A TRIBUTE TO TED BASSETT

Click above to watch a tribute to Ted Bassett
(Image : KY Forward - Footage : Keeneland)

JAMES E “TED” BASSETT III
Distinguished Citizen Award
Patriot Awards

Ted Bassett began working for the Keeneland Association in 1968, initially as the assistant to Louis Lee Haggin II. In 1969, Bassett became Keeneland’s president, and he served in that capacity until 1986, when he became chairman of the board. In 2003, Bassett became a Keeneland trustee, and he now holds the title of trustee emeritus. The entirety of his Keeneland tenure currently spans 42 years, and coincides with the association’s greatest period of growth.

SERVICE ABOVE SELF AND THE UNBREAKABLE
WILL TO NEVER EVER GIVE UP.

Keeneland Legend Passes Away

Services for Alma Haggin, who died Wednesday at age 95, will be held this morning at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington. Haggin was the daughter of Keeneland co-founder Hal Price Headley; her husband, Louis Lee Haggin II, succeeded her father as Keeneland’s second president and later served as chairman of the board. Her son, Louis Lee Haggin III, is a Keeneland director and trustee. Alma Haggin is credited with volunteering her time to create the beautiful atmosphere at Keeneland. “Alma had a perceptive and instinctive eye for what is artistically and aesthetically correct for the Keeneland image,” former Keeneland Chairman and President Ted Bassett said. “Whether the decor, landscaping or the floral arrangements—that unique sense of grace and elegance has been what has made Keeneland so special and so memorable.” Added Keeneland President and CEO Nick Nicholson, “Mrs. Haggin created a living legacy that horsemen and guests can enjoy every time they visit Keeneland.”