Keeneland's Ted Bassett

Founded in 1935, Keeneland is widely regarded by horseracing enthusiasts and professionals as one of the world's premier racetracks. Its April and October race meetings and its annual public thoroughbred auctions lure participants from around the world. By far, James E. "Ted" Bassett III is the man whose name is most frequently linked with Keeneland's extraordinary history and success. Bassett's involvement with Keeneland began in 1968, after he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and was director of the Kentucky State Police during the tumultuous mid-1960s. Since 1968, Bassett has served as Keeneland's president, chairman of the board, and trustee. Arguably the most respected figure within the global racing industry, he was also president of the Breeders' Cup during its greatest period of growth. During his life, Bassett has been a close friend and professional associate with heads of state and government officials both domestically and afar -- including Queen Elizabeth II, Ronald Reagan, J. Edgar Hoover, and the Maktoum family of Dubai. He has formed equally close ties with racing legends such as D. Wayne Lukas, Nick Zito, and Pat Day. Written with two-time Eclipse Award winning racing journalist Bill Mooney, Keeneland's Ted Bassett: My Life is essential reading for fans of the Sport of Kings and a valuable resource for historians. It chronicles each definitive period of Bassett's life, from prep school to Keeneland and beyond, illuminating the private details that shaped his public achievements and offering readers a unique, intimate portrait of the man who defined Keeneland and an entire industry.