LEXINGTON, Ky. – Keeneland today announced that prominent Central Kentucky horseman and noted bloodstock adviser Gatewood Bell will join the historic track as Vice President of Racing later this month.
Bell in 2011 founded Cromwell Bloodstock, a respected full-service bloodstock agency and consulting firm named after a company owned by his grandfather, John A. Bell, and has served as its president for the past decade. Known for his keen eye for spotting potential, Bell, under the Cromwell Bloodstock and Hat Creek Racing banners, has purchased millions of dollars’ worth of horses at public auction – led by Grade/Group 1 winners Undrafted, Hootenanny, Mastery and Con Te Partiro – for a diverse clientele that includes top stud farms, owners and trainers. Bell’s record of success consistently ranks Cromwell among the top North American buyers of yearlings by stakes winners as compiled by BloodHorse MarketWatch.
Bell is also a member of The Jockey Club and previously served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and as the U.S. representative for Goffs Sales of Ireland.
Last October, Bell was named to Keeneland’s Board of Directors as an Advisory Board member, a position he will relinquish upon his employment. Bell is the third generation of his family to serve Keeneland as a Director, following his father, Jimmy Bell, president of Godolphin USA, and grandfather, the late John A. Bell, founder of Jonabell Farm in Lexington. Like his father and grandfather, the younger Bell has been actively involved at Keeneland as both a racehorse owner and sales participant.
Raised on his family’s Jonabell Farm, Bell received a finance degree with honors from the University of Kentucky in 2004. After graduation, he worked for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin for three seasons in Florida, Kentucky and New York. During this time, McLaughlin campaigned Hall of Famer Invasor (ARG) and Belmont (G1) winner Jazil. Bell also represented multiple Grade 1 winning-jockey Fernando Jara as an agent on the East Coast.
Gatewood and his wife, Lauren, along with their children, Eloise (10), Daisy (7), and Gus (6), reside in Lexington.
Add Comment