Keeneland guest services manager came to track from the CIA

You may never see Fred Reinert while visiting Keeneland, but the effort he puts in each day is essential top fans’ Keeneland experience. Serving as the guest services and admissions operational manager means virtually everyone you’ll see in green coats works under Reinert’s watch. Aiding in sales, tours and special events, as well, means Reinert does a little bit of everything. But Reinert’s story is much more detailed than a man sitting behind a desk assuring your visit to Keeneland is enjoyable.

Prior to what’s been about an eight-and-a-half year stint at Keeneland, Reinert worked in telecommunications management and training for the CIA.

“It was just a wonderful experience working in the agency,” Reinert said. “Walking across that CIA seal in the morning going into work at Langley was really exciting.”

Throughout his 26 years working for the CIA, Reinert was assigned to Western Europe, South and Central America and Washington D.C., working in the White House under President Jimmy Carter. Obviously, his current position of Keeneland is drastically different than his role in the CIA, but Reinert was fortunate enough to transition from one enjoyable job to another.

“Keeneland is really unique and people like Fred are what make Keeneland so special.” said Amy Gregory, Keeneland’s director of communications.

“This is so much fun,” Reinert said. “You hear about people that can’t wait to get up in the morning and come to work; that’s how working at Keeneland is.”

Reinert credits such enjoyment at work to the people, his coworkers, and the overall atmosphere that’s unique to Keeneland.

“It’s an excellent place to work,” Reinert said. “It’s got a real family atmosphere. It’s just the sights and sounds and pageantry of the races. I just enjoy the entire environment.

“I don’t get to see too many races because I’m usually in an office somewhere. But when I do see a race, especially out on the trackside, you hear the pounding of the hooves and the colorful jockey silks and just the whole environment. It’s really impressive.”

Reinert nearly missed out on this entire experience. Working at Keeneland wasn’t in the cards, but a conversation with a Keeneland usher changed everything.

“I decided to give it a try, but I never expected to stay here,” Reinert said. “I just thought it was something fun to do and one thing led to another and I’m still here.”

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Keeneland guest services manager came to track from the CIA."