Katherine McKee | Horse Racing Free Tips

TIEA Administration Award Category Named In Honor Of Keeneland’s Late Katherine McKee

The TIEA Administration Award category will bear a new name in honor of Keeneland's late Katherine McKee. McKee, in her roles as Manager of Horsemen Hospitality and Director of Racing Administration at Keeneland for nearly 15 years, lived the track's mission to better horse racing. Her passion for Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry along with her commitment to horsemen are her lasting legacy.

“Keeneland is proud to team with Godolphin USA on the TIEA initiative, both as a host of the awards and as sponsor of the Katherine McKee Administration Award,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “This industry is blessed with many everyday heroes who are devoted to the betterment of racing and care for our horses. Katherine epitomized that passion, and we miss her every day. We believe this Administration Award is a wonderful tribute to her life's work.”

“Keeneland has provided tremendous support to TIEA since its launch in 2016, including hosting three of the five Award Ceremonies,” acknowledged Katie LaMonica, Charitable Director, Godolphin USA. “We were approached by Katherine's colleagues in 2020, asking if she could be posthumously nominated. While we are unable to accept posthumous nominations, the question allowed TIEA to consider honoring Katherine in another way. We hope this award will dutifully celebrate her legacy and recognize those like her, who in dedicating their livelihood to our sport make it better.”

The Administration Award was added as a TIEA category in 2019. In the first year of the award, Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association's Bessie Gruwell was awarded the trophy, with runners-up Andrea Greathouse of Paramount Sales and Maria Catignani of Charles Town HBPA. The 2020 Administration Award winner was Dionne Johnson of New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, with Lynnelle Fox Smith of Oregon TOBA and Michele Holbrook of Silver Springs Stud as runners-up.

To learn more about Katherine's legacy, please follow this link.

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Fund Established for Children of Keeneland’s McKee

A fund has been established for the benefit of the children of Katherine McKee, who died July 27 after a three-year battle with melanoma. She was 40 years old.

McKee had worked at Keeneland for 15 years, most recently serving as the director of racing administration, where she was the company’s primary contact for horsemen.

“For nearly three years, Katherine has battled advanced melanoma defying odds from the beginning,” said Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason in a statement sent to Keeneland staff and trainers. “Besides her unwavering grace, commitment and eternal optimism, Katherine miraculously overcame medical hurdles that would cripple even the strongest. Her courage and determination are unmatched and a testament to the power of positivity.

“As Katherine’s family grieves this tremendous loss, I know many of you want to celebrate her life and the impact she has made on all of us. Below are details on a memorial fund as well as the address for Katherine’s parents as we support them through this unfathomable time.”

For the benefit of her children, donations can be made to the McKee Memorial Trust c/o Keeneland Association, PO Box 1690, Lexington, KY 40588, or through Keeneland’s website at www.keeneland.com/mckee

The daughter of Herb and Kass McKee, Katherine was born and raised in Henderson, Kentucky along with her brother Herbie McKee. Katherine found her home when she moved to Lexington to begin her degree at Transylvania University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

McKee had recently been a part of a clinical trial at the University of Louisville, where she saw some initial success before facing complications.

She leaves behind two young children, Ava and Walker.

“Katherine had a way of touching everyone and no matter how long it had been since you last talked, you always picked up where you left off,” Thomason’s statement read. “Her ability to love, her authenticity, spirit, humor, openness and her forever caring and selfless heart create the legacy we will never forget. Second to her family, this team meant the most to her. With 15 years here, she loved Keeneland, the horsemen, her team and the entire Keeneland family. While she felt privileged to work at this great place, we are the ones who are truly privileged. It has been an honor to work alongside such an extraordinary person. She is a true inspiration.”

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

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Keeneland To Require Negative COVID-19 Test Proof Upon Arrival At September Sale

Following is an open letter to the industry from Shannon Arvin, Keeneland's president-elect:

To our customers:

First, I'd like to thank everyone who has been so kind and welcoming as I transition into my new role with Keeneland. This is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I very much look forward to working alongside our team to support your needs as we move into the fall season and into the future.

Over the course of the summer, the Keeneland team has been working diligently on the operational plans for the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. From expanding our bidding opportunities to building our safety protocols, we are leveraging the full resources of the Keeneland team to deliver for our customers.

While Keeneland is excited to unveil our full portfolio of remote bidding options, we continue to work closely with state and federal government officials, including representatives of both Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressmen Andy Barr, to seek exceptions to allow international travelers to attend the September Sale. Just as we have done for 80+ years, Keeneland will exhaust every measure possible to bring the world to Keeneland.

Keeneland September COVID-19 Testing:

We have also received a number of questions regarding COVID-19 testing during the September Sale. We will be communicating final plans very soon, and are working in concert with health and government officials as well as Fasig-Tipton to deliver consistent and reliable protocols and testing. Keeneland's continued commitment to safety and our compliance with the Governor's Healthy at Work standards allow us the opportunity to operate our auctions and race meets. It is for this reason that we will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival at the sale (which will need to have been completed within the last five days). If a participant does not have proof of a negative test, we have made arrangements for onsite testing at Keeneland. As we have all experienced, information available with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic changes frequently, and we may need to update and amend our protocols accordingly.

Keeneland Remote Bidding/Inspection Opportunities:

Whether you wish to attend in person or you find yourself unable to travel, Keeneland is providing our customers a number of ways to prepare and participate in the September Sale remotely. We strongly encourage buyers to familiarize themselves with these tools and take a few minutes to set up your account and establish credit within the Keeneland Sales Portal.

Online Bidding: This service will fully integrate with the live auction environment, providing live video with enhanced speed that allows for a real-time bidding experience as the sale is occurring.
Phone Bidding: Keeneland has expanded its existing phone bidding program to accommodate for expected increased demand in 2020.
Walking Videos: Keeneland's online catalog will offer the capability to showcase walking videos for any yearling selling in the September Sale, allowing buyers to access and view virtual inspections from anywhere.

The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. With that goal, Keeneland also has expanded our on-site bidding options to provide additional bidding locations beyond the sales arena and back ring to allow for further social distancing. We look forward to sharing these details with you in the coming weeks.

Before closing, and with a heavy heart, we acknowledge the passing of our own Katherine McKee on Monday. As previous manager of Keeneland's Horsemen Hospitality and most recent director of racing administration, Katherine has been a part of the Keeneland journey alongside many of you. We will always cherish the legacy of her dedication and love for horsemen and her Keeneland family. Although she battled advanced melanoma for nearly three years, many of you may have been unaware as Katherine's positive attitude, dignity and grace never wavered. She was an amazing person and friend and will be tremendously missed by all of us.

Sincerely,

Shannon B. Arvin

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Shannon B. Arvin Offers First Sales & Racing Update at Keeneland

Shannon Bishop Arvin, tabbed to replace Bill Thomason when he retires as Keeneland’s President and CEO at the end of 2020, issued her first communique Wednesday evening.

“First, I’d like to thank everyone who has been so kind and welcoming as I transition into my new role with Keeneland,” Arvin said. “This is both a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I very much look forward to working alongside our team to support your needs as we move into the fall season and into the future.

“While Keeneland is excited to unveil our full portfolio of remote bidding options, we continue to work closely with state and federal government officials, including representatives of both Senator Mitch McConnell and Congressmen Andy Barr, to seek exceptions to allow international travelers to attend the September Sale. Just as we have done for 80+ years, Keeneland will exhaust every measure possible to bring the world to Keeneland.”

Final plans will be announced shortly regarding COVID-19 testing during the Keeneland September Sale. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival at the sale will be required. If a participant does not have proof of a negative test, onsite testing will be available at Keeneland.

“We are working in concert with health and government officials as well as Fasig-Tipton to deliver consistent and reliable protocols and testing,” Arvin said. “Keeneland’s continued commitment to safety and our compliance with the Governor’s Healthy at Work standards allow us the opportunity to operate our auctions and race meets.”

In closing, Arvin paid tribute to late Keeneland employee Katherine McKee.

“As previous Manager of Keeneland’s Horsemen Hospitality and most recent Director of Racing Administration, Katherine has been a part of the Keeneland journey alongside many of you. We will always cherish the legacy of her dedication and love for horsemen and her Keeneland family. Although she battled advanced melanoma for nearly three years, many of you may have been unaware as Katherine’s positive attitude, dignity and grace never wavered. She was an amazing person and friend and will be tremendously missed by all of us.”

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