As Sale Resumes, Keeneland Announces Relief Fund Effort

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In a statement issued prior to the sale, which began with a moment of silence, Keeneland president Nick Nicholson said proceeds from the fund, which is being coordinated by Keeneland in conjunction with consignors and buyers, will be forwarded to the American Red Cross. Nicholson said donor forms would be available in the pavilion so those attending the sale could make donations either as a straight dollar amount or as a percentage of a sale price.

Nicholson said Keeneland decided to resume the sale Wednesday because "I think it is the right thing to do especially when I hear this morning from national leaders this is clearly the spirit they want to hear out of America."

"To the best of my knowledge all of our consignors will sell today and every buyer who was here to buy yesterday is still here," Nicholson said. "I sensed through the afternoon, night, and morning, as the shock has worn off, we are under a determination not to let this evil behavior not to deter us. I understand if anyone wants to question our decision to have the sale today, but as of right now I think it is the best decision for our community."

In outlining reasons for continuing the sale, Nicholson said, "If for one moment we thought that postponing this sale would help the situation, we would do so without hesitation. Unfortunately, it will not help. Any further postponement only will have a detrimental impact on our community and industry. The goal of any terrorist act is to bring a nation and its people to its knees. Our government leaders are encouraging us to resume our lives and resume our business. But, we will not forget the tragedy that has occurred and the many lives it has affected.

"We also must take into consideration what is in the best interest of the horse industry," Nicholson continued. "Currently, Keeneland has more than 1,000 horses on the grounds and thousands more on the way. There are hundreds of people who have taken this time from very busy schedules to come here from around the world to buy these horses. We cannot reasonably ask them to return to Kentucky for an unscheduled sale. Quite simply, it is not possible to recreate this sale at a later date. The horses cannot be expected to remain in the area or easily return at a later date. It is just not a matter of inconvenience. It is a matter of fact."

Nicholson said Keeneland had received cooperation from central Kentucky hotels and motels about accommodating buyers whose plans changed as a result of Tuesday's postponement.

As Keeneland resumed its September Yearling Sale on Wednesday after a one-day postponement, the sales company announced establishment of a relief fund to assist those impacted by events in New York City and Washington, D.C.

In a statement issued prior to the sale, which began with a moment of silence, Keeneland president Nick Nicholson said proceeds from the fund, which is being coordinated by Keeneland in conjunction with consignors and buyers, will be forwarded to the American Red Cross. Nicholson said donor forms would be available in the pavilion so those attending the sale could make donations either as a straight dollar amount or as a percentage of a sale price.

Contributions to the fund may be made at the Keeneland sales counter (located in the Keeneland sales pavilion) or may be mailed to Keeneland or to the American Red Cross. The mailing information is listed below. Please be sure to designate that your contribution is for the relief fund.
The Keeneland Association
Attn: Patty Miller
PO Box 1690
Lexington, KY 40588-1690
The American Red Cross, Bluegrass Chapter
1450 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY 40511