Keeneland announced today that this track is donating $50,000 to the Ed Brown Society to become an Official Ed Brown Partner. This multifaceted partnership will further create opportunities for young people of color to gain exposure, experience and professional placement in the Thoroughbred industry.
As the foundation of the partnership, the Ed Brown Society (EBS) will identify, recruit and place qualified minority students into paid professional internships in the Keeneland group. Upon completion of their internship, EBS will provide ongoing direction to these interns as they progress to permanent professional positions in the Purebred Industry. The Ed Brown Society and Keeneland will also collaborate on existing initiatives such as Keeneland’s Fifth Grade Field Trip, College Scholarship Day, and Keeneland’s College Ambassador Program in an effort to promote diversity and integrate.
The Ed Brown Society (edbrownsociety.org) is named for the famous African-American horseman, Edward Dudley Brown from Lexington, who enjoyed great success as a thoroughbred jockey, trainer, and owner since the end of the century. 19th century until his retirement in 1903. Brown, who coached Baden-Baden to win the Kentucky Horse Race in 1877 and future Derby winners Ben Brush and Plaudit, were introduced. inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1984.
“Ed Brown Society and Keeneland have a collective commitment to bring the sport to a new and diverse audience and create more opportunities for people from all backgrounds,” Keeneland President and CEO , said Shannon Arvin. “We are proud to expand our relationship with the Ed Brown Society at the Partner level and are excited to invest in the next generation of industry leaders more diversely with the EBS internship program.”
“Like so many African-Americans who have achieved great things in horse racing, Ed Brown is a native of Lexington, KY. So it was a fitting milestone to embark on this important endeavor. We are pleased to welcome Keeneland to Ed Brown Greg Harbut, President of the Ed Brown Association, said: “The partnership, will open the doors in the Horse Capital of the World to more skin students. more color pursuing a professional career in an industry that I love.
Details are also available during the Keeneland-sponsored Ed Brown Race Day activities during the 2023 Spring Encounter.
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