Shannon Arvin

Keeneland's 2024 Spring Meet concluded Friday with all-sources wagering exceeding $218 million, the third-highest handle in track history. Average daily purse money of $1.16 million attracted Thoroughbred racing's top stables and jockeys, delivering 16 days of quality racing complemented by community and special events that offered family fun with a philanthropic mission. "A big thanks to our horsemen and sponsors, the crowds who turned out daily on track and those who watched and wagered on Keeneland across the country," Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "We especially appreciate the...

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has launched a national campaign, Safety Runs First, and a new corresponding website to promote the sport's commitment to safety, welfare and integrity. The campaign and website, safetyrunsfirst.com, are designed to be a continuing, long-term resource for the public as the racing industry furthers its investment in programs and resources to help reduce injury risk and enhance the safety of its athletes. The website highlights reforms being implemented in the sport and their results to date, including the impacts of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety...

Keeneland has become a sponsor of the International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation, an organization which serves the members of Thoroughbred breeding associations in 26 countries that produce some 80,000 foals annually. "We are enormously grateful to Keeneland for their support and welcome them as an ITBF sponsor," said Sarah Carmichael,  CEO of ITBF. "As a not-for-profit organization, ITBF has to look to the industry for ongoing financial assistance to facilitate the essential service that we provide to the international breeding industry. Our role is a continually expanding one, and without our...

Despite the varying levels of industry experience and the assortment of roles held amongst the 80 attendees at the Horse Racing Women's Summit (HRWS) event at Keeneland on Thursday, April 18, the sense of comradery was palpable throughout the day's program. The first HRWS event of the year, the sold-out program included a keynote conversation and two panel discussions focused on the topics of sales and bloodstock, along with a workshop activity and ample opportunity to converse with fellow industry women throughout the afternoon. Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of...

With an inaugural bottle honoring Man o'War to be released in October, Keeneland Race Course and Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon will launch a 10-year commemorative bottle series, "Greats of the Gate." The series will celebrate Thoroughbred racing's most iconic horses, featuring a different horse each year. "Keeneland and Maker's Mark have a rich history of working hand-in-hand to support organizations making an impact in Kentucky," said Rob Samuels, Managing Director of Maker's Mark. "We're honored to partner each year in such a meaningful way, dating back to when Keeneland was...

The Horse Racing Women's Summit will host a panel discussion at Keeneland Apr. 18. The day will kick off with a welcome address from Gabby Gaudet, a reporter/analyst for FanDuel TV and Keeneland, who will also moderate the keynote conversation hosted by Shannon Arvin, the President and CEO of Keeneland, alongside Julie Cauthen, a bloodstock agent and member of the Keeneland Inspection Team. "Keeneland is honored to host the Horse Racing Women's Summit, which promises to be a great day of discussion, reflection, valuable connections and fun. We look forward...

Enhanced medication policies will be in effect at all the major auctions in the U.S. beginning July 1, leading North American sales companies Keeneland Association, Fasig-Tipton Company and Ocala Breeders' Sales Company jointly announced Tuesday morning. The changes were made in an effort "to safeguard the welfare of the horse while creating greater clarity and consistency among the nation's three major U.S. Thoroughbred auction houses," according to the release, and are the result of meetings between the three companies begun last October at the behest of the Horseracing Integrity and...

Louis Lee Haggin III, hailing from an illustrious racing family and a longtime fixture at Keeneland, died Mar. 5, according to Keeneland Tuesday. He was 88. A lifelong Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Haggin III managed his family's Sycamore Farm. A great, great grandson of legendary horseman James Ben Ali Haggin, who was also the founder of Elmendorf Farm, Haggin III's grandfather, Hal Price Headley, was among the founders of Keeneland. His father, Louis Lee Haggin II, served as the track's second president and subsequently its chairman. "Keeneland mourns the loss...

As a signal of its commitment to supporting equine safety and welfare research, Keeneland will pledge a total of $100,000 over the next four years to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. "The best interest of the horse is the beginning and end of all we do at Keeneland," said Shannon Arvin, president and CEO of Keeneland. "In furtherance of our mission, Keeneland has long championed the important work of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which is a leader in equine safety, integrity, and research. Especially exciting is Grayson's study of advancing...

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis LEXINGTON, KY - The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale gained momentum throughout its opening session and concluded a day of competitive bidding Wednesday evening with 11 seven-figure mares and a median up 30% from its 2022 counterpart. "It was a good day. It was a really good day," said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin. "We were really pleased with the session overall. The theme of the century seems to be that the quality sells and there was really high demand for the quality. There was...

Keeneland closed its 2023 Fall Meet on a high note Saturday. The meet produced total all-sources wagering of $201.7 million, the second-highest Fall Meet handle and fourth-highest handle in Keeneland history. "The Fall Meet was terrific from start to finish, and we are thankful for the strong support of our participants, fans and community," Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "It was rewarding to see crowds line the rail through the very last race every day, savoring all the excitement this season had to offer. And with the recent...

Officials at Keeneland have announced plans for major capital investments at the historic Lexington oval, including the constuction of a permanent Paddock Building and a reimagined saddling experience. The project, which is expected to cost $93 million, is the largest undertaking of its variety since Keeneland opened 90 years ago and marks the first major construction at the track since the construction of the Keeneland Library in 2002. Construction is scheduled to begin following the 2024 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale and is expected to be completed by...