Keeneland Parts Ways With Starter Jordan

Keeneland has parted ways with Scott Jordan, who replaced the late Robert "Spec" Alexander as starter at the Lexington track in 2019. He remains the starter at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, and Kentucky Downs, he said.

Neither Keeneland nor Jordan provided a detailed explanation for his dismissal. Keeneland did not announce a replacement.

"They terminated me Wednesday, told me my services were no longer needed," Jordan said. 

"We aren't in a position to respond with the details of this situation, but we will say that, in every respect, Keeneland is committed to integrity," Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said in a statement.

News of Jordan's dismissal was distributed to trainers and media outlets July 23 via an anonymous email, the writer of which stated the email was sent on behalf of horsemen.

Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association executive director Marty Maline said he had never heard of the Gmail account used to send the email. His organization and other official horsemen groups use different emails.

Jordan, the son of trainer Rick Jordan, began working on the Churchill Downs gate crew in 1995 and became the head starter there in 2006. 

"I've talked to many horsemen about him—talked to him myself—and pretty much the consensus among horsemen is that guy is like the best starter in the country. He works with horsemen if they have difficult horses or something they need help with," Maline said. "I'm surprised, to be honest. I don't know what is supposed to have happened—they're keeping that close to the vest."