The Fayette Alliance Foundation and the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation are proud to announce Keeneland as the title sponsor of the 13th Annual Bluegrass International Cup, a fundraiser polo match and dinner, followed by live music, presented in celebration of Lexington’s world-class city, farms, and healthcare. The Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup, benefitting the Fayette Alliance Foundation and the UK Markey Cancer Foundation, will be held at historic Mt. Brilliant Farm on September 6, 2019.
“Keeneland is delighted to become the title sponsor of the Bluegrass International Cup, which is three days before the start of our world renowned September Yearling Sale,” Keeneland President & CEO Bill Thomason said. “This exciting event will enhance the experience of our sales clients while they are in Lexington and allow us to support two entities that are tremendously important to the unique fabric of our area. Keeneland’s connection to the Bluegrass International Cup is a perfect fit.”
Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale, to be held September 9-22, is the global marketplace for Thoroughbred yearlings and produces horses that compete at the highest level of racing around the world. Graduates include 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, 22 winners of the Kentucky Derby, and 105 horses that have won 114 Breeders’ Cup races. The auction, which last year grossed more than $377 million for 2,916 horses, is a cornerstone event of the Thoroughbred industry that has a significant economic impact on Central Kentucky.
“Lexington’s farmland isn’t just incredibly beautiful, it’s also an economic engine, producing some of the finest horses in the world that are largely sold during the Keeneland September Sale,” said Fayette Alliance Board Chairperson Don Robinson. “The Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup is a unique event highlighting the matchless properties of this city we love to call home. What better way to celebrate all that makes Lexington extraordinary than by spending an evening on an historic horse farm in support of our city, farms, and top-notch healthcare right before kicking off the most important Thoroughbred sale in the world.”
The field-side tent opens at 5:00 p.m. and the polo match begins at 5:30 p.m. Upon conclusion of the Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup, guests can dance the night away to Familiar Faces, a band led by the son of famed entertainer Jimmy Church.
“The Markey Cancer Foundation and the Fayette Alliance are natural partners working together to increase the quality of life in Lexington and across the state of Kentucky,” said Mike Delzotti, President and CEO of the UK Markey Cancer Foundation. “As the Markey Cancer Center endeavors to retain and recruit world-class talent, quality of life figures greatly into a candidate’s decision to relocate to our area. Our beautiful horse farms play a critical role in making our region such a desirable place to live. The Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup provides critical funds to help both organizations advance that good work.”
Fayette Alliance is a coalition of citizens dedicated to achieving sustainable growth in Lexington-Fayette County through land use advocacy, education, and research. Through their efforts at government and beyond, Fayette Alliance believes that Lexington will be the model for sustainable growth by balancing and connecting our vibrant city with our productive and beautiful Bluegrass farmland.
The mission of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation is to reduce cancer mortality in Kentucky and beyond by supporting innovative cancer research and treatments, education, community engagement, state-of-the-art facilities, and compassionate patient care at the Markey Cancer Center. As a National Cancer Institute-Designated Center, Markey is placed in the top 5% of the 1,200 cancer centers in the US. This designation is indicative of their ability to offer science-driven, world-class care in an atmosphere of compassion and hope. With their ever-increasing number of clinical trials, patients receive novel, life-saving treatment they cannot obtain anywhere else in Kentucky.
Since 2007, Bluegrass International Cup has featured exciting high-goal polo, delicious food, and live music in support of key Lexington non-profits. To date, the Bluegrass International Cup has raised more than $1 million for the Fayette Alliance Foundation and the UK Markey Cancer Foundation. Beginning in 2012, Evening in the Gardens is held the night before the Bluegrass International Cup, featuring gourmet food and signature cocktails in an unparalleled and elegant setting. More than 600 people attend these events to support our world-class city, farms, and healthcare. The 7th Annual Evening in the Gardens will be held on September 5, 2019 and the Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup will be held the following evening, September 6, 2019, at historic Mt. Brilliant Farm.
Table sponsorships may be secured by contacting info@fayettealliance.com. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fayettealliance.com.