Posted on Thu, Apr. 17, 2008

Lear named a Keeneland director

NAMED TO SUCCEED 'BUDDY' BISHOP ON TRACK'S BOARD

HERALD-LEADER STAFF REPORT

William M. "Bill" Lear Jr. was elected to Keeneland's board of directors and appointed a trustee Wednesday during the corporation's semi-annual meeting.

Lear succeeds William T. "Buddy" Bishop III, who died April 3. He joins Louis Lee Haggin III and William S. Farish as Keeneland trustees.

Lear is chair of the board of the Kentucky law firm of Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC and the longtime legal counsel for Keeneland. He has represented the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, and several Central Kentucky thoroughbred farms.

Lear also is one of Kentucky's leading practitioners in the areas of real estate development law, municipal law and economic development incentives. He has served as a state representative and a prominent Lexington civic leader.

"This is a bittersweet occasion for me," Lear said. "I am truly honored to have been chosen as trustee, but deeply saddened by the events that prompted my election.

"Buddy Bishop was a dear friend and a stalwart in the horse industry," he continued.