Nick Clooney, who served as event host in 1999, will return to master of ceremonies duties for the 2001 edition. Clooney is a Kentucky native and celebrated broadcaster. Headline entertainment has also been featured at the awards, with acts such as Ray Charles, James Brown, The Neville Brothers, and Gladys Knight having appeared in the past. Negotiations are underway to pick the star for this year's affair."The primary purpose of the TOBA Awards Dinner is to recognize the best owners and breeders in the Thoroughbred industry," said Dan Metzger, president of TOBA. "It is a fitting and time-honored tradition that those who contribute so much to the industry are recognized at a world-class Thoroughbred farm with great entertainment."The TOBA Awards are sponsored this year by Adena Springs,
For the second time in three years, Frank Stronach's Adena Springs Farm near Midway, Ky., will host the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association National Awards Dinner. TOBA announced that the 2001 edition will take place on Friday, Sept. 7."We are honored to once again serve as the host farm of this wonderful event," Stronach said. "This is a perfect opportunity to showcase our facilities in a festive, celebratory atmosphere."The TOBA Awards honor the achievements of Thoroughbred owners in the five major North Amercian racing regions and breeders in some 30 Thoroughbred-breeding states. The National Breeder of the Year, National Owner of the Year, and the recipient of the Industry Service Award are also celebrated at the event, now in its 16th year.