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Lacy Named VP of Sales at Keeneland; Russell To Retire

Internationally respected bloodstock adviser and consignor Tony Lacy will join Keeneland as the company's vice president of sales. Keeneland has simultaneously announced that Geoffrey Russell, who has served the auction house for 25 years–the last 20 as director of sales/sales operations–is retiring from the company, but will remain as a consultant through 2021.

“Tony possesses a well-rounded knowledge of the Thoroughbred industry, bolstered by valuable insight and a unique skill set gained from having worked on the ground in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “He is an established presence globally and connects to a vast network of owners, trainers, consignors and buyers. We are excited to welcome Tony to Keeneland, and look forward to his leadership as we prepare for the future.”

A fourth-generation horseman, Lacy began his career as an assistant trainer to his father T.F. 'Tom' Lacy, a steeplechase jockey who nearly defeated Arkle in the 1964 Irish Grand National. Tony Lacy was an accomplished amateur jockey in Ireland for 11 years on the flat and over jumps while competing against the likes of Aidan O'Brien and Willie Mullins.

Lacy worked in Chantilly under trainers Emmanuel Chevalier Du Fau and Henri-Alex Pantall, later becoming an assistant trainer for the Maktoum family in Dubai with Erwan Charpy. In this country, he gained valuable experience working at Wintergreen Stallion Station and oversaw sales horses for noted 2-year-old consignor Jerry Bailey.

In 2001, Lacy helped establish the Four Star Sales consignment along with Kerry Cauthen, eventually becoming a partner and helping the company become one of North America's leading sales agencies.

“Since the inception of Four Star, Tony has always been far more than just a partner,” Cauthen said. “Though his daily presence will be sorely missed by us all, we are tremendously excited for him and all the great things he will bring to Keeneland in this very important industry role. We look forward to a continued long-working relationship together.”

Lacy has also managed a number of breeding and racing programs and most recently aided owner Scott Heider, breeder of GI Kentucky Derby hopeful King Fury (Curlin), in building a boutique racing and breeding operation. Lacy has also counseled and represented Emirates Racing and the Dubai World Cup in the U.S. He has also advised the French racing industry's marketing arm, French Breeding and Racing Committee (FRBC) as well as France Galop.

Lacy is the incoming president of the Thoroughbred Club of America and will be the first foreign-born president in the organization's 89-year history. He also serves on the Board of New Vocations.

“I am extremely honored to be named Vice President of Sales for Keeneland,” Lacy said. “Keeneland is a pillar of the global horse industry, and I have a high level of respect for Shannon, the team she is building and her vision for the future.

“I believe my background as a consignor and bloodstock adviser will allow me to understand the needs of our sales participants, continue to build on the best of our traditions and pursue innovations that will keep the company dynamic in a changing environment. Keeneland is an iconic brand, and we remain committed to protecting and growing its premier operations for the future health of the industry as a whole.”

Russell Retires After 25 Years…

Born in Ireland, Geoffrey Russell first attended the races when he was five years old, and later frequented the races with his best friend, whose family owned racehorses and taught Russell about pedigrees and other industry insights. While attending a bloodstock auction in the 1970, Russell watched as Sir Philip Payne-Gallway bought a full-sister to English Horse of the Year Shirley Heights (GB) for a then-record price in Ireland.

After graduation from the College of Marketing and Design in Dublin, Russell worked at Coolmore Stud in Ireland and as a bid spotter at Goffs. He came to the U.S. in 1982 on a summer internship at Fasig-Tipton, but admitted that he never expected to stay. Following a time at Elmendorf Farm, Russell accepted a position as the vice president of appraisals and director of sales administration at Fasig-Tipton.

Russell joined the team at Keeneland in 1996 as the assistant director of sales under Rogers Beasley. He was promoted to director of sales in 2001 when Beasley transitioned into the role of director of racing for Keeneland. Russell became the Director of Sales Operations in 2016.

“I think it chose me more than I chose it,” Russell said about his career in Thoroughbred sales. “I have a love of pedigrees, and I love horses. The atmosphere and the theatrics of an auction are captivating. Then you put your other hat on, and you see the sales are people's livelihoods and you realize how important your job is to do it right.”

Russell's service to the Thoroughbred sales industry includes two terms as Chairman of the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA), and he has been Keeneland's representative on the North American International Catalogue Standards Committee (ICSC). He also serves on the board of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.

“I have never met anyone more devoted to Keeneland or Thoroughbred racing than Geoffrey Russell,” Arvin said. “Keeneland sales achieved new heights globally under his watch, and he indelibly shaped the future of sales operations domestically and abroad through his years of leadership and service. I am grateful to Geoffrey for his integrity, his tireless work ethic and his dedication to Keeneland.”

Russell's friendship with Arvin began while she was Keeneland's counsel with Stoll Keenon Ogden and they worked together on Conditions of Sales and legal issues.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to work at Keeneland,” Russell said. “I appreciate all the opportunities that Keeneland has given me over my 25 years here. I never thought I would work at Keeneland–and never as Director of Sales nor being the longest-tenured one.

“With Shannon at the helm–and I firmly believe she is the right person to lead Keeneland–I feel that this is a good time for a transition as Keeneland looks to the next 20 years. Keeneland is putting the right people in place for the future, and the appointment of Tony as Vice President of Sales is an example of that foresight. Tony is a trusted and respected horseman, well-liked by his peers, who has conducted his racing and bloodstock career with quality and integrity. I am confident in Tony's leadership and look forward to the exciting future of Keeneland sales.”

Added Lacy: “I have admired Geoffrey from the first time I met him,” Lacy said. “He has always been very knowledgeable, decisive and fair in managing the sale process. He helped Keeneland navigate varying economic environments and his counsel will be heavily relied upon going forward. It is important to maintain the consistency Geoffrey has skillfully managed over the years to allow a smooth transition to the next Director of Sales Operations, and I am very grateful he will assist in this process. He has set a very high standard and I congratulate him on an incredible career.”

For his accomplishments in the Thoroughbred industry, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) honored Russell with its 2016 Wild Geese Award. ITBA Chairman Stephen Collins said the award acknowledges “one of our own who has flown the Irish flag with pride on an international stage.”

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Keeneland Names Lacy Vice President of Sales; Russell To Retire As Director Of Sales Operations

Keeneland today announced that internationally respected bloodstock adviser and consignor Tony Lacy will join the company as vice president of sales. Officials also announced that longtime director of sales operations Geoffrey Russell will retire from his full-time position after 25 years with Keeneland, but will remain in a consulting role through 2021.

“Tony possesses a well-rounded knowledge of the Thoroughbred industry, bolstered by valuable insight and a unique skill set gained from having worked on the ground in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East,” Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “He is an established presence globally and connects to a vast network of owners, trainers, consignors and buyers. We are excited to welcome Tony to Keeneland, and look forward to his leadership as we prepare for the future.”

Lacy brings a depth of racing and sales experience to his new position with Keeneland. In 2001, Lacy, along with Kerry Cauthen, helped establish Four Star Sales, eventually becoming a partner and developing the company into a leading North American consignor with a diverse client portfolio.

Since 2008, he has been the North American representative for the French Thoroughbred sales company Arqana. In that capacity, he has been involved in all aspects of the sales company, including the innovation of Arqana Online, and development of Arqana's brand in the U.S. via marketing strategies and promotions in various mediums and actions.

“I am extremely honored to be named vice president of sales for Keeneland,” Lacy said. “Keeneland is a pillar of the global horse industry, and I have a high level of respect for Shannon, the team she is building and her vision for the future. I believe my background as a consignor and bloodstock adviser will allow me to understand the needs of our sales participants, continue to build on the best of our traditions and pursue innovations that will keep the company dynamic in a changing environment. Keeneland is an iconic brand, and we remain committed to protecting and growing its premier operations for the future health of the industry as a whole.”

A fourth-generation horseman, Lacy began his career in his native Ireland as an assistant trainer to his father, T. F. “Tom” Lacy, a steeplechase jockey who came within a length of defeating the legendary Arkle in the 1964 Irish Grand National. Tony Lacy was a successful amateur jockey in Ireland for 11 years, competing on the flat and over the jumps against such riders as Aidan O'Brien and Willie Mullins.

Lacy further honed his racing expertise in Chantilly with trainers Emmanuel Chevalier Du Fau and Henri-Alex Pantall and was an assistant trainer for the Al Maktoum family with Erwan Charpy in Dubai. He gained valuable experience in U.S. sales and breeding through his work for the Greely family's Wintergreen Farm and while overseeing sales horses for noted 2-year-olds in training consignor Jerry Bailey in Ocala.

Throughout his career, Lacy has advised and managed a number of racing and breeding programs, purchasing such group stakes winners as Pista and Nasheej for clients at Keeneland. He most recently helped develop owner Scott Heider's boutique program into a dynamic stable in the U.S. and Europe. Heider bred recent Grade 3 Stonestreet Lexington winner King Fury and has campaigned such graded/group winners as Mia Mischief, Thoughtfully and Crossfirehurricane.

Reflecting his international background, Lacy has counseled and represented Emirates Racing and the Dubai World Cup in the U.S. He also advised the French Thoroughbred industry's marketing arm, the French Breeding and Racing Committee (FRBC), as well as France Galop (French Jockey Club).

Lacy is the incoming president of the Thoroughbred Club of America and will be the first foreign-born president in the organization's 89-year history. He also serves on the Board of New Vocations.

Geoffrey Russell Retires After 25 Years With Keeneland

Geoffrey Russell

Geoffrey Russell retires after 25 years with Keeneland sales, 20 seasons of which were as director of sales/director of sales operations – the longest of anyone in Keeneland history.

He will serve as a consultant to the Keeneland sales team through 2021.

Russell's friendship with Arvin began while she was Keeneland's counsel with Stoll Keenon Ogden and they worked together on Conditions of Sales and legal issues.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to work at Keeneland,” Russell said. “I appreciate all the opportunities that Keeneland has given me over my 25 years here. I never thought I would work at Keeneland – and never as director of sales nor being the longest-tenured one.

“With Shannon at the helm – and I firmly believe she is the right person to lead Keeneland – I feel that this is a good time for a transition as Keeneland looks to the next 20 years,” he said. “Keeneland is putting the right people in place for the future, and the appointment of Tony as vice president of sales is an example of that foresight. Tony is a trusted and respected horseman, well-liked by his peers, who has conducted his racing and bloodstock career with quality and integrity. I am confident in Tony's leadership and look forward to the exciting future of Keeneland sales.”

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Russell was five when he first attended the races with his parents. While growing up, he often went to the races with his best friend, whose family owned racehorses and taught Russell about pedigrees and other facets of the industry. While attending a bloodstock sale in the 1970s, Russell was captivated when the legendary Sir Philip Payne-Gallway bought a full-sister to English Horse of the Year Shirley Heights for a then-record price in Ireland. The experience helped him decide his career path in Thoroughbred sales.

After obtaining a marketing degree from the College of Marketing and Design in Dublin, Russell gained early experience in the Thoroughbred industry in Ireland at Coolmore Stud and as a bid spotter at Goffs sales company. He came to the U.S. in 1982 on a summer internship at Fasig-Tipton Sales but never expected to stay. Following a stint at Elmendorf Farm, Russell returned to Fasig-Tipton as vice president of Fasig-Tipton appraisals and director of sales administration.

Russell joined Keeneland in 1996 as assistant director of sales to Rogers Beasley. In June 2001, he was promoted to director of sales when Beasley became Keeneland's director of racing. Russell was named to the newly created position of director of sales operations in September 2016.

During Russell's tenure as director of sales/director of sales operations, Keeneland sales experienced great heights, such as selling future Hall of Famer Ashado for $9 million as a broodmare prospect at the 2005 November Breeding Stock Sale. Russell helped navigate Keeneland through a number of external challenges caused by significant industry and world events such as 9/11, mare reproductive loss syndrome, an economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have admired Geoffrey from the first time I met him,” Lacy said. “He has always been very knowledgeable, decisive and fair in managing the sale process. He helped Keeneland navigate varying economic environments and his counsel will be heavily relied upon going forward. It is important to maintain the consistency Geoffrey has skillfully managed over the years to allow a smooth transition to the next director of sales operations, and I am very grateful he will assist in this process. He has set a very high standard and I congratulate him on an incredible career.”

Russell's service to the Thoroughbred sales industry includes two terms as chairman of the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA), and he has been Keeneland's representative on the North American International Catalogue Standards Committee (ICSC). He also serves on the board of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.

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TVG, Keeneland Extend Broadcast Partnership Through 2026

TVG, America's horse racing network, leading advanced-deposit wagering platform, and part of the FanDuel Group, and Keeneland, the iconic Thoroughbred racing and sales company in Lexington, Ky., have reached an agreement that extends their longstanding partnership through at least 2026, the two companies announced.

As part of the agreement, TVG will retain exclusive broadcast rights for Keeneland's race meets as well as non-exclusive wagering rights for Keeneland's races. As part of the extension, TVG will be the exclusive broadcast network for Keeneland racing but, consistent with past practice, the network will share broadcast rights for select special events with NBC Sports. In addition, FanDuel group will promote Keeneland's racing to its more than 10 million Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and sports book customers as the company further integrates promotion of horse racing with its sports book and daily fantasy platforms.

“Keeneland and its stakeholders in the Central Kentucky Thoroughbred breeding industry have been cornerstones of TVG's history and growth,” said Kip Levin, CEO of TVG. “We're looking forward to building on our 20-plus year relationship with Keeneland. Our company is committed to horse racing and we're reinvesting in the sport every day. In tandem, as our sports betting platform continues to expand, we are particularly excited to utilize the powerful assets of the FanDuel Group to introduce a new audience to Keeneland racing.”

“Keeneland's relationship with TVG continues our mission to expand racing's outreach by delivering quality products to our existing fans and cultivating new fans and participants across all platforms,” said Shannon Arvin, CEO and President of Keeneland. “TVG and FanDuel represent not only a significant share of the advanced-deposit wagering and sports betting markets, the latter being a natural audience for our racing content, but they share our goal to promote the Thoroughbred industry.”

Keeneland and TVG have partnered since 1999 for wagering and broadcast content. The alliance expanded over the last decade to showcase Keeneland's Thoroughbred sales and to provide additional focus on the breeding and sales aspects of the Thoroughbred industry.

In 2019, TVG racing analysts Gabby Gaudet and Scott Hazelton began hosting “Today at Keeneland,” the track's live, on-site preview show, and providing expert commentary between races. Last year, TVG became the title sponsor of the Limestone Turf Sprint during the Keeneland Spring Meet and the presenting sponsor of the Woodford (G2) during the Keeneland Fall Meet.

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Robust Wagering, Safe, Top-Quality Racing Mark Return Of Keeneland Spring Meet

Friday marked closing day of the 2021 Spring Meet in Lexington, Ky., featuring the return of a limited number of fans to the track, strong all-sources wagering fueled by quality racing led by champion Essential Quality's win in the Toyota Blue Grass (G2) and an emphasis on community initiatives in furtherance of Keeneland's philanthropic mission.

“We thank our fans, both near and far, the Central Kentucky community, our horseplayers, our corporate partners and our loyal horsemen for a fantastic racing season,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Keeneland's continued success is built on the contributions of many, and we extend our appreciation to all those who make racing at Keeneland such a memorable experience.”

In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, only a limited number of fans were permitted to attend the races at Keeneland this spring. Attendance totaled 96,243, for an average daily crowd of 6,416.

Despite the limited capacity, fans on track and remotely enthusiastically wagered on the Spring Meet. All-sources wagering for the 15-day Spring Meet, held April 2-23, increased 7.55 percent to $164,680,229 versus the 16-day Spring Meet in 2019, when all-sources wagering totaled $153,116,119. (Keeneland canceled its 2020 Spring Meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) Average daily wagering of $10,978,682 was up 14.72 percent compared to $9,569,757 during the 2019 Spring Meet.

Boosting total wagering was robust handle on Toyota Blue Grass Day, April 3, which featured six stakes worth $2.1 million on the 11-race card. All-sources wagering that day totaled $22,723,197 to be the third-highest single-day handle in Keeneland history. The Pick 5 handled a record $1,485,090, eclipsing the previous mark of $1,395,051 set on Toyota Blue Grass Day during the 2020 Summer Meet.

Limited attendance this spring resulted in total on-track handle of $9,224,273, for average daily on-track handle of $614,952. In comparison, on-track handle totaled $16,490,636 for the 2019 Spring Meet.

Spring Meet Racing Moments and Milestones
Average daily purses of $739,902 at Keeneland this spring ranked among the richest in North America and attracted the sport's top trainers and jockeys.

Competitive racing was showcased in 18 stakes worth $4.1 million in purse money. Six graded stakes were carded for opening Saturday, anchored by the $800,000 Toyota Blue Grass (G2) and $400,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1), major preps on the Roads to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), respectively.

Champion Essential Quality kept his undefeated record intact in winning the Toyota Blue Grass, earning 100 points to establish himself as the top point earner and early favorite for the Kentucky Derby. With the victory, he became the fifth horse to win Keeneland's Breeders' Futurity at 2 and the Blue Grass at 3. The others are Brody's Cause (2015-2016), Carpe Diem (2014-2015), Dullahan (2011-2012) and Round Table (1956-1957). Essential Quality also won the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at Keeneland last fall.

Undefeated Malathaat won the Central Bank Ashland to rank among the top point earners on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard. The victory marked owner Shadwell Stable's eighth graded stakes win here to earn a Keeneland Tray as part of Keeneland's signature Milestone Trophy Program. Only 20 other owners have such an accomplishment at Keeneland.

Other notable achievements by human and equine athletes this spring:

Raging Bull (FR) made a powerful move on the far turn and cruised to a 2-length victory in the $300,000 Maker's Mark Mile (G1) in his third start in the prestigious turf stakes.
Juliet Foxtrot (GB) led from gate to wire to win the Coolmore Jenny Wiley (G1) and leading owner Juddmonte's 16^th graded stakes win at Keeneland. For the accomplishment, Juddmonte received a Keeneland Pitcher – another level of the track's Milestone Trophy Program. Only three other owners have earned the Keeneland Pitcher: Claiborne Farm (Fall 1968), Bwamazon Farm (Spring 1983) and William S. Farish (Spring 2003).
In his first mount of the Spring Meet, jockey Julien Leparoux recorded his 500^th career victory at Keeneland. He became the fourth rider to reach that milestone, joining Hall of Famers Pat Day (918 wins) and Don Brumfield (716) along with Robby Albarado (526). Leparoux won his first race at Keeneland during the 2005 Fall Meet in his first season as a jockey. Since then, he has earned 12 leading jockey titles at Keeneland, most recently during the 2019 Fall Meet, and two Eclipse Awards.
Trainer Michelle Lovell notched her first Keeneland stakes win and her 500^th career victory when Change of Control won the Giant's Causeway (L). Lovell began training in 2003.

“Keeneland sincerely appreciates the loyalty and support of our horsemen, not only this spring but throughout the challenging past year,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said. “Our goal is to offer the opportunity for the best to compete against the best, which continues to produce thrilling performances and memorable accomplishments.”

Under the leadership of Equine Safety Director Dr. Stuart Brown, Keeneland continues to deploy rigorous safety protocols and measures to protect its horses and riders, which has resulted in no racing incidents this spring.

“We are proud of the collaborative effort between our horsemen, their attending veterinarians and the regulatory team that works with Keeneland to deliver on our time-honored promise of service to the horse in the area of safety,” Dr. Brown said.

Spring Meet Leaders
Keeneland-based Wesley Ward dominated the trainer standings, tallying 20 wins to secure his seventh leading trainer title to tie Henry Forrest for third place on the list of leading trainers by meet titles. Now with 201 career victories, Ward ranks seventh all time at Keeneland in the win category.

Ward's four wins on closing day ties him with Kiaran McLaughlin, Bill Mott and Todd Pletcher for most victories for a trainer on a single day during the Spring Meet.

Ward won four 2021 Spring Meet stakes: Madison (G1) with Kimari, Shakertown (G2) with Bound for Nowhere, Beaumont (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select with Twenty Carat and Palisades Turf Sprint with Chasing Artie. The total equals the record for most Spring Meet stakes victories shared by Ben Jones (1948), Todd Pletcher (2011) and Chad Brown (2018).

With 19 career stakes wins at Keeneland, Ward is tied with Hall of Famers Carl Nafzger and Woody Stephens for 13^th place on the list of the track's leading trainers by stakes wins.

Finishing second in the trainer standings was Brad Cox with 10 wins, including the Toyota Blue Grass with Essential Quality, Coolmore Jenny Wiley with Juliet Foxtrot and Baird Doubledogdare (G3) with Bonny South.

Todd Pletcher finished with nine wins, highlighted by Malathaat's win in the Central Bank Ashland and Jouster's victory in the Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association, to rank third.

Among jockeys, Luis Saez recorded six multiple-win days during the meet to amass 29 wins and earn his first Keeneland riding title. Joel Rosario ranked second with 22 wins, riding three winners on closing day.

Saez and Rosario combined to win all nine stakes on opening weekend of the Spring Meet. On Friday, Saez rode Twenty Carat to win the Beaumont. On Saturday, he won four races topped by the Toyota Blue Grass on Essential Quality and the Appalachian on Jouster.

Rosario rode five winners on Toyota Blue Grass Day, including four consecutive stakes: the Commonwealth (G3) on Flagstaff, Shakertown (G2) on Bound for Nowhere, Central Bank Ashland on Malathaat and Madison on Kimari. On opening Friday, he captured two stakes: the Palisades Turf Sprint with Chasing Artie and the Kentucky Utilities Transylvania (G3) on Scarlett Sky.

Rosario joins Jerry Bailey (1999) and Javier Castellano (2016) as riders with a record six stakes victories during a Spring Meet.

Tyler Gaffalione finished third in the standings with 12 wins, led by his victory aboard Juliet Foxtrot in the Coolmore Jenny Wiley.

Juddmonte locked up their second Keeneland leading owner title with six wins, boosted by their aforementioned Milestone victory in the Coolmore Jenny Wiley with Juliet Foxtrot followed by Bonny South's victory in the Baird Doubledogdare.

Kirk Wycoff's Three Diamonds Farm, Bob Lothenbach's Lothenbach Stables and Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Stables tied for second in the owner standings with three wins each.

Grade One Gamble Draws Record Field of Players
Frank Mustari of Chicago topped a record field of 248 players who competed at Keeneland and through XpressBet, TVG, NYRA Bets and 4NJBets to win the Grade One Gamble on April 10. Mustari took home a record first prize of $50,000, a berth in the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) at Del Mar and an entry in the 2022 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas.

Spring Meet Celebrates Philanthropic Mission and Valued Partnerships
Keeneland continued to honor its mission this spring by teaming with sponsors and industry partners to support the community and the Thoroughbred industry.

Keeneland designated the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden as its featured charity for the Spring Meet. Located in Lexington's historic East End, the Art Garden is on property owned by the legendary 19^th century jockey. It is the first park in the U.S. to honor the earliest African American professional athletes: Thoroughbred jockeys. Proceeds from sales of the 2021 commemorative Maker's Mark Bourbon^®bottle in partnership with Keeneland were earmarked to benefit LexArts and for the placement of a permanent art installation by artist LaVon Van Williams Jr. and for future programming within the park.

Keeneland celebrated the 25^th running of the prestigious Maker's Mark Mile under the sponsorship of the world-famous bourbon distillery. Maker's Mark also made a $10,000 contribution to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

Toyota, sponsor of the Toyota Blue Grass, and Keeneland made a $10,000 donation in support of Nourish Lexington, founded in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic to use displaced hospitality and food service employees to provide more than 160,000 nutritious meals for community members in need.

The Spring Meet also marked the 10^th running of the Doubledogdare sponsored by Baird (formerly Hilliard Lyons).

Among the other philanthropic and community-oriented initiatives this spring were:

Kentucky Utilities and Keeneland donated $5,000 to Black Soil KY to support and highlight their successful area programs. Keeneland collaborated with Black Soil KY, an agritourism social enterprise that fosters a greater market share for Black farmers in Kentucky, on two strategic initiatives during the Spring Meet: creating a locally sold Black Soil KY Skillet Frittata Meal Kit and incorporating local produce from Black Soil KY farmers and producers into Keeneland's rotating dining menus.
Keeneland and Country Boy Brewing of Lexington collaborated to create the Keeneland Spring Lager, with sales of the beer benefiting Blue Grass Farms Charities' Back to School Backpack Program to provide supplies for nearly 1,000 children whose parents work in Keeneland's stable area or on Central Kentucky horse farms.
More than 1,700 students representing 35 colleges and universities in 15 states participated in Keeneland's popular College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane's End, held virtually on April 9. Students had a chance to win a total of $35,000 in scholarships and prize packages provided by local Lexington businesses. Lane's End, Coca-Cola and Kentucky Thoroughbred Association were sponsors of the event.
On April 11, five lucky families won a day at the races as part of Kids Club Family Day Presented by Kentucky Children's Hospital.
Keeneland hosted Military Day Presented by UPS on April 18 that featured a POW-MIA Chair of Honor to raise awareness of past and current POWMIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5. UPS and Keeneland contributed $2,500 to the POWMIA program.

On closing day, Keeneland honored track announcer Kurt Becker, who this spring reached a unique milestone as the only track announcer in Keeneland's history. For 60 years prior to Kurt's appointment, Keeneland did not have an on-track race caller. Then-president Bill Greely hired Kurt from more than 40 applicants, and he began calling the races on April 4, 1997. The Spring Meet marked Becker's 25^th Spring Meet at Keeneland.

2021 Spring Meet at a Glance (April 2-23)

	Spring 2021 (15 days)	Spring 2019 (16 days)
All-Sources Handle on Keeneland	$164,680,229	$153,116,119

Avg. Daily All-Sources Handle on Keeneland	$10,978,682	$9,569,757

Total On-Track Handle	$9,224,273	$16,490,636

Avg. Daily On-Track Handle	$614,952	$1,030,665

Total Attendance	96,243*	242,547

Avg. Daily Attendance	6,416	15,159

*Limited number of fans permitted on track due to COVID-19 protocols

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