The Kentucky Equine Education Project announced Dec. 7 that it will host an online stallion season auction beginning Dec. 16. The auction will last until Dec. 22. Proceeds from the auction will benefit KEEP, and its efforts to promote Kentucky's signature horse industry.
KEEP was instrumental in the passage of the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, which has returned more than $75 million to the horse industry. Just last month KEEP announced that after working in conjunction with the Kentucky Horse Council, the equine industry has been added to the Kentucky Proud Program. This will make Kentucky horse farmers eligible to receive various benefits and financial grants.
“I understand first-hand the importance of KEEP, as Kentucky Downs opened September 1st with Instant Racing,” said KEEP chairman and Kentucky Downs president Corey Johnsen. “Instant Racing would not have happened without the efforts of KEEP and its work with other leaders in our industry, and I believe that Instant Racing will contribute more than $4 million to purses and Breeders Incentives in 2012.”
So far, Winstar Farm, Airdrie, Ashford, Spendthrift, Vinery, Richland Hills, Darby Dan, Three Chimneys, Millennium, Runnymede and Hill 'n' Dale have contributed stallion seasons. More farms are continuing to add stallions, and it is expected that more stallions will be added right up to the beginning of the auction. All seasons are being offered as “live foal guaranteed to seven days” seasons.
“While we have had many successes, we still have work to do,” continued Johnsen. “Kentucky's horse industry must be put on a level competitive playing field with our surrounding states. Therefore, the work of KEEP is more important than ever. We appreciate that so many farms have stepped up to make a contribution and help fund the organization.”