Youbet.com is the largest Internet provider of Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and harness racing content in the United States as measured by handle data published by the Oregon Racing Commission.
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who has won a record 17 Breeders Cup races in his career, signed on as a spokesman for the home wagering company Youbet.com on Oct. 26.Lukas will endorse Youbet.com and his image and likeness will be used in Youbet.com advertisements through the fall of 2005. Lukas' 36-year career has been highlighted by 19 Eclipse Award champions, three Kentucky Derbies among 13 total triple crown wins, and hundreds of graded stakes across the country. Lukas has saddled winners of more than $200 million. The company seeks to capitalize on Lukas' high profile among racing fans to heighten awareness of Youbet.com. Lukas will, where appropriate, wear a Youbet.com cap and/or jacket and will provide his stable employees with Youbet apparel. Lukas will also speak at events and functions arranged by Youbet.com. "D. Wayne Lukas is known inside and outside the racing world as a master horseman, consummate competitor and a world-class manager of horses and people. His accomplishments in the horse racing industry are unparalleled and Youbet.com is honored to be associated with such an icon of the sport," said Charles F. Champion, chairman and chief executive officer of Youbet.com. Lukas added, "Youbet represents the future of our business and I'm looking forward to talking to people about what Youbet brings to racing fans, owners and tracks. They have a top-notch management team and have proven their ability to maximize and manage the account wagering segment of our business."