Founded by Horsemen
Keeneland is unique to 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
32
32 graded stakes worth $9.675 million10
Breeders’ CupWin-and-You’re-In events
300,000+
attendees annuallyThoroughbred Auctions
4 sales
each January, April, September and November$500 million+
sales annually50+
countries represented by buyers and sellersA 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 such initiatives as:
- Racing purses – Over the last 5 years, $30 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 annual auctions and actively travels to more than 25 countries and invests more than $700,000 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 last 5 years, Keeneland has contributed more than $1.3 million to the TAA 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 Keeneland Kids Club which exceeds 10,000 members. Record crowds and daily attendance underscore Keeneland’s commitment to fan development.
- Local community – Proudly serving as a leader in Central Kentucky, Keeneland is committed to the community it serves. Keeneland’s founders established this community activism which continues to this day, as Keeneland has donated millions to local charities, as well as health and educational programs. Intended as a gathering place for the local community, Keeneland hosts hundreds of charitable and private events annually.
Keeneland's Executive Staff
Guiding Keeneland’s future, the Thoroughbred industry and our community.
Bill Thomason
President and Chief Executive Officer
Bill Thomason became the seventh President and Chief Executive Officer of Keeneland in 2012.
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Robert N. Elliston
Vice President of Racing and Sales
Bob Elliston joined Keeneland in 2016 after serving as executive vice president & COO of the Breeders’ Cup.
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Vince Gabbert
Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Vince Gabbert joined Keeneland in October 2009 and serves as the company’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
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Brad Lovell
Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Brad Lovell joined Keeneland in June 2009 as Director of Information Technology.
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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.
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Marc Therrien
Executive Chef and Managing Director of Keeneland Hospitality
Noted Southern California chef Marc Therrien is the Executive Chef and Managing Director of Keeneland Hospitality. With...
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