International Museum of the Horse opens Ted Bassett Exhibit

The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse has announced the opening of the “Ted Bassett: A Kentucky Legend” exhibit on Thursday.

The new permanent exhibit will be an addition to the “Calumet Farm: Five Decades of Champions” exhibition, which is located in the James E. (Ted) Bassett III Gallery, named in honor of Bassett, who worked to save Calumet’s trophies from auction.

The exhibit will feature memorabilia and awards from Bassett’s personal collection, including his 1996 Eclipse Award of Merit and Breeders’ Cup Recognition Trophy. Also on display is a video chronicling Bassett’s life and achievements narrated primarily by Bassett himself.

Bassett, a World War II veteran, served as the first chairman of the board for the Kentucky Horse Park from 1980 to 1983, and was instrumental in bringing champion geldings Forego and John Henry to the park’s Hall of Champions. His resume also includes time as the president of the Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Racing Association, and Breeders’ Cup Ltd.

"Since 1981, when Ted Bassett helped the park secure the loan of the Calumet trophies and paintings, he has been a steadfast supporter and friend of the Kentucky Horse Park," said Bill Cooke, director of the International Museum of the Horse. "I sincerely believe that there was not another man in America who could have successfully led the fight to raise the funds to later keep the Calumet collection at the International Museum of the Horse. Having admired and worked with him for the past three decades, I can't tell you how pleased and proud I am to have this tribute to a truly great man in our museum."

The Bassett exhibit may be seen in the International Museum of the Horse daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Kentucky Horse Park’s regular daily schedule.