Beasley in new Keeneland job

Rogers Beasley, the longtime director of sales for the Keeneland Association, is moving into the racing office at the Lexington, Ky., track.

Beasley was appointed director of sales in 1982, and has presided over an era of unprecedented growth at the company, especially during the past five years.

Beasley will take over several duties from Howard Battle, Keeneland's racing secretary since 1973. Battle, 70, is cutting back his workload, although he will continue to oversee the racing office, Keeneland officials said. Battle had surgery earlier this year related to stomach cancer.

Geoffrey Russell, the assistant director of sales since 1996, will take over for Beasley.