James E Bassett III, known as Ted, or more affectionately “Mr B” joined Keeneland as an assistant in 1968 and two years later became President. Under his 16 year tenure Keeneland grew from a small, local track to become one of the most prominent racing facilities in North America and a global leader in thoroughbred sales. He undertook a series of multimillion dollar construction and capital projects: renovation and expansion of the Clubhouse and Grandstand, new admission gates and dining rooms, the development of the Training Center and renovation of the training track, enhancements to the Sales Pavilion including the iconic Keeneland hedges….the list goes on and on.
Bassett was a longtime supporter of, and important contributor to the Keeneland Library, remembers Director Roda Ferraro.
“Mr Bassett was such a vocal and ongoing champion…due to his commitment. Personally, his voice…will be missed terribly."
During his career Bassett was also founding Chairman of the Kentucky Horse Park, President of Breeders Cup Ltd, Chairman of Equibase and a steward of The Jockey Club. In 2019 Bassett was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame’s Pillars of the Turf.
Locally we can see how much he contributed to our community each day: Bassett led efforts to build two new YMCA facilities and upgrade the existing High Street Branch, and he championed construction of a new Kentucky Blood Center here in Lexington. Bassett was instrumental in the establishment of the now internationally renowned Maxwell Gluck Equine Research Center and he helped raise funds for the acquisition of the Calumet Farm Trophy Collection which is now safely displayed in The Museum of The Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park. A former Marine, he spearheaded the initiative to honor Sergeant Reckless with a statue, also at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“It’s hard to even quantify those impacts and those….much of his life.
Arrangements are pending.
You can hear Bassett’s “Life’s Work” interview via the Keeneland Library.
