Former Irish jump jockey Tony Lacy named Keeneland vice-president of sales

Keeneland has announced that internationally respected bloodstock adviser and consignor Tony Lacy will join the company as vice-president of sales.

Officials also revealed that long-time director of sales operations Geoffrey Russell will retire from his full-time position after 25 years with Keeneland, but will remain in a consulting role through 2021.

“Tony possesses a well-rounded knowledge of the thoroughbred industry, bolstered by valuable insight and a unique skill set gained from having worked on the ground in the US, Europe and the Middle East,” said Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin.

“He is an established presence globally and connects to a vast network of owners, trainers, consignors and buyers. We are excited to welcome Tony to Keeneland, and look forward to his leadership as we prepare for the future.”

Lacy brings a depth of racing and sales experience to his new position with Keeneland. In 2001, Lacy, along with Kerry Cauthen, helped establish Four Star Sales, eventually becoming a partner and developing the company into a leading North American consignor.

Since 2008, he has been the North American representative for Arqana. In that capacity, he has been involved in all aspects of the sales company, including the innovation of Arqana Online, and development of Arqana’s brand in the US via marketing strategies and promotions in various mediums and actions.

“I am extremely honoured to be named vice-president of sales for Keeneland,” he said. “Keeneland is a pillar of the global horse industry, and I have a high level of respect for Shannon, the team she is building and her vision for the future.

"I believe my background as a consignor and bloodstock adviser will allow me to understand the needs of our sales participants, continue to build on the best of our traditions and pursue innovations that will keep the company dynamic in a changing environment.

"Keeneland is an iconic brand, and we remain committed to protecting and growing its premier operations for the future health of the industry as a whole.”

A fourth-generation horseman, Lacy began his career in his native Ireland as an assistant trainer to his father Tom Lacy, a jump jockey who came within a length of defeating the legendary Arkle in the 1964 Irish Grand National.

Tony Lacy was a successful amateur jockey in Ireland for 11 years, competing on the Flat and over jumps.

Lacy is the incoming president of the Thoroughbred Club of America and will be the first foreign-born president in the organisation’s 89-year history. He also serves on the Board of New Vocations.

Geoffrey Russell: will continue to serve as a consultant to the Keeneland sales team through 2021Credit: Keeneland/Photos by Z

Dublin-born Russell, meanwhile, retires after 25 years with Keeneland sales, 20 seasons of which were as director of sales/director of sales operations – the longest of anyone in Keeneland history.

He will serve as a consultant to the Keeneland sales team through 2021.

“I have never met anyone more devoted to Keeneland or thoroughbred racing than Geoffrey Russell,” said Arvin. “Keeneland sales achieved new heights globally under his watch, and he indelibly shaped the future of sales operations domestically and abroad through his years of leadership and service. I am grateful to Geoffrey for his integrity, his tireless work ethic and his dedication to Keeneland.”

Russell said: “It has been a great honour and privilege to work at Keeneland. I appreciate all the opportunities that Keeneland has given me over my 25 years here. I never thought I would work at Keeneland – and never as director of sales, nor being the longest-tenured one.

“With Shannon at the helm – and I firmly believe she is the right person to lead Keeneland – I feel that this is a good time for a transition as Keeneland looks to the next 20 years.

“Keeneland is putting the right people in place for the future, and the appointment of Tony as vice-president of sales is an example of that foresight. Tony is a trusted and respected horseman, well-liked by his peers, who has conducted his racing and bloodstock career with quality and integrity.

"I am confident in Tony’s leadership and look forward to the exciting future of Keeneland sales.”

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