The Breeders' Cup announced Aug. 25 the formation of the 2015 Keeneland Host Committee for next year's World Championships, to be held at Keeneland, Oct. 30-31, 2015.
The committee, comprised of a diverse cross section of leadership from the public and private sectors, will be responsible for creating and coordinating events and activities to supplement the 2015 Breeders' Cup, the first time in the event's 31 years that it will be held at Keeneland, located in the heart of Bluegrass Country and the Thoroughbred breeding community.
The Keeneland Host Committee will work closely with Breeders' Cup, Keeneland and local officials in building a diverse network of sponsors, media and logistical partnerships in support of these events, along with hospitality and special programs in the community.
The first meeting of the 2015 Keeneland Host Committee will be Aug. 28.
"The Breeders' Cup will be the greatest international event to come to our area, and it is our goal to provide a world-class experience in our city and region for our guests coming from across America and overseas, as well as for our local patrons," said Kip Cornett, chairman of the 2015 Keeneland Host Committee and president of CORNETT. "It is our job to pull together the valued resources of these terrific individuals to help put on a great show."
"We have already been greatly flattered by the level of excitement and enthusiasm in the Lexington community for next year's Breeders' Cup," said Breeders' Cup president Craig Fravel. "The 2015 host committee will provide an outstanding level of expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm in organizing exciting events and hospitality services for our horsemen and international guests coming to the World Championships."
"Keeneland has the best fans in the world; their passion for racing is second to none," said Keeneland president Bill Thomason. "We want the 2015 Breeders' Cup at Keeneland to be an opportunity to showcase the Central Kentucky community, and to involve our great fans in this championship event. The 2015 host committee taps the talents of a range of community and horse industry leaders to create a celebration of all that we love about the Bluegrass."
The 2015 Keeneland Host Committee is as follows:
Rasheeda Al-Amin, Director of the Lyric Theater
Ann Bakhaus, Kentucky Eagle Beer
Price Bell, Nicoma Bloodstock
Chuck Creacy, owner, Smiley Pete Publications
Pat Dalbey, president, NBC Affiliate WLEX-TV
Luther Deaton, president, Central Bank
Brooks Downing, Bluegrass Sports Commission
Rufus Friday, publisher, Lexington Herald-Leader
Thomas Gaines, Gaines-Gentry Thoroughbreds
Greg Goodman, Mt. Brilliant Farm
Steve Grossman, Triangle Foundation
Walker Hancock, Claiborne Farm
Tom Harris, vice president of external affairs, office of the president, University of Kentucky
Lori Houlihan, special events liason, office of the mayor, Lexington
Bret Jones, Airdrie Stud
Michael Jordan, director, Clear Channel Communications
Ed Lane, The Lane Report, LFUCG Council member
Mike Levy, Muirfield Insurance
Bruce Lunsford, Lunsford Capital
Alston Kerr, Kentucky Horse Park
Wayne Martin, television executive
Christa Marrillia, director of marketing, Keeneland Association
Dave O'Neil, property value administrator
DeWayne Peevy, deputy director of athletics, U.K.
Mary Quinn Ramer, VisitLex
David Royse, partner, Stoll Keenon Ogden
Griffin Van Meter, owner of Bullhorn, Community Leader
Woodford Webb, The Webb Companies
More individuals will be added to the Host Committee in the coming weeks.
