Russell Retires as Keeneland Director of Sales

Geoffrey Russell 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 Keeneland president and CEO Shannon 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's friendship with Arvin began while she was Keeneland's counsel with Stoll Keenon Ogden and they worked together on Conditions of Sales and legal issues.

"It has been a great honor and privilege to work at Keeneland," Russell said. "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," he said. "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."

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Russell was 5 when he first attended the races with his parents. While growing up, he often went to the races with his best friend, whose family owned racehorses and taught Russell about pedigrees and other facets of the industry. While attending a bloodstock sale in the 1970s, Russell was captivated when the legendary Sir Philip Payne-Gallway bought a full sister to English Horse of the Year Shirley Heights for a then-record price in Ireland. The experience helped him decide his career path in Thoroughbred sales.

After obtaining a marketing degree from the College of Marketing and Design in Dublin, Russell gained early experience in the Thoroughbred industry in Ireland at Coolmore Stud and as a bid spotter at Goffs sales company. He came to the U.S. in 1982 on a summer internship at Fasig-Tipton Sales but never expected to stay. Following a stint at Elmendorf Farm, Russell returned to Fasig-Tipton as vice president of Fasig-Tipton Appraisals and director of sales administration.

Russell joined Keeneland in 1996 as assistant director of sales to Rogers Beasley. In June 2001, he was promoted to director of sales when Beasley became Keeneland's director of racing. Russell was named to the newly created position of director of sales operations in September 2016.

"I think it chose me more than I chose it," Russell said about his career in Thoroughbred sales. "I have a love of pedigrees, and I love horses. The atmosphere and the theatrics of an auction are captivating. Then you put your other hat on, and you see the sales are people's livelihoods and you realize how important your job is to do it right."

During Russell's tenure as director of sales/director of sales operations, Keeneland sales experienced great heights, such as selling future Hall of Famer Ashado  for $9 million as a broodmare prospect at the 2005 November Breeding Stock Sale. Russell helped navigate Keeneland through a number of external challenges caused by significant industry and world events such as 9/11, mare reproductive loss syndrome, an economic recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I have admired Geoffrey from the first time I met him," said Lacy. "He has always been very knowledgeable, decisive, and fair in managing the sale process. He helped Keeneland navigate varying economic environments and his counsel will be heavily relied upon going forward. It is important to maintain the consistency Geoffrey has skillfully managed over the years to allow a smooth transition to the next director of sales operations, and I am very grateful he will assist in this process. He has set a very high standard, and I congratulate him on an incredible career."

Russell's service to the Thoroughbred sales industry includes two terms as chairman of the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers, and he has been Keeneland's representative on the North American International Catalogue Standards Committee. He also serves on the board of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.

For his accomplishments in the Thoroughbred industry, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association honored Russell with its 2016 Wild Geese Award. ITBA Chairman Stephen Collins said the award acknowledges "one of our own who has flown the Irish flag with pride on an international stage."