LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- James "Ted" Bassett III, who served as president of Keeneland for 16 years, died Thursday at his Lexington home at the age of 103.
Keeneland said in a news release Friday that the track outside Lexington grew under Bassett from a small, local gem to one of the "most prominent racing facilities" in all of North America.
"Mr. Bassett was a cherished member of the Keeneland family, and while we are saddened by his passing we celebrate his remarkable life and indomitable spirit," Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said in a news release Friday. "He was the embodiment of class and integrity, and his commitment to preserving Keeneland’s mission and brand, often during challenging times in history, enabled our racing and sales operations to soar to new heights and set the standard for the industry. Mr. Bassett was a giant internationally as a leader, visionary, philanthropist, beloved icon and friend, and one of our sport’s greatest ambassadors. Though I have no doubt he would want most to be remembered as a humble man who worked every day to enhance Keeneland, the Thoroughbred industry and his hometown of Lexington."
Bassett started his career at Keeneland as an assistant and ultimately worked there in some capacity for 38 years. The track went through many multimillion-dollar construction projects under his tenure as it began to look how it does today. He welcomed a slew of famous guests to the track, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1984.
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