Testimonials to Ted Bassett and his Career
 

“Ted Bassett has been our ambassador for Thoroughbred racing around the world, and has placed his stamp on every aspect of the sport, accomplishing this with the grip of a Marine and the air of a gentleman.”

 

                                                   -- William S. Farish, former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain and master of

                                                       Lane’s End Farm

 

 

“Ted Bassett has been a pervasive force for the good of international racing. No one has been as focused, as energetic or has his persuasive wit and charm.”

 

                                                  -- The Honorable Andrew S. Peacock, former Liberal Party Leader and

                                                      Australian Ambassador to the USA

 

 

“Throughout his distinguished career as a Marine and as a private citizen, Mr. Bassett has continued to epitomize, ‘Once a Marine, always a Marine.’ Mr. Bassett’s selfless patriotism and dedication reflect great credit upon him and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

 

                                                  -- James T. Conway, General, U.S. Marine Corps and Commandant of the    

                                                     Marine Corps

 

 

“Ted Bassett is a legend in the Kentucky State Police today for those officers who served through the 1960’s and 1970’s.”

 

                                                  -- Colonel A.D. Fortner, Kentucky State Police Commissioner, 1980-‘81

 

 

“Thoroughbred racing’s senior statesman, Ted Bassett, offers a world tour of his career highlights from Keeneland to Royal Ascot, Dubai and points beyond.”

 

                                                  -- Joe Hirsch, executive columnist, Daily Racing Form, 1974-2003

 

 

“Perhaps only in Kentucky can one move effortlessly from serving as Director of the State Police to managing one of the world’s most unique racetracks and dine with the Queen of England.”

 

                                                  -- Terry L. Birdwhistell, PHD, Associate Dean of Special Collections and Digital

                                                      Programs, University of Kentucky

 

 

“In my 58 years in racing, I have never met a man who I looked up to and regarded more than Ted Bassett.”

 

                                                  -- William A. Thayer, Senior Vice President of Racing, Arlington Park

“HOLD HIGH THE TORCH”

THE FOURTH MARINES WW11

James E. Bassett III
Biographical History 

Education

Kent School 1941
Yale University 1944

Military Service 

WWII 1st Lt. 4th Marine, 6th Division
Pacific Theater 1944-1946
Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation
Marine Corp Semper Fidelis Award 1990 
Dept of Navy Superior Public Service Award 2007 

Industry Association 

President Keeneland Association 1970-86
President UK Equine Research Foundation 1986-89
 Chairman Keeneland Association 1986-2001.
President Thoroughbred Club of America 1979-80
Trustee Keeneland Association 1993-2006
Chairman Kentucky Horse Park 1980-83
 President Breeders' Cup ltd. 1988-96 
Trustee American Horse Council 1985-87
Chairman Equibase Inc. 1990-97
Steward The Jockey Club 1993-97
President Thoroughbred Racing Assoc 1985-86
Chairman World Racing Championship Series 1996-04 

Honorary Degrees and Honorary Memberships

Eastern Kentucky University -Doctor of Laws 1976
 Transylvania University - Doctor of Laws 1987
University of Kentucky - Doctor of Laws 1993
 Hong Kong Race Horse Owners Association 
The Association of Jockey Clubs of Latin America 
Victoria Racing Club - Australia

Awards 

Thoroughbred Club of America 1984
John A. Morris Award 1997
NYRA Turf & Field Club Award 1984
John W. Galbreath Award 1999
 Lord Derby Award 1998
Transylvania Medal 1985
Dinner of Champions Honoree 1991
YMCA Red Triangle Award 1999
Dean Engle Memorial Award 1986
Bluegrass Business Hall of Fame
Chandler Foundation Award 2000
Nat'l Turf Writers Joe Palmer Award 1986
Derby Festival Silver Horseshoe 1995
Warner L. Jones Award 2001
W.C. Coman Humanitarian Award 1987
KY Athletic Hall of Fame 1995
J.F. Pew Award 2001
Keene Daingerfield Award 1987
Eclipse Award of Merit 1996
LMS Layman of the Year 2006
HBPA Man of the Year 1989
William H. May Award 1997
EKU Dean's Award 2007
W.T. Young Lifetime Achievement Award 2007
KTA Humanitarian Award 2008
Dr. Tony Ryan Award 2010


Community-Civic Involvement 

Chairman -Save The Calumet Trophies 1987-1989
Chairman -YMCA Capital Campaign 1997-1999
Chairman -Junior Achievement Capital Campaign 2000
Chairman -Kentucky Blood Center Capital Campaign 2005-2007 
Salute to the Legends of the Corps - 1998
Salute to the Legends of the Corps - 1999
Salute to the Legends of the Corps - 2001
Salute to the Legends of the Corps - 2008