By Alan Lytle
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-959618.mp3
Lexington, KY – The three most recent presidents of Keeneland race course gathered at the track to reminisce and swap stories at a Commerce Lexington breakfast this morning. Ted Bassett, (1970 - 1986), Bill Greely, (1986 - 2000), and Nick Nicholson (2000 - present) talked about their time at the helm of the Central Kentucky institution. Bassett and Greely remember being on opposite sides of the fence when the decision was made in the late 1990's to hire a track announcer.
"Keeneland had never had a track announcer since its inception", Greely recounted. "You take credit for that", Bassett retorted. Greely chuckled and continued; "well I had almost all of the support of the board." Basset deadpanned, "sixty-one years of silence." Greely offered, "again in their heart I knew they didn't want to do it."
When it was his turn to speak, Nicholson said the secret to Keeneland's longevity is its appeal to tradition.
"There's a great line that Mr. (Bill) Bishop always used to say. When asked about Keeneland he would say, owned by no one, held in trust for the public good. I think that sums up a lot of what those of us who are fortunate enough to have a little snippet of history here and hopefully pass it on."
Keeneland celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.