Apr 30- Gabby Gaudet, Keeneland’s Communications Director with Tom Leach, Voice of the Wildcats and Expert Handicapper

As April slowly meanders into Spring, we find ourselves in what is arguably the high season in Kentucky.  The charm and gentility of the Keeneland Spring meet morphs into the pomp and circumstance of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks.  Both are instrumental to Kentucky’s claim of being the “horse capital of the world. 

Today Rotarians are privileged to hear about both, from two individuals who, as they say, should know:  Gabby Gaudet, Keeneland’s, Director of Communications, and respected broadcaster Tom Leach.  

A respected voice in Thoroughbred racing with more than a decade of national media experience, Gaudet, who joined Keeneland in 2025, oversees Keeneland’s strategic communications efforts. In this role, she serves as a key spokesperson and guides the organization’s messaging and earned media strategy across multiple platforms.  

Gaudet joined Keeneland from FanDuel TV, where she was a lead racing analyst and reporter covering premier events such as the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Her international assignments have included racing coverage from Hong Kong, Canada and Royal Ascot in England.  

A 2013 graduate of Towson University with a degree in Mass Communication, Gaudet began her career with the Maryland Jockey Club before holding roles at Arlington Park, Gulfstream Park, NYRA and TVG (now FanDuel TV). In addition to her on-air roles, she worked as a writer for The Saratoga Special, further honing her skills in racing journalism and storytelling. She also serves on the board of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the advisory board of the Safety Net Foundation, which provides financial assistance to individuals in need within the racing industry.  

Gaudet resides in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, trainer Norm Casse, and their two sons. She hails from a prominent racing family – her parents, Linda and the late Eddie Gaudet, were respected trainers in the Mid-Atlantic region, and her sister, Lacey Gaudet, continues the family tradition as a trainer.  

Tom began his work on the UK Radio Network in 1989 as host of the postgame scoreboard and call-in shows. Eight years later, he was named the play-by-play voice for Kentucky football and he added the basketball responsibilities in 2001.  Tom has been at the mic for many memorable moments for UK sports, including the 2012 national championship for the Kentucky basketball team and the call of the 2019 Citrus Bowl win over Penn State, which marked the first 10-win season for UK football in more than 40 years.  Tom has worked four Final Fours with the Wildcats and 13 bowl games. 

Another Bluegrass tradition is part of Tom’s broadcasting resume–thoroughbred racing. Tom is a two-time winner of the prestigious Eclipse Award for excellence in coverage of the sport and he covers racing throughout the year through his association with Keeneland.  He has also worked as a reporter on the Westwood One/NBC Sports national radio broadcasts of the Triple Crown races. 

Tom is a 6-time winner of the Sportscaster of the Year award for Kentucky from the National Sports Media Association.  Others honors including being named a Distinguished Alumnus by the journalism school at the University of Kentucky and winning the Tom Hammond Media Award from the Bluegrass Sports Commission, for career achievement.  He is also a member of the 10th Region Hall of Fame as a contributor, for his high school play-by-play work with the Bourbon County Colonels and Paris Greyhounds. 

Tom is married to Robyn Rabbeth, a former anchor for WLEX-TV.  They have two children–Connor and Caroline.