Keeneland announces charitable contributions

Keeneland announced its 2008 contributions at its annual holiday luncheon

Tuesday, reporting for the first time funding for community and charitable

organizations as well as the association's reinvestment in equine-related

initiatives.

Keeneland's funding program is supported by profits generated through its

Thoroughbred racing, sales, and simulcast operations.

In 2008, Keeneland contributed $887,739 to community programs which focus on

education; health and human services; and arts, preservation, and animal

welfare. To date, Keeneland has given more than $17 million to support a variety

of civic initiatives in the Central Kentucky area. This year's total includes a

$200,000 "pass through" donation from Maker's Mark Distillery to the Keeneland

Foundation for the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. Those proceeds

and related matching fund efforts from the 2006-2008 Keeneland-Maker's Mark Mile

limited edition bottles will net $3 million for cancer research.

Keeneland also provided more than $1.2 million to help fund global equine

research, safety and welfare, and betterment initiatives in 2008. In addition to

this total, Keeneland reinvested more than $18 million in purse money during its

2008 spring and fall race meetings -- $7.4 million in excess of requirements --

to achieve its mission of showcasing the finest traditions of racing by

attracting the world's best horses, jockeys, and trainers.

"We are fortunate at Keeneland to be able to provide financial support to a

variety of programs which enrich the community and the horse industry," said

Fran Taylor, executive director of the Keeneland Foundation. "We owe our thanks

to our horsemen and fans who, by supporting our racing, sales, and simulcast

operations, help make these contributions possible.

"Reporting community and industry contributions is more reflective of

Keeneland's overall contribution and funding efforts, and a change from our past

when we more narrowly defined our giving as community-based," Taylor added.

A comprehensive listing of the association's contributions can be found at

keeneland.com.