Ted Bassett
James E. 'Ted' Bassett, whose voice narrates this project is a true Kentucky legend – with an exhibition to prove it.
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Bassett graduated from Yale in 1944 and served the United States in World War II. As a 1st Lieutenant in the 4th Marines, 6th Division, Bassett fought in the Pacific Theater from 1944-1946. For his service and sacrifice he earned both a Purple Heart and a Presidential Unit Citation.
Bassett’s path to Keeneland is a winding one. Dean of University of Kentucky Libraries Dr. Terry Birdwhistell summed it up when he said, “Perhaps only in Kentucky can one move effortlessly from serving as Commissioner of State Police to managing one of the world’s most unique race tracks and dine with the Queen of England.”
After World War II, Bassett moved to New York and in 1950 married fellow Kentuckian, Lucy Gay. The couple made their way back to Kentucky, where Bassett found himself working on a tobacco farm. Three years on the farm was enough for Bassett, who, after being approached by Peter Wagner III, joined the Kentucky State Police. Under Bassett the program saw major reforms and overhauls, including: the professionalization of the program with the creation of Eastern Kentucky University’s Criminal Justice program, increases in pay, and the enforcement of continued training. Under Bassett the state also hired its first African-American officers. From 1963 to 1967 Bassett served as the Director of KSP.
Upon leaving KSP and turning down a lucrative offer from Kentucky Fried Chicken, Bassett joined Keeneland on January 1, 1968, assuming the role of Vice President and working alongside Louis Lee Haggin II. By 1970 Bassett was promoted to President, serving Keeneland for the next 16 years—though his role at Keeneland was far from through. From Chairman of the Board to Keeneland Trustee and today Trustee Emeritus, Bassett remains a pillar of the Keeneland turf.
Yet Bassett’s work and accomplishments at Keeneland are but one aspect of his life. He has served as president of the Breeders’ Cup and the Thoroughbred Racing Association, he helped form Equibase, and served as an international ambassador for racing. Bassett is the recipient of the 1996 Eclipse Award of Merit, and holds honorary degrees from the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, and Transylvania University. A champion fundraiser, Bassett’s served as Chairman for numerous non-for-profits; a recent Blood-Horse article summarized him perhaps best when stating: “Mr. Bassett prides himself on getting things done. […] He is a proud Marine, and failing to accomplish a mission is not in his vocabulary.”