Communications Department Internship

Keeneland is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Communications Department internship, which will provide broad experience in communications, public relations, media relations, writing and proofreading. The internship covers an extremely busy period during the fall of 2026, which includes the Oct. 30-31 Breeders’ Cup World Championships here.

Preferred candidates possess an interest in pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry. Strong writing and communication skills; knowledge of reporting and newswriting, often on deadline; and proofreading skills must be demonstrated. The Communications intern will work with Keeneland’s social media, marketing, broadcast, sales and racing teams, and through your responsibilities will gain a greater understanding of Keeneland and the Thoroughbred industry.

Applicants must submit a letter of introduction and a resume to be considered for the position.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

September Yearling Sale (Sept. 14-26; especially Sept. 14-18, 26)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Interview consignors/buyers and transcribe for use by Keeneland Communications and visiting media.
• Assist other journalists at auction.
• Record/transcribe interviews with Keeneland officials.

Fall Race Meet in October (Oct. 2-24; especially Sept. 28-29/Wednesday-Sunday)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Assist notes team with compilation of daily Barn Notes; write news items, compile events calendar.
• Interview jockeys/trainers following stakes races and transcribe immediately for use by Keeneland Communications.
• Aid staff with Press Box operations.
• Assist with recordkeeping, updating statistics.
• Answer media requests for information/statistics.

Championship Sale (Oct. 28; 6:30 p.m.)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Interview consignors/buyers and transcribe immediately for use by Keeneland Communications and visiting media.
• Assist other journalists at auction.
• Record/transcribe interviews with Keeneland officials.

Breeders’ Cup World Championships (Oct. 30-31)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Assist notes team with compilation of daily Barn Notes; write news items, compile events calendar.
• Interview jockeys and trainers following stakes races/transcribe immediately for use by Keeneland Communications.
• Aid staff with Press Box operations.
• Assist with recordkeeping, updating statistics.
• Answer media requests for information/statistics.

November Breeding Stock Sale (Nov. 3-10; especially Nov. 3-4, 10)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Interview consignors/buyers/transcribe immediately for use by Keeneland Communications and visiting media.
• Assist other journalists at auction.
• Record/transcribe interviews with Keeneland officials.

November Horses of Racing Age Sale (Nov. 11)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Interview consignors/buyers/transcribe immediately for use by Keeneland Communications and visiting media.
• Assist other journalists at auction.
• Record/transcribe interviews with Keeneland officials.

January Horses of All Ages Sale (Jan. 13-15)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Interview consignors/buyers/transcribe immediately for use by Keeneland Communications and visiting media.
• Assist other journalists at auction.
• Record/transcribe interviews with Keeneland officials.

Spring Race Meet in April (April 2-23; especially March 30-31, Wednesday-Sunday)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Assist notes team with compilation of daily Barn Notes; write news items, including calendar of events.
• Interview jockeys and trainers following stakes races/transcribe immediately for Keeneland Communications.
• Aid staff with Press Box operations.
• Assist with recordkeeping, updating statistics.
• Answer media requests for information/statistics.

April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale (after closing-day races on April 23)

• Help write/proof press releases and various press materials.
• Interview consignors/buyers/transcribe immediately for Keeneland Communications and visiting media.
• Assist other journalists at auction.
• Record/transcribe interviews with Keeneland officials.

Contribute to other projects, including

• Press releases
• Media credentials

Administrative Duties

• Assist with Press Box operations during sales and racing.
• Copy and distribute material for media in Press Box.
• Assist with writing/proofing additional materials.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a college junior or senior, or recently earned a degree in Journalism, Communications, Integrated Strategic Communications or a related field.
• Exceptional writing and communications skills; ability to work with diverse clients.
• Knowledge/experience in Thoroughbred industry preferred.
• Available during key periods of Keeneland sales and racing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of Excel a plus; familiar with social networking sites.
• Organized with the ability to prioritize time-sensitive assignments.
• Creative and flexible, a proven self-starter.
• Ability to lift, push, pull or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to follow Keeneland’s policies and procedures.

Applicants must submit a letter of introduction and a resume to be considered for the position.