"I'm both enthusiastic about the new challenge and optimistic that the quality of Keeneland's racing will continue to set the standard by which other race meetings throughout the country are measured," Beasley said."Rogers enthusiasm for the job is contagious and I am fully confident that he only will improve on Keeneland's already outstanding racing program," Keeneland president Nick Nicholson said. "I'm equally certain that Geoffrey is the ideal person to direct the sales. During my year and a half at Keeneland, he has impressed me with his work ethic, his vast knowledge of the auction business, and the worldwide Thoroughbred industry."
As expected, Keeneland announced several key personnel moves Friday. Rogers Beasley, longtime director of the largest equine sale company in the world, will become director of racing, a newly created position. The position will help ease the work load of racing secretary Howard Battle, who has been battling health problems. Battle will still oversee the racing office.Beasley's assistant, Geoffrey Russell, will become director of sales.Beasley has been director of sales at Keeneland since 1982. Last year, the sale company sold 8,074 horses of various ages for $754 million. Russell began working for Keeneland in 1996 after previously working for another Lexington-based auction firm, Fasig-Tipton Co.