By Bailey Bianco, AmWest Entertainment

We love to check in with AmWest Entertainment CEO, Nelson Clemmens’ retired racehorses to see how they are doing in their new careers! Recently, we’ve been watching Le Chevalier take the world of Steeplechase by storm.

On March 18, 2017, Le Chevalier, affectionately called “Le Chevy,” competed in the 76th running of the Warrenton Hunt Races. The Warrenton Hunt is Virginia’s oldest Point-to-Point. Point-to-Point is a form of Steeplechase held at a local level, traditionally over farmland as opposed to commercial racecourses.

Point-to-Point racing, as the name suggests, began in 1752 when two neighbors challenged each other to race from one point to another - Buttevant Church to Doneraile Church, in County Cork, Ireland. The race consisted of a four-and-a-half-mile distance over stone walls, ditches and hedges all while keeping the steeple of the end point, Doneraile Church, in sight. 

Fast forward 265 years to the United States and you’ll find that Steeplechase consists of two forms: Hurdle and Timber. The Warrenton Hunt has been running Point-to-Point races since March 24, 1934. The jumps are similar to traditional natural obstacles however, are now man made.

Specifically, Le Chevy competed in The Springs Valley Open Timber division of the Warrenton Hunt, which is about three miles over solid, immovable, timber rail fences that can reach up to a maximum of five feet. Timber races are longer, from three to six miles, and require a different jumping style from the horse than Hurdle races. Horses like Le Chevy must jump with more of an arc than Hurdle horses due to the solidness of the obstacles. If a horse hits a Timber jump, it can be brought to an almost complete stop.

Jockey, Mark Beecher, reserved Le Chevy’s energy at the beginning of the race, allowing Adios Diablo to take the early lead. With a mile and a half left to go, Beecher and Le Chevy took command, and left the field 10 strides behind them as they crossed the finish line with a total time of six minutes and thirty seconds.

AmWest Entertainment is not only proud of retired racehorses like Le Chevalier, who have made a name for themselves and succeed in their new careers, however, we also understand that we all share the responsibility of racehorse aftercare! From flat racing to jump racing and beyond, we are passionate about these horses and love to see them thrive in anything and everything they do.

Recently, AmWest Entertainment founder and CEO, Nelson Clemmens, as well as AmWest Entertainment IT Director, Jason Martin, were featured in an exclusive article by the BloodHorse’s Frank Angst. Both give their take on the pressing issue of technology within tote systems and the greater racing industry. These racing professionals provide a call to action on the improvement of technological processes and systems. “Without [this technology] there is no racing and there is no racing industry,” remarks Jason Martin. Though tight budgets can make tote companies reluctant to invest in modern technology, refraining from modernization could lead to bigger losses.

See the full article here. Copyright 2016 Blood-Horse LLC

We’re in this Together!
Earlier this month, AmWager continued its dedication to post racing care and second careers for retired race horses by sponsoring The Sliver Charm race at Kentucky Downs on Old Friends Day. AmWager CEO, Nelson Clemmens was in attendance for this exciting day of racing, benefiting a wonderful cause. During his visit he had the pleasure of presenting The Silver Charm trophy, as well as catching up with Old Friends Founder and President, Michael Blowen and Kentucky Downs’ Racing Manager, Rick Albright among other friends.

AmWest Entertainment

AmWest Entertainment and AmWager.com proudly sponsored the "Derby Party for the Backside" event, held May 1st at Churchill Downs.

The event is a fundraiser for the Backside Learning Center, which supports equine workers and their families in the pursuit of their personal and professional dreams.

The BLC does this by providing "educational opportunities, assistance in navigating and accessing local resources, and by creating community. In a caring and respectful setting, our clients develop their skills and knowledge with classes, tutoring, and direct assistance tailored to their needs."

To learn more about Backside Learning Center's students and programs, click here.

AmWest Entertainment is an Exclusive Class sponsor for Thoroughbred Horse Show's "Show Off Your Thoroughbred" event at Kentucky Horse Park on Sunday, May 8, 2016

The show benefits Our Mims Retirement Haven, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, revitalization and care of retired thoroughbred racehorses and broodmares. Their boarding facility gives them a home for the rest of their lives.

The Thoroughbred Horse Show Association’s mission is to help encourage Thoroughbred adoptions by creating an opportunity for the Thoroughbred to compete in an affordable top show venue and to gain quality show experience in the shows restricted to Thoroughbreds. For more information, visit TBHorseShow.com.

Dubai Racing Club

Hunter’s Light cruises to Dubai Millennium Stakes victory

The Group 2 Balanchine Stakes went to France last night as Cladocera landed her second win of the 2015 Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan Racecourse.

In doing so, she became the third Cape Verdi winner, (1600m turf), to follow up in this 1800m turf feature but she has a lot to live up to. Sun Classique won the two contests in 2008 before landing the Dubai Sheema Classic on Dubai World Cup night while Sajjhaa achieved the same feat in 2013 before winning the Group 1 Jebel Hatta on Super Saturday and the Dubai Duty Free on the big night.