Elliston Resigns From Keeneland

Bob Elliston, a longtime racing industry executive, has resigned from his position as vice president of racing at Keeneland to pursue other endeavors, according to Keeneland and Elliston. His resignation is effective at the end of the month.

"We wish Bob all the best in the future," Keeneland stated in its Dec. 22 confirmation of Elliston's resignation.

Elliston said he is not in a position to speak about the "next chapter," but said he has had a blast during his 20-plus-year career working in the horse industry. He added that his resignation does not necessarily mean he is stepping away from the horse industry entirely.

"The wonderful experiences that I have had really create multiple avenues for continuing this fortunate journey that I have been a part of," Elliston said.

Elliston joined Keeneland in August 2016 when he was hired to fill a then-new position of vice president of racing and sales. Prior to joining Keeneland, he was executive vice president and chief operations officer of Breeders' Cup Ltd. since May 2012.

During Elliston's tenure at Keeneland, the racing and sales company implemented a bonus program for horses sold during Book 1 of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale and went on to win a graded/group stakes at 2 or 3; made major renovations to its sales barns; reintroduced the April 2-year-olds in training sale and added a horses of racing age segment; launched sales and racing coverage initiatives with TVG; implemented new racing and safety training protocols; and joined Churchill Downs in an effort to eventually eliminate race-day use of the bleeder medication furosemide, among other projects.

Elliston is a native of Florence, Ky. After graduating cum laude at Eastern Kentucky University, Elliston went on to work for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in Frankfort from 1986 to 1992, serving as vice president of economic and community development and representing the Chamber before the Kentucky General Assembly and the United States Congress. He became vice president of commercial lending for US Bank, N.A., for seven years and then was hired as president and CEO of Turfway Park in June 1999.

An avid horse racing enthusiast his entire adult life, Elliston was put in charge of Turfway operations shortly after the track was purchased by a partnership comprised of Keeneland, Harrah's Entertainment, and GTECH Corp. Elliston worked for Turfway 13 years and then was hired as executive vice president and COO of Breeders' Cup in 2012.

With Breeders' Cup, Elliston was instrumental in bringing the World Championships to Keeneland in 2015. He worked closely with Keeneland's staff, horsemen, and Central Kentucky community and business leaders throughout the multiyear planning and execution process that produced a record-setting event.

Keeneland announced in July of this year a realignment that moved Elliston from vice president of racing and sales to vice president of racing. At the time of the change Keeneland said: "With more than two decades of industry leadership experience, Elliston will focus his attention on advancing Keeneland's racing product, industrywide safety and integrity initiatives, preparations for the upcoming Breeders' Cup World Championships, and expanding Keeneland's mission to grow the sport."

Keeneland hosted its second Breeders' Cup Nov. 6-7.

Keeneland president-elect Shannon Arvin took the mantle as interim head of sales as part of the realignment. She succeeds Bill Thomason as Keeneland president and CEO upon his retirement at the end of the year.