Keeneland announces ban on Lexington horseman who made racist comments
Keeneland announced Wednesday that the racetrack and auction house will not allow a prominent Lexington Thoroughbred horseman who made racist comments on social media on the premises.
That could include participating in the upcoming Thoroughbred sales, although it is not clear how long the ban will extend.
“Effective immediately, Tom VanMeter will be excluded from the Keeneland premises, including participation by VanMeter and VanMeter-Gentry Sales in sales and racing activities, while Keeneland further reviews the circumstances related to the recent reprehensible comments VanMeter made on social media,” Keeneland announced.
“Keeneland takes its role in advancing inclusion and diversity seriously. But we know that we as a company, an industry and a society have much work to do. Only through listening and concrete action can we hope to live up to our values of respect, community and equality.”
Reached by text, VanMeter said he has spoken with Keeneland officials.
“I respect their decision,” he said.
Keeneland was scheduled to open a coronavirus-induced summer racing meet Wednesday, without spectators, that will last through Sunday. He does not have any horses entered to race through Friday.
His son, racehorse trainer Will VanMeter, has a horse entered to race on Thursday and another on Friday.
VanMeter and his partners typically sell horses for others at Keeneland’s annual September Sale, as well as other major bloodstock auctions. This year’s sale starts Sept. 13.
VanMeter owns and breeds racehorses; it is unclear if any of his horses will be affected.
On Tuesday, VanMeter apologized for comments he made on a Facebook post by another prominent horseman, Donnie Snellings.
Snellings posted, “Re-post if you are still boycotting the NFL,” a reference to a proposed boycott after the NFL reversed its position on players kneeling in protest during the national anthem.
VanMeter responded: “Defund the n-- Football league,” and later, “Put em back in their cage!!!”
Horse industry groups have condemned the remarks.
Snellings, who is the president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club, works for Denali Stud, another high profile horse consignor. Denali has issued a statement criticizing VanMeter’s remarks.
Keeneland did not immediately respond to a question about whether they might take action against anyone else.
This story was originally published July 8, 2020 at 10:48 AM.
