Fills position left by the resignation of Bob Elliston last December 

Keeneland announced earlier this week that Gatewood Bell would join the track as vice president of racing later this month, filling the vacancy left by Bob Elliston’s resignation last December. 

Bell founded Cromwell Bloodstock in 2011 and is a member of The Jockey Club and has previously served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and the US representative for Goffs. Last October he was named to Keeneland’s board of directors as an Advisory Board member and he will relinquish this position upon his employment. 

"Gatewood brings a unique set of skills and experiences encompassing aspects of both the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industries to the role of vice president of racing," Keeneland president and CEO Shannon Arvin said. 

"His passion for, and knowledge of, racing were honed in the trenches on his family's farm and at the track, and in recent years as a bloodstock adviser. The range of Gatewood's talents and his network of relationships with owners and trainers are well suited to help Keeneland navigate the future landscape of racing."  

Bell said that he is excited to be part of Keeneland’s future. 

"I have great respect and appreciation for what the Keeneland name and its history mean to its stakeholders: horsemen, horseplayers, fans, local community, and the global industry," Bell said. 

"Keeneland is a very special place. I grew up coming to the races there, and it is where I fell in love with the game. 

"I am excited about Keeneland's future and the opportunity to be a part of it," he added.

"This place represents all that is good about our sport, and I look forward to working together with our horsemen to ensure Keeneland continues to deliver the highest quality and safest racing product in the world."