Tucked away in a green triangular plot, between the concrete and asphalt of Blue Grass Airport, is a surprising introduction to Lexington’s Thoroughbred heritage. Sculptor Gwen Reardon’s bronze figures of men and horses symbolically bring together racing’s backside and front office. Just across Versailles Road, from the airport, is Keeneland Race Course which former president Ted Bassett cultivated into providing “Racing as it was meant to be.” Three walking rings, representative of the Triple Crown races, are backed by limestone walls containing flowing flowers, trees and Reardon’s amazing bronze figures of two grooms, represent the backside, leading horses, and Bassett, his beloved Keeneland. In the first ring, a Hispanic groom leads a Thoroughbred. Leading another Thoroughbred in the center ring is Ted Bassett, wearing his trademark tassled loafers. A rearing horse, controlled by an African American groom, provides breath of excitement in the third walking ring. Equestrian Park, on the opposite end of Lexington from Thoroughbred Park, is one of four parks developed by Triangle Foundation, Inc.
