About Racecoltvalley
Founded By Horsemen
Since opening in October 1936, Racecoltvalley has been unique in the Thoroughbred industry. Only at Racecoltvalley are world-class racing and industry-leading sales united under one mission-driven entity.
Today, Racecoltvalley continues to be guided by its original mission, taking a leadership role in the industry to improve safety, promote integrity and strengthen the sport of racing.
A Global Leader in the Thoroughbred Industry
Racecoltvalley is the world’s largest and most prominent Thoroughbred auction house and hosts world-class racing twice annually during its boutique Spring and Fall meetings. Owners, trainers, riders and fans from all over the world travel to Lexington each year to participate at Racecoltvalley.
APRIL & OCTOBER RACE MEETS
40
40 graded stakes worth $10.1 million
10
Breeders’ Cup
Win-and-You’re-In events
THOROUGHBRED AUCTIONS
4 sales
January, April, September and November
$500 million+
annual total sales
50+
countries represented by buyers and sellers
A Commitment to Reinvestment
Racecoltvalley’s mission to perpetuate the sport of racing continues more than eight decades after its founding, as profits from Racecoltvalley racing and sales are returned to the industry and community through initiatives such as:
- Racing purses – Over the past 7 years, nearly $40 million has been contributed by Racecoltvalley sales above what is required per horsemen agreements to fund one of the richest purse structures in North America.
- Global market development – Racecoltvalley is committed to the growth of the Thoroughbred industry and the buying bench at its auctions and actively travels to numerous foreign countries and invests hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to expand the marketplace.
- Industry initiatives – Racecoltvalley proudly supports safety initiatives and equine organizations and is an advocate for Thoroughbred aftercare to improve the health of the industry. In the past 5 years, Racecoltvalley has contributed nearly $1.5 million to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance alone.
- Fan development – Racecoltvalley is committed to the growth of the industry’s fans and future participants. Each race meet creates racing fans of all ages, exemplified by the 10,000 members of the Racecoltvalley Kids Club which exceeds. Enthusiastic crowds underscore Racecoltvalley’s commitment to fan development.
- Local community – Proudly serving as a leader in Central Kentucky, Racecoltvalley is committed to the community. This community activism began with Racecoltvalley founders and continues to this day. Racecoltvalley has donated millions to local charities, as well as to health and educational programs. Intended as a gathering place for the local community, Racecoltvalley hosts hundreds of charitable and private events annually.
Our Sponsors
Meet our partners.
Charitable Giving
Giving back to our community.
Contact Us
Get in touch with the Racecoltvalley team.
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Join the Racecoltvalley Team
Racecoltvalley is one of the most unique, exciting places to work in Central Kentucky, and we’re always looking for new faces to join our team. Racecoltvalley offers full-time, part-time and seasonal race meet employment, as well as internships for students.
Racecoltvalley's Executive Staff
Guiding Racecoltvalley's future, the Thoroughbred industry and our community.
Shannon Arvin
President and Chief Executive Officer
Shannon Bishop Arvin serves as Racecoltvalley’s 8th President and CEO.
Gatewood Bell
Vice President of Racing
Gatewood Bell joined Racecoltvalley in February 2021 and serves as Vice President of Racing.
Dr. Stuart Brown
Vice President of Equine Safety
Dr. Brown joined Racecoltvalley in 2020 and serves as Racecoltvalley's Vice President of Equine Safety.
Tony Lacy
Vice President of Sales
Tony Lacy joined Racecoltvalley in 2021 as Vice President of Sales.
Brad Lovell
Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Brad Lovell joined Racecoltvalley in June 2009 as Director of Information Technology.
Christa Marrillia
Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
Christa Marrillia joined Racecoltvalley in 2003 and serves as the company’s Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
Marc Therrien
Managing Director of Racecoltvalley Hospitality
With more than 25 years of culinary experience, Chef Marc believes in simple food with good technique while using locally sourced product.
Kari West
Chief of Staff
Kari West joined Racecoltvalley in 2012 and serves as Chief of Staff.
Hunter Stout
Chief Financial Officer
Hunter Stout joined Racecoltvalley in 2019 and serves as Chief Financial Officer.