Bell to retire as Godolphin president, racing manager

The international Godolphin operation's U.S. arm announced Monday that its president and racing manager Jimmy Bell will retire from his day-to-day involvement at the farm by the end of the year and that the farm's Michael Banahan will take on an expanded role as a result.

“My 20 years with Godolphin have been nothing short of a dream come true,” Bell said in a press release. “More special have been the friendships and fellowships I’ve developed with so many folks here at Team Godolphin. It’s been my privilege and pleasure to work alongside so many wonderful colleagues.”

Bell's father, the late John A. Bell, founded Jonabell Farm outside Lexington, Ky. When Jonabell was acquired by Sheikh Mohammed in 2001 as a base for his U.S. stallions, Jimmy Bell was retained in his role as president of the farm, ensuring a smooth transition after the purchase. In the following two decades, he has overseen the careers of Sheikh Mohammed's many U.S.-based Grade 1 winners, including homebred Eclipse Award winner and prominent sire Bernardini, and the outfit's current champion on the track, Essential Quality.

“Jimmy Bell is the bedrock that Godolphin USA is built upon,” Dan Pride, COO for Godolphin’s U.S. operations, said in the release. “His history with Jonabell is well known, and he has faithfully served 20 years molding us into what we are today. He is a friend to many of us and always an example of how to live your life and focus on what is important.”

Bell indicated that while he is stepping down from his role at Godolphin, he will still be active with the organization as its representative on several industry boards. He currently serves as president of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and is a member of the board of the Breeders’ Cup and the Fayette Alliance, as well as the Keeneland Advisory Board.

Banahan, currently the director of farm operations and the longest-serving Godolphin U.S. employee, will transition to the role of director of bloodstock by the end of the year. This new role will encompass Bell’s racing responsibilities as well as overseeing all aspects of managing the Godolphin U.S. horse population.

“Michael is an integral part of the success of the entire operation here in the U.S.," Pride said. "His knowledge base covers everything from farm infrastructure needs, our stallion program, to planning the matings of such horses as Essential Quality and Maxfield. I know he’s excited to assume this new and important responsibility.”

Banahan, who was named Kentucky Farm Manager of the Year in 2019, began his tenure with Sheikh Mohammed's operation in 1993.

“For 20 years, I’ve had the honor to work alongside Jimmy, and while there’s going to be quite a void with his departure, I am very glad for him as he enters a new phase of life," Banahan said. "Godolphin USA has a strong team, and I’m excited about taking on this new challenge.”