Overview

"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."

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9780813125480

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Reviews

One of those rare racing autobiographies that transcends the sport in which it is largely based. Beautifully written, with humor and endearing self-deprecation, it captured me right out of the gate and kept me riveted around the turn, down the stretch, and across the finish line. -- Thoroughbred Times With self-effacing humor, characteristic charm, and candor...a book that is as wide-ranging as it is personal, filled with a gold mine of firsthand stories and historical details. -- ebook30.com There is something here for everyone who has any affinity at all for horse racing.... The book is well recommended. --Bowling Green Daily News -- This is autobiography at its finest -- superbly written, entertaining and engaging. --Business Lexington -- Bassett has been our ambassador for Thoroughbred racing around the world, and has placed his stamp on every aspect of the sport, accomplishing this with the grip of a Marine and the air of a gentleman. --William S. Farish, former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain and master of Lane's -- The book chronicles [Bassett's] life from school boy, Yale University graduate, and U.S. Marine, to a stint as director of the Kentucky State Police, and finally, through his years as one of Thoroughbred racing's best-known and respected ambassadors. --Barbara Livingston, Lancaster Farming -- A delightful ride with a host full of humor and charm. --Yale Alumni Magazine -- Because of its unique presentation, this book is a gold mine of first-hand stories and historic information not only about the racing industry, but about life in Kentucky. --Paintsville Herald -- This is autobiography at its finest -- superbly written, entertaining and engaging. -- Business Lexington [The autobiography] richly details Bassett's career in the Thoroughbred industry, at Keeneland, as president of Breeders' Cup Ltd. and through his journeys as an ambassador for racing on six continents. -- Blood Horse A valuable portrait of the Sport of Kings for racing aficionados and historians. Documenting the private details that shaped Bassett's public achievements, the autobiography offers a unique insight into the world of horse racing and the shaping of both Keeneland and an entire industry. -- University of Kentucky News Perhaps only in Kentucky can one move effortlessly from serving as Commissioner of State Police to managing one of the world's most unique race tracks and dine with the Queen of England. -- Terry Birdwhistell, Associate Dean of Special Collections and Digital Programs, Winner of the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award --

One of those rare racing autobiographies that transcends the sport in which it is largely based. Beautifully written, with humor and endearing self-deprecation, it captured me right out of the gate and kept me riveted around the turn, down the stretch, and across the finish line. -- Thoroughbred Times

Bassett has been our ambassador for Thoroughbred racing around the world, and has placed his stamp on every aspect of the sport, accomplishing this with the grip of a Marine and the air of a gentleman. -- William S. Farish, former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain and master of Lane's

Author Information

"James E. """"Ted"""" Bassett III continues to serve as Keeneland's trustee emeritus, and in this capacity he chairs fund-raising drives throughout the Bluegrass region. He lives in Woodford County, Kentucky. Bill Mooney has covered racing for the New York Times, Thoroughbred Record and Blood-Horse, and is currently a contributing editor for Thoroughbred Times. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky."

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