Gaudet takes historic turn on the mic at Keeneland January sale

North American bloodstock history was made as racing broadcaster Gabby Gaudet took the microphone on the Keeneland auctioneers' stand at the company's January horses of all ages sale, becoming the first woman to announce at a major Thoroughbred sale on the continent.

"I am not going to lie, this brought happy tears to my eyes," said Machmer Hall's Carrie Brogden, whose Select Sales is annually a prominent consignor at Keeneland.

Gaudet sat alongside auctioneers Ryan Mahan and Wade Cunningham for shifts which rotate between announcers and auctioneers during Keeneland January’s Book 2 opener on Wednesday, Jan. 15, announcing pedigrees and notable details on horses entering the ring prior to the bidding beginning on each. She was also responsible for keeping up with and announcing late catalog updates and late outs in the fast-paced live position.

“That's the most significant auction stand in Thoroughbred sales, and the folks who occupy that are professionals around the country in their disciplines,” Keeneland vice president of racing and sales Bob Elliston said. “That's the standard we hold to whoever's going to be auctioneering or reading, and she has that. She demonstrated her passion for the business, she demonstrated her acumen for the pedigrees, and she had the desire to do that, and those things all married up.”

Gaudet could only respond “Wow!” to the flow of public support from consignors, bloodstock professionals, fellow broadcasters, and more following her historic turn.

“A special thanks to the Keeneland sales family and the entire auction team,” she said. “They not only provided this incredible opportunity, but also prepared and guided me through it. Felt great to be on the stand.”

Gaudet grew up in a Mid-Atlantic horse racing family, and her sister Lacey Gaudet has followed in their parents’ footsteps by becoming a trainer. Gabby Gaudet is a TVG racing analyst; she and TVG colleague Scott Hazelton co-host Keeneland’s race-day preview show and are paddock commentators during the races. Gaudet also serves as a U.S. representative for Keeneland sales.

Gaudet will next be in the national spotlight as she co-hosts the Eclipse Awards on Jan. 23 at Gulfstream with Acacia Courtney and Britney Eurton. In addition, Eurton and Gaudet will also be honored as part of the TVG team that won a Media Eclipse for coverage of the Pacific Classic.