Keeneland Sales & Racing Update, July 24

To our customers:

It’s surreal to look back at the events that have transpired over the past five months. The pandemic has changed the way we do business, transformed our lives and added a persistent layer of fear to our every day. Uncertainty and fear can be all consuming, however it’s during this time of challenge that our actions must be guided by logic, reason and hope.

This mantra continues to guide the actions of the Keeneland team. While navigating the daily challenges presented by the pandemic, we are using this time as an opportunity to look inward. It is our commitment and our responsibility to serve our customers, support our industry and deliver the absolute best racing and sales product possible. We have not wavered from this mission for 80+ years, and a global pandemic is not going to stop us.

Yesterday’s announcement strategically aligning our core businesses of racing and sales strengthens our ability to serve the needs of our customers and deliver on our mission, both now and in the future. Bob Elliston will continue leading the efforts of our racing program as Keeneland’s Vice President of Racing and Keeneland President-elect Shannon Arvin will serve as Interim Head of Sales alongside Keeneland’s renowned sales team. Shannon and Bob are unparalleled in their abilities to lead our organization and support the evolving needs of our customers.

As we are now just seven weeks out from the September Yearling Sale, it is critical that we provide a seamless transition to you, our customers. Shannon has been particularly involved in the operational plans for Keeneland September as well as the development of our expanded bidding opportunities. While Shannon is in the midst of her transition to Keeneland, she is very much engaged in every facet of the business and working alongside Geoffrey, Mark and the full sales team preparing for this critical fall season. As always, if you have questions or need assistance, please continue to contact any member of the Keeneland sales team – Shannon and myself included.

We will continue to use this newsletter as well as our landing page at keeneland.com/sales2020 to provide you with the latest information and developments on our operational plans, safety protocols and expanded technologies to serve the needs our customers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is an area of focus that you would like us to address.

Be well,

Bill Thomason