Keeneland has named Julie Cauthen as director of owner and client development. Cauthen, in her newly created role, will be tasked with expanding Keeneland's efforts domestically to draw new owners to the Thoroughbred industry and managing relationships with existing Keeneland clients. She will report to vice president of sales Walt Robertson.
"Julie is the perfect fit for this position," said Robertson in a release. "She is a knowledgeable horseperson who is well-known and well-respected in our industry. She has just the right skill set to help us take our continued commitment to expanding Thoroughbred ownership in the United States to even greater heights."
Currently, Cauthen is the chief operating officer of Donegal Racing where she manages the day-to-day operations of the racing syndicate, including selection of horses and management of their training, and acts as a liaison with clients.
"Julie has been a full partner with Donegal Racing since its inception and has been instrumental in our extraordinary success," said Jerry Crawford, CEO of Donegal Racing, in a statement. "While we will miss her tremendously at Donegal, this is an amazing opportunity for her to have her dream job, working with the great team at Keeneland. I am enormously proud of her."
Cauthen is a fourth-generation horsewoman, growing up in Midway, Ky., close to Nuckols Farm, which belonged to her grandparents, including longtime Keeneland trustee Charlie Nuckols.
"This is such a wonderful opportunity for me," said Cauthen. "I literally grew up at Keeneland, handling horses for my family at the sales and attending the races. Now, to be a part of that storied team is almost too good to be true."
Cauthen is married to fellow horseman Kerry Cauthen and they have two children, Thomas and Julia.
She will join Keeneland April 4.