From ambassador to analyst: A UK grad’s Keeneland journey

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2024) — Keeneland just wrapped up a record-breaking fall meet that saw a season-record all-sources wagering of $210 million, plus record purse money. From individual visitors to members of the business community at-large, the racetrack has fostered many connections, including those at the University of Kentucky.

The two entities are synonymous with Lexington and have a longstanding partnership that offers students many opportunities, including the Keeneland College Ambassador Program. The program helps students get more involved in the equine industry. The program can include marketing, finance, public relations, communications, operations or technology positions. This yearlong program covers Keeneland’s fall and spring meetings.

Many UK students have been a part of the ambassador program, allowing them to excel in their programs and has led to jobs after college. Sidney Boots was an ambassador from 2016-18 while studying at UK. She majored in agricultural education and minored in agricultural economics in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Boots graduated in the spring of 2018 and is now working at Keeneland as a sales data operations analyst. UKNow interviewed the UK graduate to learn how the experience gave her a great start out of the gate into the industry she loves.

UKNow: Where are you from and did you know about Keeneland and horse racing before going to UK?

Boots: I grew up in Alexandria, Kentucky, in Campbell County. My family and I were big racing fans and watched race days on TV. My family and I would go to River Downs — now Belterra — to watch races, go to Keeneland and we went to the Preakness (Stakes, second leg of the American Triple Crown) one year. I also rode western pleasure quarter horses and was interested in horses in general, but the trip to the Preakness was what inspired me to work in the racing industry.

UKNow: How did you learn about the Keeneland College Ambassador Program and what made you want to get involved?

Boots: When I got to college, I immediately got involved in the Horse Racing Club at UK. I met a lot of people there and learned about the internships and programs they were involved in. I also knew I loved Keeneland, so when I started applying for part-time jobs, I applied to be a BETologist here. Between my peers at school and the people I worked with at Keeneland, I learned about the college ambassador program and was very interested in being a part of it. Truly, I wanted to do anything I could to be involved at Keeneland. I also saw it as a chance to meet more peers who were passionate about the industry.

UKNow: What did you like about being an ambassador for Keeneland?

Boots: I loved being an ambassador because you were part of a great day at Keeneland. When I was an ambassador, the program was amazing, but it has grown so much since then. The main focus of the experience was promoting Scholarship Day. Getting to promote that was meaningful because it got a lot of young people to the track and gave them a chance to see how fun Keeneland is. I also loved getting to know my fellow Keeneland ambassadors. There are friends I made as an ambassador who I still work with within my current role.

UKNow: What are the benefits that UK students can gain in this position with Keeneland?

Boots: To me, the biggest benefit of any experience is getting to explore something you haven’t done before and making connections along the way. The Keeneland College Ambassador Program is great, and keeps getting better all the time thanks to the team here leading it. The program also exposes you to so many facets of operations at Keeneland. First, you’re going to see different jobs and hopefully get insight into what you might like to do in a career — or what you might not like. I think that is almost as valuable. While you are learning and experiencing, you will also be alongside people who are also excited and passionate about Keeneland and the racing industry. Getting to know these people and connecting with them will help as you navigate entering the workforce. Finally, the Keeneland team who lead this program are amazing resources to have in your corner, so you have the chance to work with them to develop skills that will benefit wherever your path leads.

UKNow: You now work at Keeneland. What made you want to stay after being a student ambassador?

Boots: I heard a good saying from an actor that to get a good gig, you have to be lucky and good. The thinking is yes, you have to be lucky to get an audition but when you have the audition you have to be good enough to get the final job. I think that’s what happened to me at Keeneland. I am very fortunate that a position came open when it did at Keeneland, but I am also really proud of the connections I made and the fact I showed the people around me I was passionate about doing a good job for Keeneland. I was always interested in working here, even in a seasonal capacity, which is why I pursued any opportunity I could during college. Despite student teaching and graduating college as a certified teacher, I knew I would regret not trying to work in the Thoroughbred industry. I worked for the most amazing lady, Ashley Whalen, when I was in the business center during the sales. I stayed close with her, and she and I connected when the job here was posted. I still work for her so I can attest to the importance of making connections while you work in jobs you may think are just part-time or may not lead to anything huge.