[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 193 (Wednesday, November 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1187-E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF TED BASSETT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 2021

  Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a great 
Kentuckian, James E. ``Ted'' Bassett III. Mr. Bassett was born in 
Lexington, Kentucky on October 26, 1921, one hundred years ago. Mr. 
Bassett is universally well-respected and one of our finest citizens.
  Ted Bassett graduated from Yale in the early 1940's. Soon after that, 
he was deployed to the South Pacific as a member of the United States 
Marine Corps. He served as an infantry officer in the 4th Marine 
Regiment, 6th Marine Division. Mr. Bassett led a rifle platoon during 
the Battle of Okinawa. He was twice wounded and received the Purple 
Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation. Mr. Bassett credits his 
service as a U.S. Marine with being the ``most meaningful phase'' of 
his life. He is the epitome of an American patriot. Humble in his 
valor, his love of our country is unmatched.
  Following WWII, Mr. Bassett worked as a newsprint salesman in New 
York, a tobacco farmer in Kentucky, Deputy Commissioner for the 
Department of Public Safety, and director of the Kentucky State Police. 
In 1968, he became involved with Keeneland Association as an assistant 
to President Louis L. Haggin, II. He went on to become President, 
Chairman of the Board, Trustee, and Trustee Emeritus of Keeneland, 
where his tenure extends for 53

[[Page E1188]]

years. During his time at Keeneland, the track became one of the most 
prominent thoroughbred racetracks in North America. Keeneland's sales 
grew incredibly, and it became a major international auction house.
  Mr. Bassett's leadership continued as President of the Breeder's Cup, 
the Thoroughbred Racing Association, and the Thoroughbred Club of 
America. He served as a member of The Jockey Club as well as a Trustee 
of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the University of 
Kentucky Equine Research Foundation, and Transylvania University. Mr. 
Bassett is undoubtably one of the most respected figures in the 
thoroughbred industry. In 1996, he received an Eclipse Award of Merit 
for his contributions and in 2019 was inducted into the Racing Hall of 
Fame.
  Mr. Bassett is a generous philanthropist in the central Kentucky 
area. He has a true love of people and would be as comfortable talking 
with the President of the United States or the Queen of England as he 
is talking with the staff at Keeneland. Ted Bassett is an incredible 
patriot, a legend in the thoroughbred industry, a selfless individual, 
and a shining example to us all. I have been honored to know him all of 
my life and it is my honor to recognize this great American patriot 
before the United States Congress on his 100th birthday.

                          ____________________