Keeneland vice president Harvie Wilkinson, 57, announced Tuesday that he will retire from the racetrack company at the end of January.

Wilkinson's administrative and operational duties will be handled by chief financial officer Bill Thomason, according to Keeneland.

Wilkinson said he had been thinking of retiring for some time so he could pursue interests, including teaching and consulting.

"In recent months, ... I have been thinking about the next phase of my life and the professional and personal goals I want to pursue," he said. "As many of you know, I have an interest not only in our industry, but also in education."

Wilkinson is a former chairman of the Fayette County school board and a former member of The Lexington School board of trustees. Wilkinson has degrees in economics and law from the University of Kentucky.

Keeneland president and chief executive Nick Nicholson said Wilkinson's "contributions to the association have been immeasurable. From complicated legal and financial negotiations and contracts to being a trusted adviser, Harvie has always put Keeneland first in everything that he does."