Keeneland Race Course

WUKY's Saving Stories remembers former Keeneland president and trustee Ted Bassett who passed away last week at the age of 103. In the summer of 2019, the Nunn Center and the UK Libraries partnered with Keeneland, the Keeneland Association, Keeneland Library and Museum Foundation, and the Thoroughbred Daily News to conduct a series of oral history interviews called Life's Work. And one of the first interviews released was an interview with Ted Bassett. In this highlighted section Bassett reflects on the tension that exists between tradition and innovation, especially when he first came to work at Keeneland. He explains why it wasn't always easy to bring modern touches to the traditional venue and why Keeneland's place in the industry will always be unique and special.

Ted Bassett, Keeneland’s former President, died Thursday at his home aged 103. Horse Capital reporter Samantha Lederman looks back on his impact not just on the racetrack, but on the Central Kentucky community he lived in and loved so much.

A new study confirms what most of us knew already: Kentucky is good for horses and horses are good for Kentucky. WUKY’s Samantha Lederman has the details.

Keeneland has announced plans to build a paddock and enhance the saddling paddock to expand viewing and improve safety for horses and spectators. The estimated $93 million project has already received preliminary approval for incentives up to $23.2 million from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority. It will be Keeneland’s largest capital project since its 1936 opening. Construction will begin in January, with completion by fall 2025. It will include seated dining and a panoramic rooftop view, and spectators will be able to view jockeys during a walk-through before each race.

Jim Williams served as director of publicity/communications at Keeneland for 38 years (1971-2009). He worked with racing’s greatest jockeys and trainers as well as media members from around the world who covered racing at Keeneland. He was also involved in the preparations and activities for visits by dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II, who attended races at Keeneland on October 11, 1984. This conversation covers changes at Keeneland through the years, Jim’s memories of prominent people in the racing business and of course, the day the track hosted the Queen.

For the 6th year in a row some Fayette County fifth Graders are spending their mornings at Keeneland this week learning about the impact of the…