In 1968, Bassett joined Keeneland as an assistant to then-President Louis Lee Haggin II and served as President of Keeneland Association from 1970 until he pivoted to Chairman of the Keeneland Board of Directors. In 2001 Bassett became a Trustee and a Trustee Emeritus in 2006.
“Mr. Bassett was a cherished member of the Keeneland family, and while we are saddened by his passing we celebrate his remarkable life and indomitable spirit,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “He was the embodiment of class and integrity, and his commitment to preserving Keeneland’s mission and brand, often during challenging times in history, enabled our racing and sales operations to soar to new heights and set the standard for the industry.
“Mr. Bassett was a giant internationally as a leader, visionary, philanthropist, beloved icon and friend, and one of our sport’s greatest ambassadors,” Arvin said. “Though I have no doubt he would want most to be remembered as a humble man who worked every day to enhance Keeneland, the Thoroughbred industry, and his hometown of Lexington."
Bassett undertook a series of multimillion-dollar construction and capital projects at the track between the mid-1970s and 1980s.
