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About keeneland

Founded By Horsemen


Since opening in October 1936, Keeneland has been unique in the Thoroughbred industry. Only at Keeneland are world-class racing and industry-leading sales united under one mission-driven entity.

Today, Keeneland continues to be guided by its original mission, taking a leadership role in the industry to improve safety, promote integrity and strengthen the sport of racing.

A Global Leader in the Thoroughbred Industry


Keeneland is the world’s largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house and hosts world-class racing twice annually during its boutique Spring and Fall meetings. Owners, trainers, riders and fans from all over the world travel to Lexington each year to participate at Keeneland.

APRIL & OCTOBER RACE MEETS

40

40 graded stakes worth $10.1 million

10

Breeders’ Cup
Win-and-You’re-In events

THOROUGHBRED AUCTIONS

4 sales

January, April, September and November

$500 million+

annual total sales

50+

countries represented by buyers and sellers

A Commitment to Reinvestment


Keeneland’s mission to perpetuate the sport of racing continues more than eight decades after its founding, as profits from Keeneland racing and sales are returned to the industry and community through initiatives such as:

  • Racing purses – Over the past 7 years, nearly $40 million has been contributed by Keeneland sales above what is required per horsemen agreements to fund one of the richest purse structures in North America.
  • Global market development – Keeneland is committed to the growth of the Thoroughbred industry and the buying bench at its auctions and actively travels to numerous foreign countries and invests hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to expand the marketplace.
  • Industry initiatives – Keeneland proudly supports safety initiatives and equine organizations and is an advocate for Thoroughbred aftercare to improve the health of the industry. In the past 5 years, Keeneland has contributed nearly $1.5 million to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance alone.
  • Fan development – Keeneland is committed to the growth of the industry’s fans and future participants. Each race meet creates racing fans of all ages, exemplified by the 10,000 members of the Keeneland Kids Club which exceeds. Enthusiastic crowds underscore Keeneland’s commitment to fan development.
  • Local community – Proudly serving as a leader in Central Kentucky, Keeneland is committed to the community. This community activism began with Keeneland founders and continues to this day. Keeneland has donated millions to local charities, as well as to health and educational programs. Intended as a gathering place for the local community, Keeneland hosts hundreds of charitable and private events annually.

Our Sponsors

Meet our partners.

Charitable Giving

Giving back to our community.

Contact Us

Get in touch with the Keeneland team.

The Newsletter

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Join the Keeneland Team


Keeneland is one of the most unique, exciting places to work in Central Kentucky, and we’re always looking for new faces to join our team. Keeneland offers full-time, part-time and seasonal race meet employment, as well as internships for students.

Keeneland's Executive Staff


Guiding Keeneland's future, the Thoroughbred industry and our community.

Shannon Arvin


President and Chief Executive Officer

Shannon Bishop Arvin serves as Keeneland’s 8th President and CEO.

Gatewood Bell


Vice President of Racing

Gatewood Bell joined Keeneland in February 2021 and serves as Vice President of Racing.

Dr. Stuart Brown


Vice President of Equine Safety

Dr. Brown joined Keeneland in 2020 and serves as Keeneland's Vice President of Equine Safety.

Tony

Tony Lacy


Vice President of Sales

Tony Lacy joined Keeneland in 2021 as Vice President of Sales.

Brad Lovell


Vice President, Chief Information Officer

Brad Lovell joined Keeneland in June 2009 as Director of Information Technology.

Christa Marillia

Christa Marrillia


Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

Christa Marrillia joined Keeneland in 2003 and serves as the company’s Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

Marc Therrien


Managing Director of Keeneland Hospitality

With more than 25 years of culinary experience, Chef Marc believes in simple food with good technique while using locally sourced product.

Kari West

Kari West


Chief of Staff

Kari West joined Keeneland in 2012 and serves as Chief of Staff.

hunter Stout

Hunter Stout


Chief Financial Officer

Hunter Stout joined Keeneland in 2019 and serves as Chief Financial Officer.