the morning line.
· Coolmore’s French Group 1 winner Imperial Monarch is rated a 3-1 chance in the $1 million Dubai Gold Cup (G3) over 3200 meters (about two miles) on turf as he tries the distance for the initial time in his first start since October. Godolphin’s Cavalryman, a close third in the Dubai City of Gold (G2) on March 9, is given the best shot of the other nine runners at 7-2.
· Lightly raced South African-bred Group 1 winner Soft Falling Rain, winner of the UAE 2000 Guineas (G3) in February, will challenge older rivals as the 4-1 early favorite in a competitive, 16-runner edition of the $1 million Godolphin Mile (G2). Last year’s Travers Stakes (G1) winner Alpha, who did not impress in a previous effort on the all-weather track in Dubai, is rated 15-1 from the rail.
Dubai World Cup Carnival Begins With Top Contenders
01/07/2013
PROSPECT, KENTUCKY, January 7, 2013—With the most exciting lineup of competitors in the rich history of Dubai racing poised to run, AmWest Entertainment will deliver the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the Dubai World Cup program for wagering in North and South America for the fourth consecutive season.
The Carnival commences on January 10 with a first post of 10:05 a.m. EST for a six-race program featuring the $250,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round I (G2) over 1,600 meters (about one mile) on the all-weather track at Meydan Racecourse.
The Maktoum Challenge series offers key preps for the $10-million Dubai World Cup (G1), the world’s richest race, which will be run as part of the richest day of racing on the globe on March 30 at Meydan with prizemoney of $27-million. There will be 10 Carnival race dates prior to the World Cup, peaking with Super Saturday on March 9, with an additional total of about $10-million in purses.
“The Dubai Carnival and World Cup provide players with the highest quality fields anywhere in the world at this time of year and thus the best wagering product,” said AmWest Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. “We are looking forward to presenting the most outstanding Dubai season ever to American fans.”
American champions Animal Kingdom and Royal Delta are among the horses aiming for the Dubai World Cup, with multiple Grade 1 winners Little Mike and Dullahan also probable runners for the Cup or another event on that program. Trainer Dale Romans plans to ship Little Mike to Dubai early for a prep race at Meydan, following the path set by 2008 Dubai World Cup winner Curlin, prior to World Cup day.
International champions pointing for Dubai include one of Japan’s Triple Crown winners, either the filly Gentildonna or the seasoned international campaigner Orfevre, both owned by Sunday Racing Co.; South African Horse of the Year Igugu; Australia’s Cox Plate (G1) 1-2 finishers Ocean Park and All Too Hard, the latter a half brother to sensational champion Black Caviar; and Indian record-breaking earner and multiple classic winner In the Spotlight. Coolmore will once again send a team to Dubai this year, with Irish Horse of the Year Camelot, who won two-thirds of Britain’s Triple Crown in 2012, a possible contender.
“The Carnival just keeps getting better every year,” said Martin Talty, manager of the Dubai Racing Club’s international department. “From 2004 onward, it’s been getting stronger in both numbers and quality of horses every year. The ratings (of runners) have risen exponentially. You need a very, very good horse to win even a handicap race here.”
Horses from 21 countries featuring at least 26 Group 1 winners are set to compete at the Carnival for prominent trainers including France’s Andre Fabre; Ireland’s Jim Bolger, John Oxx and Dermot Weld; South Africa’s Mike de Kock; Britain’s Richard Hannon, Brian Meehan and Mark Johnston, and Germany’s Peter Schiergen.
Following the January 10 opening of the Carnival, other dates for the season are: January 17, 24 and 31; February 7, 14, 21 and 28; and March 2, (Super Saturday) and 30 (Dubai World Cup day).
Entries, free past performance data, post times, selections and other handicapping information is available at www.AmWestEntertainment.com. AmWest has expanded the array of handicapping tools it will offer Carnival players this year, including special handicapping advice and picks from Dubai Race Night founder Patrick Cummings and detailed Trakus-sponsored post-race analysis. AmWest’s affiliate, www.AmWager.com, offers wagering on all Dubai World Cup Carnival events with the industry’s most efficient professional tools and highest cash rewards.
For more information, contact Nelson Clemmens at (502) 292-1075.
Landmark Commingling to be Offered on Arc Weekend Programs
10/03/2012
Prospect, Kentucky, October 2, 2012—For the first time in history, Americans will have the opportunity to wager into the world’s second largest pool—and gain the chance for big payoffs—when AmWest Entertainment joins with France’s Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) to simulcast the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Weekend on October 6 & 7.
Featuring seven Group 1 events topped by the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), Europe’s premier event worth €4 million (about $5.15 million and thus more valuable than America’s richest race, the Breeders’ Cup Classic [G1]), Arc Weekend spans 15 Thoroughbred races over the two days at famed Longchamp Racecourse in Paris.
Never before have American horseplayers been able to wager into a major common pool. PMU conducts wagering on horse racing with volume second worldwide, behind only the closed market of Japan.
In 2011, a total of $60 million was wagered on the two Arc Weekend programs, with more than $36 million on Arc day alone.
“In keeping with our ongoing commitment to bring the best of international racing and wagering to North America, AmWest is delighted to provide the opportunity to bet into the second largest pari-mutuel pool in the world and enjoy the best payoffs and wagering options,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. “We believe Arc Weekend will be the most rewarding racing and wagering experience possible.”
“PMU has the greatest pool open to commingling in the world and we have been working on developing the access to it. We believe that the extraordinary quality of French races and the big PMU pools will be of much interest to U.S. players,” said PMU International Director Aymeric Verlet. “We are pleased to be working again with AmWest Entertainment in the simulcasting of our premier races.”
A strong lineup of potential runners is preparing for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, led by Japanese Triple Crown winner Orfevre, who has banked over $12.3 million; Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner St Nicholas Abbey, earner of $4.26 million, and Epsom Derby (G1) and 2000 Guineas (G1) winner Camelot, earner of $2.8 million.
The October 7 program will begin at 7:20 am EDT, with eight Thoroughbred races for wagering extending through 12:25 pm, and the Qatar Arabian World Cup, broadcast as a non-wagering event. The October 6 program, which includes three Group 2 races among five Thoroughbred races to kick off Arc Weekend, will begin at 7:30 am extending through a final post at 10:10 a.m. The Qatar Total Arabian Trophy for fillies will be broadcast as a non-wagering event.
For more information, contact:
Nelson Clemmens Ines Hendili
CEO, AmWest Entertainment International Project Manager, PMU
502-292-1075 +33 1 56 09 94 13
About AmWest Entertainment:
AmWest Entertainment is a diversified simulcast service and account wagering provider that enjoys strong relationships with racetracks and other racing organizations, including the Dubai Racing Club and Dubai World Cup. Our continued involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and our ongoing commitment to many state, national and international initiatives, are major determinants in how the company conducts business. AmWest is committed to serve the racing industry and our customers utilizing transparency and best practices.
About PMU:
PMU is the number-one pari-mutuel operator in Europe, with $ 13.2 billion in turnover in 2011. PMU provides 11,300 outlets for its customers, and www.pmu.fr is the top betting website in France. Additionally, PMU has developed special applications for mobile terminals, and oversees the racing television channel Equidia. PMU provides 80% of financing for the horse-racing sector in France. PMU’s net income of $ 1.13 billion in 2011 is paid back in full to racing authorities, giving them the resources they need to operate.
About France-Galop:
France-Galop, the Parent Racing Organization for Flat and Jump races in France, operates six racecourses including Longchamp, Chantilly and Deauville, and three training centers. France-Galop organizes the world's most prestigious racing weekend at Longchamp in October with eight Group 1 races (seven for Thoroughbreds and the Qatar Arabian World Cup), topped by the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which is recognized by racing professionals as the most exclusive race in the world in terms of prestige and the quality of its runners.
http://www.prixarcdetriomphe.com/
AmWest Entertainment Launches Revolutionary AmWager.com Wagering Platform
08/01/2012
PROSPECT, KENTUCKY, August 1, 2012—Following 18 months of daily trials by professional handicappers working with technical developers, the revolutionary new AmWager.com website is now available to all horseplayers seeking the most advanced features for successful wagering and the most extensive racing content in the industry.
Developed by AmWest Entertainment, one of North America’s largest account wagering companies, AmWager.com offers an array of sophisticated money management tools that allow players—from beginners to the most experienced—to maximize returns on wagering.
Some of AmWager.com’s features include conditional wagering, real-time dutching, stacked bets and free live video and replays from more than 200 racetracks worldwide.
“With the dedicated assistance of some of North America’s most successful high-volume players, we have created the equivalent of a Formula 1 betting machine that we can now deliver to retail players who have been used to driving economy wagering vehicles,” said AmWest Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. “We are confident they will find this the most enjoyable and rewarding wagering ride they have ever experienced.”
AmWager.com provides players the chance to wager on Thoroughbred racing across the world as well as harness, Quarter Horse and greyhound racing. Members also may place wagers by phone and gain assistance from live customer service representatives seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time.
Players who sign up for AmWager will receive cash rewards for every wager they place, with those rewards credited on a daily basis. They also will be eligible for ongoing bonuses based on the wagering of any friends they pass on to AmWager through the industry-leading ReferALL program. Players will earn 0.5% of the wagers made by everyone they refer to AmWager for the life of those friends’ accounts.
“Not only does AmWager give all handicappers the advantages enjoyed by high-volume players and thus help them become much more effective with their wagers, we also extend the most generous rewards while striving to deliver the best economics for all players,” said Clemmens, an active Thoroughbred owner and breeder. “We also will ensure that AmWager returns the highest possible revenues to support the sport of racing.”
Players can experience the benefits of AmWager after signing up through the Join Now button at www.amwager.com or by visiting https://secure.amwager.com/registration. New members can rapidly fund their accounts and make their first wagers. There are no membership or wagering fees and no minimum volume required to gain access to AmWager’s advanced features, which will be further enhanced in the near future with a Kelly calculator.
For more information, contact: Nelson Clemmens, 502-292-1075
For questions about AmWager features, contact member services:877-767-4447
About AmWest Entertainment:
AmWest Entertainment is a diversified simulcast service and account wagering provider that enjoys strong relationships with racetracks and other racing organizations worldwide, including the Dubai Racing Club, Dubai World Cup, France’s Pari-Mutuel Urbain and the Singapore Turf Club. Our continued involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and our ongoing commitment to many state, national and international initiatives, are major determinants in how the company conducts business. AmWest is committed to serve the racing industry and our customers utilizing transparency and best practices.
North American Wagering Multiplied on Singapore’s Top Races
06/05/2012
PROSPECT, KENTUCKY, June 5, 2012—Two exceptional programs from Singapore’s Kranji racecourse that were distributed for wagering in North America in late May by AmWest Entertainment yielded over five times the handle generated during the only previous Singapore simulcast to this continent.
Featuring the $2.4-million Singapore Airlines International Cup (G1) and the $800,100 KrisFlyer International Sprint (G1), the Singapore International Racing Festival offered full fields of quality runners exemplified by American Grade 1 winner Chinchon, who captured the Cup prize; Ato, who defeated Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) winner Krypton Factor in the KrisFlyer International Sprint, and Super Easy, who swept the Singapore Triple Crown with a thrilling late run in the Singapore Guineas.
“Ultimately, the handle results are a superb confirmation that North American fans and players embraced the outstanding Singapore International Racing Festival and its attractive wagering opportunities,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens, who attended Singapore's international festival. “This demonstrable acceptance, despite the challenges of early post times, holds considerable promise for Singapore racing in developing a following in the United States and Canada.”
Due to the time differences between Singapore and North America, much of the festival racing occurred in the early morning hours of the Eastern time zone.
AmWest Entertainment, North America’s leading provider of elite international racing for wagering through additional partners such as the Dubai Racing Club and France’s Pari Mutuel Urbain, was selected by the Singapore Turf Club to market and promote the Singapore International Racing Festival. AmWest also managed the live racing video signal and past performance data for all wagering outlets.
Coverage of the 2012 Singapore International Racing Festival can still be accessed at www.AmWestEntertainment.com. The only other simulcast from Singapore to North America was conducted in 2009 with the Singapore Airlines International Cup program.
For more information, contact: Nelson Clemmens, AmWest CEO, 502-292-1075
About AmWest Entertainment:
AmWest Entertainment is a diversified simulcast service and account wagering provider that enjoys strong relationships with racetracks and other racing organizations, including the Dubai Racing Club and Dubai World Cup. Our continued involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and our ongoing commitment to many state, national and international initiatives, are major determinants in how the company conducts business. AmWest is committed to serve the racing industry and our customers utilizing transparency and best practices.
Singapore’s International Festival to be Distributed by AmWest
05/17/2012
PROSPECT, KENTUCKY, May 14, 2012—Two outstanding days of racing from Singapore, topped by the $2.4-million Singapore Airlines International Cup (G1) and the $800,100 KrisFlyer International Sprint (G1) on May 20, will be simulcast around North America under the direction of Kentucky-based AmWest Entertainment.
Selected by the Singapore Turf Club for the distinction of distributing the signals for the major Group 1 events as well as the May 18 program featuring the Singapore Guineas and the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe, AmWest Entertainment is North America’s leading provider of elite international racing for wagering.
“We are anticipating two great days of top international competition as we follow many of the best horses and connections that have campaigned in the major races from Europe, Dubai, Hong Kong, Australia and other venues. It is an honor to partner with the Singapore Turf Club to provide our comprehensive simulcast program with the depth of quality that this racing and wagering represents to our North American customers and affiliates,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens.
Horses expected to compete in the international races at Kranji Racecourse include Chinchon, winner of the United Nations Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park in 2010 and second in that race last year; 2011 Hong Kong Cup (G1) winner California Memory; multiple German champion and Group 1 winner Zazou; five-time Singapore champion Waikato; venerable Hong Kong campaigner Thumbs Up, who was recently second in the international Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1); international Group 1 winner Rocket Man, Singapore’s reigning Horse of the Year, and recent Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) victor Krypton Factor.
The quality of the Singapore fields is reflected in the fact that just those seven horses alone have earned $18.7-million, or an average of $2,675,084 each.
The May 18 Kranji program will include nine races, with the featured Singapore Guineas set to be run at 9:35 a.m. EDT and the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe at 8:25 a.m. The May 20 program will span 11 races, with the KrisFlyer International Sprint, captured last year by Rocket Man, going off at 7:50 a.m. EDT and the Singapore Airlines International Cup, won last year by American Grade 1 winner Gitano Hernando, set for 8:40 a.m.
For more information, contact: Nelson Clemmens, 502-292-1075
About AmWest Entertainment:
AmWest Entertainment is a diversified simulcast service and account wagering provider that enjoys strong relationships with racetracks and other racing organizations, including the Dubai Racing Club and Dubai World Cup. Our continued involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and our ongoing commitment to many state, national and international initiatives, are major determinants in how the company conducts business. AmWest is committed to serve the racing industry and our customers utilizing transparency and best practices.
Wagering on Dubai Racing Reaches All-Time High
04/10/2012
AmWest News Release
PROSPECT, KENTUCKY, April 10, 2012—Wagering throughout the Western Hemisphere on the Dubai World Cup program, as administered by Prospect, Kentucky-based AmWest Entertainment, reached a new all-time record high this year of $5.1-million.
Total betting in North and South America and the Caribbean on seven Thoroughbred races, headlined by the $10-million Dubai World Cup (G1), rose 19.5% from the amount wagered on the same seven races in 2011. The average wagered per race was approximately $728,500 with first post time at 9:10 a.m. EDT on March 31.
Another record was established by combined handle from the Dubai World Cup program and the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the 15-day international festival that began on January 5 and extended through March 17, which was up 9% from 2011 totals. That record was reached despite unprecedented early post times, set in Dubai, for some days that equated to a challenging 6 a.m. for East Coast players and even earlier for others across the Americas.
A third all-time record was set on Super Saturday, the prep day for the Dubai World Cup program that featured five rich group stakes including two Group 1 events. Wagering on Super Saturday, March 10, grew by 14.6% compared to 2011 totals for what had been a Super Thursday card.
“We are very proud to have set new records this year for wagering on Dubai racing, which is the epitome of outstanding international competition,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens, who attended the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse. “Our strong promotional programs that support elite global racing are generating new revenue for racing and horsemen in the United States, Canada and other regions of the Americas through handle while offering players superior racing and wagering action with full fields of exceptional runners and formful racing.”
“It's very encouraging to see U.S. fans continuing to be so interested in the Dubai World Cup, and the record figures are a tribute to the work AmWest has put into promoting the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the big day itself and a reflection of the strength of the product generated by the top class racing from Meydan,” said Terry Spargo, who oversees worldwide broadcasting of Dubai racing.
Following its record Dubai season, AmWest Entertainment soon will publicly launch its revolutionary wagering platform at www.AmWager.com, which features the industry’s most advanced betting features and functions for both professional and casual players.
For more information, contact: AmWest CEO Nelson Clemmens, 502-292-1075
Top Runners from Around Globe Will Likely Fill Dubai World Cup Fields
03/18/2012
By Michele MacDonald
At least 48 Grade/Group 1 winners and more than 20 champions or classic winners are expected to meet in what will be the world’s richest day of racing, the $27-million Dubai World Cup (G1) program at Meydan Racecourse on March 31.
With eight Thoroughbred races on the program, the prospective fields released by the Dubai Racing Club on March 18 have an average of 14 elite runners per race.
American champion Royal Delta and fellow multiple Grade 1 winner Game On Dude each will try to become the ninth winner of the Dubai World Cup to represent the United States in what will be the 17th running of the world’s richest race, worth $10-million and $6-million to the winner.
To win the prize, they will have to defeat a dozen likely challengers led by Australian champion and multiple European Group 1 winner So You Think from Ballydoyle; the formidable Japanese trio of champion Transcend (second in the 2011 World Cup), 20-time stakes winner Smart Falcon and classic winner Eishin Flash; German champion Zazou and the Godolphin-trained army of Monterosso (third last year), Prince Bishop, Mendip and Capponi.
Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner St Nicholas Abbey heads the $5-million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at 2410 meters (about 1 ½ miles), with Ballydoyle stablemate and Irish Derby (G1) winner Treasure Beach a top contender. France’s top rated older horse Cirrus des Aigles and South African champions Bold Silvano and Mahbooba also are top contenders, along with American Grade 1 winner Chinchon.
Eight Grade/Group 1 winners are expected to contest the $5-million Dubai Duty Free (G1) at 1800 meters (about 1 1/8 miles) on turf with Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon, Hong Kong Cup (G1) winner California Memory and Hong Kong Champions Mile (G1) winner Xtension a dangerous trio from that island. Last year’s winner Presvis is back to defend his title, with the talented Musir and proven Group 1 performers Wigmore Hall, Rio de La Plata and Planteur all creditable chances.
American speed will be on display in the $2-mllion Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) at 1200 meters (about six furlongs) in the form of Grade 1 winners The Factor and Giant Ryan. They will vie to become the tenth American-based winner since the race was upgraded in 2000 but will have to defeat 2011 winner and Singapore Horse of the Year Rocket Man, Hong Kong Sprint (G1) winner Lucky Nine and South African Group 1 winner August Rush.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G2) winner Regally Ready will try to rebound from his disappointing debut in Dubai on Super Saturday in a probable field of 16 for the $1-million Al Quoz Sprint (G1) at 1000 meters (about five furlongs) on turf. His opponents will include 2010 Al Quoz Sprint winner Joy And Fun, Australian Group 1 winner Ortensia and European Group 1 winning sprinters Prohibit, Sole Power and Margot Did.
Trainer Graham Motion has entered Team Valor International’s Lucky Chappy in the $2-million UAE Derby (G2) over 1900 meters (about 1 3/16 miles), where the colt will encounter Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner Wrote and United Arab Emirates classic winners Kinglet, Mickdaam and Falls of Lora. Multiple Australian Group 1 winner Helmet, Argentine Group 1 winner Balada Sale and Uruguyan champion Boby di Job have an age advantage as Southern Hemisphere-breds.
American and Canadian Grade 1 winners Unusual Suspect and Joshua Tree both will try the 3200 meters (about two miles) of the $1-million Dubai Gold Cup (G3), a new addition to the Dubai World Cup program this year. Among their rivals will be South African Horse of the Year Irish Flame, German classic winner Fox Hunt and French marathon specialist Kasbah Bliss.
American Grade 1 winners Richard’s Kid and Western Aristocrat along with the veteran Barbecue Eddie, who was Grade 1-placed in California, are among 13 probable starters in the $1-million Godolphin Mile (G2).
Following are the likely fields:
$10-million Dubai World Cup, 2000 meters, all-weather
Horse (Sire) Country Trainer
Capponi (Medicean) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Eishin Flash (King’s Best) Japan Hideaki Fujiwara
Game On Dude (Awesome Again) USA Bob Baffert
Gitano Hernando (Hernando) South Africa Herman Brown
Master of Hounds (Kingmambo) South Africa Mike de Kock
Mendip (Harlan’s Holiday) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
Monterosso (Dubawi) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Prince Bishop (Dubawi) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
*Royal Delta (Empire Maker) USA Bill Mott
Silver Pond (Act One) UAE Doug Watson
Smart Falcon (Gold Allure) Japan Ken Kozaki
So You Think (High Chaparral) Ireland Aidan O’Brien
Transcend (Wild Rush) Japan Yasuda Takayuki
Zazou (Shamardal) Germany Waldemar Hickst
* Indicates filly or mare
$5-million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1), 2410 meters, turf
Beaten Up (Beat Hollow) Britain William Haggas
Bold Silvano (Silvano) South Africa Mike de Kock
Cavalryman (Halling) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
Chinchon (Marju) France Carlos Laffon-Parias
Cirrus des Aigles (Even Top) France Corine Barande-Barne
Grand Vent (Shirocco) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
Green Destiny (Marju) South Africa Herman Brown
Jakkalberry (Storming Home) Britain Marco Botti
*Mahbooba (Galileo) South Africa Mike de Kock
Shimraan (Rainbow Quest) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Simon de Montfort (King’s Best) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Songcraft (Singspiel) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
St Nicholas Abbey (Montjeu) Ireland Aidan O’Brien
Treasure Beach (Galileo) Ireland Aidan O’Brien
Zanzamar (Fort Wood) South Africa Mike de Kock
$5-million Dubai Duty Free (G1), 1800 meters, turf
Ambitious Dragon (Pins) Hong Kong Tony Millard
Await the Dawn (Giant’s Causeway) Ireland Aidan O’Brien
California Memory (Highest Honor) Hong Kong Tony Cruz
City Style (City Zip) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Cityscape (Selkirk) Britain Roger Charlton
Dark Shadow (Dance in the Dark) Japan Norikyuki Hori
Delegator (Dansili) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
Dubawi Gold (Dubawi) Britain Richard Hannon
Musir (Redoute’s Choice) South Africa Mike de Kock
Mutahadee (Encosta de Lago) South Africa Mike de Kock
Planteur (Danehill Dancer) Britain Marco Botti
Presvis (Sakhee) Britain Luca Cumani
Rajsaman (Linamix) UAE Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Rio de La Plata (Rahy) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
Wigmore Hall (High Chaparral) Britain Michael Bell
Xtension (Xaar) Hong Kong John Moore
$2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), 1200 meters, all-weather
August Rush (Var) South Africa Herman Brown
Giant Ryan (Freud) USA Bisnath Parboo
Happy Dubai (Indian Ridge) UAE Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Hitchens (Acclamation) Britain David Barron
Inxile (Fayruz) Britain David Nicholls
Iver Bridge Lad (Avonbridge) Britain John Ryan
Krypton Factor (Kyllachy) Bahrain Fawzi Nass
Lucky Nine (Dubawi) Hong Kong Casper Fownes
Rocket Man (Viscount) Singapore Patrick Shaw
Russian Rock (Rock of Gibraltar) UAE Musabah Al Muhairi
Sepoy (Elusive Quality) Australia Peter Snowden
Soul (Commands) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
The Factor (War Front) USA Bob Baffert
$1-million Al Quoz Sprint (G1), 1000 meters, turf
*A Shin Virgo (Falbrav) Japan Ken Kozaki
Addictive Dream (Kheleyf) Britain David Nicholls
Ato (Royal Academy) Singapore Patrick Shaw
Better Be The One (More Than Ready) Sinagpore Michael Freedman
Eagle Regiment (El Moxie) Hong Kong Man Ka Leung
*Invincible Ash (Invincible Spirit) Ireland Michael Halford
Joy And Fun (Cullen) Hong Kong Derek Cruz
*Margot Did (Exceed and Excel) Britain Michael Bell
Monsieur Joe (Choisir) Britain Robert Cowell
Nocturnal Affair (Victory Moon) Ireland David Marnane
*Ortensia (Testa Rossa) Australia Paul Messara
Prohibit (Oasis Dream) Britain Robert Cowell
Regally Ready (More Than Ready) USA Steve Asmussen
Secret Asset (Clodovil) Britain Jane Chapple-Hyam
Sole Power (Kyllachy) Ireland Edward Lynam
War Artist (Orpen) South Africa Mike de Kock
$2-million UAE Derby (G2), 1900 meters, all-weather
*Balada Sale (Not For Sale) France Pascal Bary
Boby Di Job (Job Di Caroline) South Africa Mike de Kock
Burano (Dalakhani) Britain Brian Meehan
Daddy Long Legs (Scat Daddy) Ireland Aidan O’Brien
Entifaadha (Dansili) Britain William Haggas
*Falls of Lora (Street Cry) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Genten (Bernardini) Japan Yoshito Yahagi
Helmet (Exceed and Excel) Australia Peter Snowden
Kinglet (Kingmambo) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Lucky Chappy (High Chaparral) USA Graham Motion
Mickdaam (Dubawi) South Africa Mike de Kock
Red Duke (Hard Spun) Britain John Quinn
Wrote (High Chaparral) Ireland Aidan O’Brien
Yang Tse Kiang (Kahyasi) France Richard Chotard
$1-million Dubai Gold Cup (G3), 3200 meters, turf
Averroes (Galileo) UAE Ernst Oertel
Barbican (Hurricane Run) Britain Alan Bailey
Fox Hunt (Dubawi) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Irish Flame (Dynasty) South Africa Mike de Kock
Joshua Tree (Montjeu) Britain Marco Botti
Kasbah Bliss (Kahyasi) France Francois Doumen
Makani Bisty (Zenno Rob Roy) Japan Yoshito Yahagi
Mikhail Glinka (Galileo) South Africa Herman Brown
Opinion Poll (Halling) UAE Mahmood Al Zarooni
Unusual Suspect (Unusual Heat) Australia Michael Kent
Zanzamar (Fort Wood) South Africa Mike de Kock
$1-million Godolphin Mile (G2), 1600 meters, all-weather
African Story (Pivotal) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
Barbecue Eddie (Stormy Atlantic) UAE Doug Watson
Derbaas (Seeking the Gold) UAE Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Do It All (Distorted Humor) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
*First City (Diktat) UAE Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Haatheq (Seeking the Gold) UAE Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Red Jazz (Johannesburg) Britain Charles Hills
Richard’s Kid (Lemon Drop Kid) UAE Satish Seemar
Sandagiyr (Dr Fong) UAE Saeed bin Suroor
Shamalgan (Footstepsinthesand) France Xavier Nakkachdji
Snaafy (Kingmambo) UAE Musabah Al Muhairi
Viscount Nelson (Giant’s Causeway) South Africa Mike de Kock
Western Aristocrat (Mr. Greeley) Britain Jeremy Noseda
Champions, Millionaires Ready for Dubai’s Super Saturday of Rich Stakes
03/05/2012
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 5, 2012— More than 20 international Grade/Group 1 winners are likely to compete on the March 10 Dubai Super Saturday card of seven stakes worth a total of $1,775,000 that are the principal preps for the world’s richest day of racing—the $27-million Dubai World Cup (G1) program on March 31.
Seven runners who have won or placed in North American Grade 1 events, led by Breeders’ Cup winner Regally Ready, are set to be in the lineup for Super Saturday, with first post at 8:05 a.m. EST.
Previews and free past performances (PPs) will be released this week by AmWest Entertainment, following entries and declarations, and will be available at www.AmWestEntertainment.com. The AmWest site also will host a special Night School handicapping seminar beginning at 8:30 p.m. EST on March 8 as part of Horseplayer NOW’s Big Event series, and will provide free live streaming video of all the Super Saturday races.
Many more international stars are poised for the expanded eight-race Dubai World Cup program on March 31, when champions from around the world—led by Animal Kingdom and Royal Delta from the United States—are expected to run at Dubai’s spectacular Meydan Racecourse.
“We have many of the best from America, high-class Europeans and top horses from Australia and Asia. There are not many we have missed,” said Martin Talty, manager of the Dubai Racing Club’s international department, in reviewing probable runners for Super Saturday and Dubai World Cup day.
Super Saturday’s preps, topped by the $400,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round III (G1) and the $300,000 Jebel Hatta (G1), typically have yielded many World Cup program winners and place-getters. The program thus is a must-see event for Dubai World Cup handicappers and will feature the full fields and robust payoffs for which Dubai racing is known.
Following are lists of the Super Saturday races, with just a few of the likely participants in each.
$400,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round III (G1), 2000 meters (about 1 ¼ miles) on Meydan’s all-weather track, a prep over course and distance for the $10-million Dubai World Cup (G1):
Fly Down (Mineshaft), earnings $1,210,862—Kentucky-bred $80,000 Keeneland yearling, winner 2010 Dwyer S. (G2), 2nd Belmont S. (G1), Travers S. (G1); 3rd Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), 2nd 2012 King’s Cup;
Bold Silvano (Silvano), earnings $460,298—winner 2010 Durban July (G1), Greyville S. (G2), 2011 Maktoum Challenge Round II (G3), 2009 Champion Juvenile Cup (G3);
Biondetti (Bernardini), earnings $358,891—Kentucky-bred $350,000 Fasig-Tipton July yearling, winner 2010 Grand Criterium (G1);
Mendip (Harlan’s Holiday), earnings $888,461—Kentucky-bred $375,000 Fasig-Tipton Florida two-year-old, winner 2012 Maktoum Challenge Round II (G2), 2011 Maktoum Challenge Round I (G3), 2011 Burj Nahaar (G3);
Monterosso (Dubawi), earnings $1,383,790—winner 2011 Dubai City of Gold (G2), King Edward VII (G2), 3rd 2011 Dubai World Cup (G1).
$300,000 Jebel Hatta (G1), 1800 meters (about 1 1/8 miles) on turf, a prep over course and distance for the $5-million Dubai Duty Free (G1):
Presvis (Sakhee), earnings $6,524,194—winner 2011 Dubai Duty Free (G1), 2009 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1), 2010 Jebel Hatta (G2), 2011 Al Rashidiya (G2), etc.;
Wigmore Hall (High Chaparral), earnings $1,343,761—winner 2011 Northern Dancer Turf S. (G1), 2011 Jebel Hatta (G2), 2nd 2010 Secretariat S. (G1), 3rd 2011 Dubai Duty Free (G1);
Musir (Redoute’s Choice), earnings $2,337,481—2009 champion South African juvenile male, winner 2009 Golden Horseshoe (G1), 2010 UAE Derby (G2), 2012 Al Rashidiya (G2), 2011 International Topkapi Trophy (G2), 2010 UAE 2000 Guineas (G3), 2012 Al Maktoum Challenge Round I (G3);
Dubawi Gold (Dubawi), earnings $675,959—winner 2011 Celebration Mile (G2), 2nd English (G1) and Irish (G1) 2000 Guineas [also possible for Burj Nahaar (G3), see below].
$250,000 Dubai City of Gold (G2), 2410 meters (about 1 ½ miles) on turf, a prep over course and distance for the $5-million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1):
Al Shemali (Medicean), earnings $3,501,252—winner 2010 Dubai Duty Free (G1), 3rd Singapore Airlines International Cup (G1), etc.;
Campanologist (Kingmambo), earnings $1,676,145—winner 2011 Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1), Preis von Europa (G1), 2010 Grosser-Hansa-Preis (G1), Rheinland-Pokal (G1), 2010 Dubai City of Gold (G2), 2nd 2011 Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1), 3rd Gran Premio di Milano (G1), etc.;
Cavalryman (Halling), earnings $1,678,652—winner 2009 Grand Prix de Paris (G1), Prix Niel (G2), 3rd 2009 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), 2010 Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1), etc.;
Joshua Tree (Montjeu), earnings $1,864,763—winner 2010 Canadian International S. (G1), 2009 Royal Lodge S. (G2), 2nd 2011 Canadian International S. (G1), 3rd 2011 Grosser Preis von Baden (G1), etc. [also possible for Maktoum Challenge Round III (G1)];
Rio de La Plata (Rahy), earnings $1,701,827—Kentucky-bred $75,000 Keeneland yearling, winner 2010 Premio Vittorio di Capua (G1), 2007 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1), 2nd 2008 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) (G1), 2nd 2010 & ’11 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1) etc.;
Mahbooba (Galileo), earnings $755,805—2010 champion South African juvenile filly, winner 2010 Golden Slipper (G1), Debutante (G2), 2012 Balanchine (G2), 2011 UAE 1000 Guineas, etc.;
Irish Flame (Dynasty), earnings $393,500—2010 South African Horse of the Year, champion stayer, champion three-year-old, winner South African Derby (G1), Daily News 2000 (G1), 2nd Durban July (G1), 3rd South African Classic (G1), etc.
$200,000 Burj Nahaar (G3), 1600 meters (about one mile) on all-weather, a prep leading to the $1-million Godolphin Mile (G2), the Dubai World Cup (G1) or the Dubai Duty Free (G1):
Gitano Hernando (Hernando), earnings $2,018,837—winner 2011 Singapore Airlines International Cup (G1), 2009 Goodwood S. (G1), 3rd 2011 Maktoum Challenge Round III (G2);
River Jetez (Jet Master), earnings $2,117,292—winner 2010 J & B Met (G1), 2011 Balanchine (G2), 2nd 2011 Dubai Duty Free (G1), Singapore Airlines International Cup (G1), 3rd Beverly D. S. (G1);
Richard’s Kid (Lemon Drop Kid), earnings $1,721,370—winner 2009 & ’10 Pacific Classic S. (G1), 2010 Goodwood S.(G1), San Antonio H. (G2), 3rd 2009 Goodwood S. (G1), etc.;
Le Drakkar (Anabaa), earnings $187,771—winner 2008 Cape Guineas (G1), Selangor Cup (G2), 3rd 2009 Cape Derby (G1), 2011 Al Fahidi Fort (G2), etc.
$200,000 Mahab Al Shimaal (G3), 1200 meters (about six furlongs) on all-weather, a prep over course and distance for the $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1):
August Rush (Var), earnings $102,409—winner 2011 Mercury Sprint (G1), 2nd 2011 Golden Horse Casino Sprint (G1) (also possible for Meydan Sprint);
Hitchens (Acclamation), earnings $901,248—winner 2012 Al Shindagha Sprint (G3), 2011 Greenlands Stakes (G3), 3rd Darley July Cup (G1).
$250,000 Al Bastikiya, 1900 meters (about 1 3/16 miles) on all-weather, the middle jewel of the UAE Triple Crown and a course and distance stepping stone to the $2-million UAE Derby (G2):
Boby di Job (Job di Caroline), earnings $154,720—2011 champion Uruguayan juvenile colt, winner Uruguayan Gran Premio Jockey Club, Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (Uruguayan 2000 Guineas), etc.;
Kinglet (Kingmambo), earnings $172,531—winner 2012 UAE 2000 Guineas (G3);
Matusalen (Caradak), earnings $100,379—2011 Spanish champion juvenile colt.
$175,000 Meydan Sprint, 1000 meters (about five furlongs) on turf, a prep over course and distance for the $1-million Al Quoz Sprint (G1):
Regally Ready (More Than Ready), earnings $1,219,684—winner 2011 Nearctic S. (G1), Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G2), Turf Sprint S. (G3), San Simeon H. (G3);
War Artist (Orpen), earnings $1,090,416—2007 Mercury Sprint (G1), 2010 Al Shindagha Sprint (G3), Prix de Ris-Orangis (G3), 2nd 2011 Al Quoz Sprint (G2), 2008 Golden Jubilee (G1), 3rd 2009 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp (G1), 2008 Darley July Cup (G1) [also possible for Mahab Al Shimaal (G3)].
Prohibit (Oasis Dream), earnings $813,265—winner 2011 King’s Stand S. (G1), 3rd Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (G1);
Sole Power (Kyllachy), earnings $454,134—winner 2010 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (G1), 2011 Temple Stakes (G2), 3rd 2011 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp (G1);
Margot Did (Exceed and Excel), earnings $425,664—winner 2011 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (G1).
For more information, contact AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens at 502-292-1075.
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.
AmWest to Distribute Dubai Carnival Signal for Third Year
01/03/2012
PROSPECT, KENTUCKY, January 3, 2012—With more than $38-million on the line and some of the world’s best horses poised to compete, including Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Animal Kingdom, the Dubai World Cup Carnival will begin on January 5 for what could be its most exciting season ever.
The first two of 16 total Carnival programs, on January 5 and 6, will feature the Meydan Masters international jockey challenge with such stars as Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore, Andrasch Starke, Craig Williams and Christophe Lemaire vying for top honors.
The Dubai World Cup program—eight prestigious stakes worth $27-million topped by the $10-million Dubai World Cup—will be run on March 31.
Kentucky-based AmWest Entertainment will partner with the Dubai Racing Club for the third consecutive year to distribute the Dubai simulcast signal for wagering around North and South America and the Caribbean region.
“This year’s Dubai World Cup Carnival and its capstone event, the Dubai World Cup, promise the most dynamic racing and wagering in its history. AmWest Entertainment, with our growing role of providing the best of international racing to North America and beyond, is particularly enthused about delivering this year’s Carnival through our broad affiliation of track, ADW, OTB and media partners,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens.
Team Valor International’s Animal Kingdom is pleasing trainer H. Graham Motion as he prepares for his bid to become only the second Kentucky Derby winner to capture the Dubai World Cup, following Silver Charm’s Dubai win in 1998. Animal Kingdom worked twice at Fair Hill Training Center in Marylalnd over the holidays in his first drills since he incurred a hock injury in the Belmont Stakes (G1), recording a half-mile breeze in :49 on January 2.
“He’s doing great. I couldn’t be happier with him,” Motion said. “It seems to have taken us a long time to get him back, but I’m obviously very excited to have him back. He looks like a different colt now. He’s matured a lot—he’s a big, strapping horse.”
Motion has picked out the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (G1) on February 11 as Animal Kingdom’s possible return to competition and prep for the Dubai World Cup. However, he also has pinpointed a possible Dubai Carnival race in February if Team Valor opts to send the son of Leroidesanimaux to the Middle East early, as did the connections of champion Curlin.
Additionally, Motion has other possible runners for Dubai: Riverdee Stable’s distance specialist Eagle Poise for the $1-million Dubai Gold Cup (G3); Augustin Stable’s Grade 2 winner Smart Bid for either the $1-million Godolphin Mile (G2) or the $5-million Dubai Duty Free (G1), and Team Valor’s Lucky Chappy for the $2-million UAE Derby (G2).
Horses representing at least 14 countries are expected to compete in Dubai this year, said Martin Talty, Dubai’s international manager. Other American stars pointing for the World Cup include Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) winner Royal Delta, with Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) runner-up Game On Dude and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Ruler On Ice possible contenders.
Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner St Nicholas Abbey is a potential runner in the $5-million Dubai Sheema Classic, and Coolmore’s Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O’Brien also could saddle four-time Group 1 winner Fame and Glory in Dubai.
Other stars already on the grounds in Dubai include 2011 Dubai Duty Free (G1) winner Presvis, who has won at least one race during the previous three Carnivals and has earned an average of $522,000 in his nine Dubai starts; Singapore International Cup (G1) winner Gitano Hernando; top European sprinter and Group 1 winner Prohibit, and South African Group 1 winner Bold Silvano, who loomed as a possible World Cup favorite last year before he was sidelined by an injury.
Multiple Australian Group 1 winners and champions Sepoy and Helmet are set to run for the Maktoum family’s powerful Godolphin stable, and Talty said Japan’s Triple Crown winner and probable Horse of the Year Orfevre also could compete.
“I think we will have stronger racing than ever,” Talty said, pointing to the elevation of two races to Group 1 level on Dubai’s Super Saturday, March 10, which will be the key Carnival prep day for the World Cup program with five group stakes and $1,775,000 in purses. “The Carnival has built up to the stage now that everyone hoped it would reach. We’ve got top trainers coming back year after year and many of the world’s best horses.”
AmWest Entertainment will provide free past performance data for all the Dubai World Cup Carnival races and also will provide live streaming video of each program at www.amwestentertainment.com. AmWest’s media partner Daily Racing Form also will provide live streaming video and editorial coverage of the Dubai races at www.drf.com.
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For more information, contact: AmWest CEO Nelson Clemmens at 502-292-1075
About AmWest Entertainment:
AmWest Entertainment is a diversified simulcast service and account wagering provider that enjoys strong relationships with racetracks and other racing organizations, including the Dubai Racing Club and Dubai World Cup. Our continued involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and our ongoing commitment to many state, national and international initiatives, are major determinants in how the company conducts business. AmWest is committed to serve the racing industry and our customers utilizing transparency and best practices.
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 Participates in International Leaders in Racing Event
11/28/2011
Shortly after attending the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) at Longchamp in Paris and overseeing simulcasting of Europe’s championship program to North America, AmWest representatives participated in the first Leaders in Racing conference in London.
AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens attended all the panel discussions during the five Leaders sessions held at the Chelsea Football Club facilities with sponsors including GBI Racing and The Jockey Club of the United Kingdom.
International racing executives from around the world were featured on the list of speakers, including Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; British Horseracing Authority Chairman Paul Roy; Phumelela Group Chief Executive Officer Rian du Plessis; Singapore Turf Club Vice President Kim Heng Teo, and Tabcorp International Wagering Manager Paul Cross.
More than 200 delegates from 22 nations attended the event.
The Leaders in Racing Conference was part of a larger Leaders forum that encompassed separate sessions for Leaders in Football, Leaders in Digital Sport, Leaders in Sponsorship and Leaders in Performance.
As a prelude to the business sessions, GBI Racing hosted an evening of racing at Kempton Park. Clemmens and AmWest Director of International Racing Michele MacDonald helped present the trophy for the eighth race on the program, the GBI Welcome Leaders in Racing Handicap.
Fedora, an Irish-bred five-year-old mare by Cape Cross trained by Olivia Maylam and ridden by Cathy Gannon, won the seven-furlong race on the all-weather track for owner Mrs. V. A. Ward.
Arc Simulcast Results Rise Significantly in North America
10/25/2011
Prospect, Kentucky, October 25, 2011—Highlighted by several outstanding performances on two sunny afternoons at Longchamp, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Weekend generated more than three times the total betting handle around North America this year compared to 2010.
With Kentucky-based AmWest Entertainment overseeing the distribution of the French simulcast signal for the first time, outlets around the United States and Canada presented the Arc Weekend races on October 1 and 2 while offering wagering.
“It was an inspiring weekend of racing and we are delighted with the results,” said Aymeric Verlet, international director of the Pari Mutuel Urbain, which directs wagering on French races both domestically and abroad under the auspices of France-Galop.
“We are proud to be partnered with PMU to bring Arc Weekend to the North American market, which responded with unprecedented media coverage and sharply increased wagering and viewing results. We are looking very forward to building on our successful simulcast program in 2012,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens, who attended the races at Longchamp for the second consecutive year.
Verlet noted that the upset victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) by German-bred three-year-old filly Danedream, who led a procession of fillies across the finish line in first, second and third, greatly benefited savvy German bettors. Danedream, who paid $50.20 to her supporters in North America, set an Arc record of 2:24.49 for the 2400 meters before an on-track crowd of 50,250, which was up 17% from the 2010 attendance.
International wagering, including the betting from North America, pushed the overall handle on Arc weekend considerably higher, with the Hong Kong market representing a hefty share of international betting on the Arc program, Verlet said. Seven Group 1 races were featured on the Arc program on October 2, while four Group 2 races were contested at Longchamp on October 1 to open France’s most dramatic weekend of racing.
Other highlights included two wins on Arc day by horses ridden by Frankie Dettori, which represented his 500th and 501st group race victories. The jockey described Dabirsim, the juvenile colt he rode to win the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1), as a “superstar” and the best two-year-old he has ever ridden.
William Buick, 23, a rising English-based jockey star, also rode two winners on Arc day, including Dream Ahead, who just caught champion mare Goldikova on the finish line of the Prix de la Foret (G1). Goldikova won the Foret last year prior to her third consecutive victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), and she is expected to try for her fourth Mile on November 5 at Churchill Downs.
Buick’s other winner, the filly Elusive Kate in the Prix Marcel Boussac (G1), is set to contest the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G2) on November 4. Additional noteworthy performers on the Arc program expected to travel to the U.S. include The Aga Khan’s multiple Group 1 winner Sarafina, slated to run in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), and Irish Champion Stakes (G1) winner and Australian champion So You Think, aimed at the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
Other Arc weekend stars, including subsequent British Champion Stakes (G1) winner Cirrus des Aigles and the valiant four-year-old filly Snow Fairy, third in the Arc and in the Champion Stakes, are set to compete next in Hong Kong and/or Japan. Danedream may also run in Japan.
For more information, contact:
Nelson Clemmens
CEO, AmWest Entertainment
502-292-1075
Ines Hendili
International Project Manager, PMU
+33 1 56 09 94 13
About AmWest Entertainment:
AmWest Entertainment is a diversified simulcast service and account wagering provider that enjoys strong relationships with racetracks and other racing organizations, including the Dubai Racing Club and Dubai World Cup. Our continued involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and our ongoing commitment to many state, national and international initiatives, are major determinants in how the company conducts business. AmWest is committed to serve the racing industry and our customers utilizing transparency and best practices.
About PMU:
PMU is the number one pari-mutuel operator in Europe, with €9.54 billion in turnover in 2010. PMU provides 11,000 outlets for its customers, and www.pmu.fr is the top betting website in France. Additionally, PMU has developed special applications for mobile terminals and oversees the racing television channel Equidia. PMU provides 80% of financing for the horse racing sector in France; PMU’s net income of €791 million in 2010 is fully returned to racing authorities, giving them the resources to operate.
About France-Galop :
France-Galop, the parent racing organization for Flat and Jump races in France, runs six premier racecourses, including Longchamp and Chantilly, and three training centers. France-Galop organizes the world's most prestigious racing weekend with seven Group 1 Thoroughbred races including the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, recognized as the most exclusive race in the world in terms of prestige and quality of runners.
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AmWest Chosen to Deliver Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
09/24/2011
Prospect, Kentucky, September 22, 2011—AmWest Entertainment, cited for its excellence in promoting international racing, has been selected by France-Galop and Pari Mutuel Urbain to distribute the simulcast signal for Europe’s championship event, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Weekend, throughout North America.
AmWest—which has set records as the exclusive provider of Dubai World Cup racing in North America—will coordinate wagering opportunities on the two highly anticipated days of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Weekend at Longchamp racecourse in Paris on October 1 and 2.
Seven Group 1 championship caliber races will be conducted on October 2, including the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, one of the world’s richest and most prestigious events with a purse of €4 million (approximately $5,640,000). The Arc is run over 2400 meters (1 ½ miles) and recent winners include the extraordinary Sea The Stars and Godolphin’s Sakhee, who subsequently just missed catching Tiznow by a nose in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Juddmonte Farms’ homebred Workforce defeated Japan’s valiant Nakayama Festa in a thrilling 2010 finish.
“In keeping with our commitment to present the best of international racing, we are especially excited and honored to partner with PMU and France-Galop to provide the Prix de l’ Arc de Triomphe Weekend of racing,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. “On both the Saturday and Sunday programs, North American racetrack, simulcast and account wagering customers will experience the highest quality racing featuring full fields along with a varied menu of wagers. This will be a great racing and wagering experience for everyone.”
“PMU is very pleased to work with AmWest Entertainment to offer the best French Thoroughbred races of the year,” said PMU International Director Aymeric Verlet. “We trust in AmWest to best promote the excellence of Europe’s richest racing program, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Weekend, which has never before been completely offered for betting in North America. We have found in the AmWest team the same enthusiasm as ours about the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.”
The Arc Weekend programs showcase some of the world’s most brilliant racehorses, jockeys and trainers, while also yielding formidable contenders for Breeders’ Cup races, such as the incomparable Goldikova. In 2010, Goldikova trumped a sterling ten-horse field in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de la Foret on the Arc program before winning her third consecutive Breeders’ Cup Mile, and she is expected to run again in the 2011 Prix de la Foret.
AmWest is working with racetracks, off-track betting centers and account wagering providers around North America to arrange betting opportunities on the Arc Weekend programs. In addition to the Arc and the €300,000 Prix de la Foret at 1400 meters (seven furlongs), the other Group 1 races on October 2 will be:
· Europe’s championship sprint, the €300,000 Qatar Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp at 1000 meters (five furlongs);
· The €300,000 Total Prix Marcel Boussac for juvenile fillies at one mile;
· The €350,000 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagerdere for juvenile colts at 1400 meters (seven furlongs);
· The €350,000 Prix de l’Opera for fillies and mares at 2000 meters (1 ¼ miles), and
· The marathon €250,000 Prix du Cadran at 4000 meters (about 2 ½ miles).
Four Group 2 races will be featured on the seven-race October 1 program, all with purses of €130,000: the Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein for three-year-olds and up at one mile; the Qatar Prix Dollar for three-year-olds and up at 1950 meters (about 9 ½ furlongs); the Qatar Prix de Royallieu for fillies and mares at 2500 meters (about 1 9/16 miles), and the Qatar Prix Chaudenay for three-year-olds at 3000 meters (about 15 furlongs).
First post for the October 1 program of seven Thoroughbred races will be 8 a.m. EDT, with the first Group 2 race, the Prix Chaudenay, at 9:40 a.m. EDT. First post on October 2 will be at 7:10 a.m. EDT with the Prix du Cadran kicking off the seven Group 1 events. The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is scheduled to be run at 10:15 a.m. EDT.
For more information, contact:
Nelson Clemmens
CEO, AmWest Entertainment
502-292-1075
Ines Hendili
International Project Manager, PMU
+33 1 56 09 94 13
About AmWest Entertainment:
AmWest Entertainment is a diversified simulcast service and account wagering provider that enjoys strong relationships with racetracks and other racing organizations, including the Dubai Racing Club and Dubai World Cup. Our continued involvement in Thoroughbred racing and breeding, and our ongoing commitment to many state, national and international initiatives, are major determinants in how the company conducts business. AmWest is committed to serve the racing industry and our customers utilizing transparency and best practices.
About PMU:
PMU is the number one pari-mutuel operator in Europe, with €9.54 billion in turnover in 2010. PMU provides 11,000 outlets for its customers, and www.pmu.fr is the top betting website in France. Additionally, PMU has developed special applications for mobile terminals and oversees the racing television channel Equidia. PMU provides 80% of financing for the horse racing sector in France; PMU’s net income of €791 million in 2010 is paid back in full to racing authorities, giving them the resources they need to operate.
About France-Galop :
France-Galop, the parent racing organization for Flat and Jump races in France, runs six premier racecourses, including Longchamp and Chantilly, and three training centers. France-Galop organises in October at Longchamp the world's most prestigious racing weekend with seven Group 1 Thoroughbred races including the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which is recognized as the most exclusive race in the world in terms of prestige and quality of runners.
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Dubai World Cup program to feature live video, interactive chat
03/25/2011
In partnership with AmWest Entertainment, North America’s most innovative account wagering provider, Horse Player NOW will produce a live, commercial and pop-up free chat covering the $26-million Dubai World Cup (G1) program from Meydan Racecourse on March 26.
The World Cup chat will be housed with the live video feed at www.AmWestEntertainment.com (http://tiny.cc/i1fvw). The chat can also be accessed at horseplayernow.com, XpressBet.com and ntra.com. The service is provided free of charge and no sign-up is required.
“The Dubai World Cup program is an International horse racing extravaganza, and we’re proud to work with AmWest to provide an information outlet for fans worldwide,” said Horse Player NOW co-owner Joe Kristufek. “Some of the very best horses in the world and full fields make these races the most exciting for fans and handicappers. The video and chat format very much enhances the race-day experience.”
“We are delighted to partner with Horse Player NOW for the second year in presenting the best racing in the world to fans and horseplayers,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. “With star power from across the globe, this year’s Dubai World Cup program promises to be one of the most memorable in history as both a sporting event and wagering opportunity.”
The Dubai World Cup chat room will open at 8:45 a.m. EDT, 30 minutes prior to the running of the $1-million Al Quoz Sprint (G2) and continues through the running of the $10-million Dubai World Cup (G1), which is slated for 1:35 p.m. EDT. The World Cup card features American stars like multiple champion Gio Ponti, Fly Down, I Want Revenge and ex-patriot Richard’s Kid vs. world-renowned headliners like multiple English highweight Twice Over; Japanese Horse of the Year Buena Vista, who is seeking to become racing’s all-time leading earner; Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Dangerous Midge; three-time South African champion J J the Jet Plane, and Singapore Horse of the Year Rocket Man. Horse Player NOW’s Jeremy Plonk, Globeform’s Geir Stabell and European analyst Liz Price will be hosts.
Horse Player NOW chats allow fans from all over the world to watch and play the races with industry experts and each other. Producers and panelists provide commentary while allowing chatters to express their opinions. Participants can join chats online or via their smart phone from anywhere in the world.
Horse Player NOW is co-owned, managed and operated by lifelong racing enthusiasts Joe Kristufek and Jeremy Plonk, who share worlds of combined experience working on the inside of the industry. They bring an array of insight while placing the horseplayer first. For more information, visit horseplayernow.com or contact Jeremy Plonk at Jeremy@horseplayernow.com or 570-459-4501.
AmWest Entertainment is committed to Thoroughbred racing around the world and to delivering the best of the sport to account wagering and simulcast services customers. AmWest offers racing from every major track in North America and has been selected by the Dubai Racing Club as the exclusive provider of the Carnival and World Cup simulcast signals throughout North and South America. For more information on AmWest and Dubai racing, visit www.AmWestEntertainment.com or call 502-292-1075.
AmWest Teams with Horse Player Now to offer live chats on Dubai racing
03/02/2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeremy Plonk
570-459-4501
Nelson Clemmens
502-292-1075
Super Thursday & Dubai World Cup programs to feature live video & interactive chat
Watch the world’s best racing and chat and wager with experts and fans from across the globe
In partnership with AmWest Entertainment, North America’s most innovative account wagering provider, Horse Player NOW will offer live, commercial and pop up free chats covering the March 3 Super Thursday program, a highlight of the Dubai International Racing Carnival, and the $26-million Dubai World Cup program on March 26 from Meydan Racecourse.
The chats will be housed next to the live video feed at www.AmWestEntertainment.com (http://tiny.cc/i1fvw). Each chat can also be accessed at horseplayernow.com, XpressBet.com and ntra.com. The service is provided free of charge and no sign-up is required.
“Hats off to AmWest for providing the live video feed of the Super Thursday and Dubai World Cup cards,” said Horse Player NOW co-owner Joe Kristufek. “Some of the very best horses in the world and full fields make these races the most exciting for fans and handicappers alike. The video and chat format very much enhances the race-day experience for online fans.”
“We are delighted to partner with Horse Player NOW for the second year in presenting the best racing in the world to fans and horseplayers,” said AmWest Chief Executive Officer Nelson Clemmens. “The quality of horses at this year’s Carnival is unsurpassed and the Super Thursday and Dubai World Cup programs promise to be the most memorable in history as sporting events and wagering opportunities.”
The Super Thursday chat room will open at 9:30 a.m. EST, 35 minutes prior to the running of the $250,000 Al Bastakiya (the second jewel of the UAE Triple Crown that leads to the $2-million UAE Derby on March 26), and continues through the running of the $250,000 Jebel Hatta, a prep for the $5-million Dubai Duty Free that is slated for 1:45 p.m. EST. The feature race of the day is the $300,000 Al Maktoum Challenge Round III, which has drawn American Grade 1 winners Richard’s Kid, Debussy and Gitano Hernando in addition to two champions from South Africa and Group 1 winners from England and Brazil. Horse Player NOW’s Jeremy Plonk and European racing analyst Liz Price will serve as hosts.
The Horse Player NOW chats allow racing fans from all over the world to watch and play the races with industry experts and each other. Producers and panelists provide commentary while concurrently allowing chatters to express their opinions. Participants can join Horse Player NOW chats online or via their smart phone from anywhere in the world.
AmWest Entertainment is committed to Thoroughbred racing around the world and to delivering the best of the sport to account wagering and simulcast services customers. AmWest offers racing from every major track in North America and has been selected by the Dubai Racing Club as the exclusive provider of the Carnival and World Cup simulcast signals throughout North and South America. For more information on AmWest and Dubai racing, visit www.AmWestEntertainment.com or call 502-292-1075.
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AmWest Entertainment to Offer World's Best Racing Throughout the Americas
01/10/2011
Read Article (PDF)
AmWest Chosen to Offer Expanded Menu of Dubai Racing in 2010-'11
11/08/2010
Read Article (PDF)
AmWest's Clemmens moderates International Simulcast Conference panel
09/29/2010
Read Article (PDF)
AmWest CEO Presents National Breeder Award
09/25/2010
Read Article (PDF)
Dubai Carnival Supplement
01/26/2010
Meydan
Read Article (PDF)
AmWest Entertainment Chosen to Distribute Dubai Racing in North & South America
01/19/2010
Read Article (PDF)