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Keeneland takes pride in its rich history of community and industry activism.
Our charitable outreach spans two "communities" -- the Central Kentucky area and the Thoroughbred industry.
Through the Keeneland Foundation (add contextural link) we have contributed more than $15 million to local charitable and industry service programs since 1936. It is one aspect of our diverse citizenship initiative that provides leadership support in a variety of forms.
Community Activism
Keeneland has been a vital member of the Central Kentucky community for 70 years. We take our obligation to help improve the community in which we live and do business very seriously.
- Our employees volunteer their time and talents to a number of area organizations, such as the Central Kentucky Blood Center, Junior Achievement, Urban League, United Way of the Bluegrass, Habitat for Humanity, and Commerce Lexington.
- We provide a blend of financial and in-kind sponsorship for many civic events, among them the Keeneland Art Fair and the Evening at Ashland Jazz Concert.
- We also lend our grounds as a backdrop for dozens of fundraising walks and charitable activities.
Industry Citizenship
Keeneland's founders created the Association in part to promote Thoroughbred racing and to ensure its future betterment. Today, we continue to honor that legacy by providing resources to a number of initiatives aimed at giving back to the industry.
- Keeneland and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association are partners in an emerging markets initiative to build relationships with horsemen abroad and elevate racing worldwide.
- We actively work to attract new owners to the sport via seminars and other educational outreach programs.
- Keeneland is a leader in developing innovations such as Polytrack (link) and Best Pad Safety Solutions (link) that promote safety and advance racing.
- In 2001, we lowered our sale commission to 4.5 percent from five percent as a way to give back to our consignors.
- The Keeneland Library (link) -- one of the world's largest Thoroughbred information respositories -- preserves the history and heritage of racing.
- As founding members of the Equine Drug Research Institute and Racing Medication Testing Consortium we seek to ensure the future integrity of racing.
- Keeneland provides financial and other support to programs like the Thoroughbred Retirement Fund, ReRun, and the Maker's Mark Secretariat Center, all of which retrain retired Thoroughbreds for adoption.
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