Thomas Bell Jr., trainer of Barberstown, Rumbo, Silver Eagle, dies at 93

ARCADIA, Calif. - Former Southern California trainer Thomas Bell Jr. died Friday from complications of a recent fall, according to his son, trainer Ray Bell.

Thomas Bell was 93.

Born in Brooklyn, Thomas Bell hailed from a racing family. His father, Thomas Bell Sr., trained and was later a bloodstock agent. Thomas Bell Jr. began training in 1951 and trained such prominent runners as Barberstown, Rumbo, and Silver Eagle.

“He dedicated his life to the business,” Ray Bell said Sunday.

Rumbo won a division of the Santa Catalina Stakes at Santa Anita in February 1980 and was later second in the Santa Anita Derby and Hollywood Derby in early spring before finishing second to the famous filly Genuine Risk in the Kentucky Derby.

Later that year, Rumbo won the Golden State Breeders Sires Stakes at Hollywood Park and the Lawrence Realization Stakes at Belmont Park.

Silver Eagle won the 1979 Carleton Burke Handicap at Santa Anita, beating John Henry. The following year, Silver Eagle won the San Luis Obispo Handicap at Santa Anita.

Barberstown was trained by Thomas Bell early in his career and was third for him in the 1983 Belmont Stakes.

In the last few decades, Thomas Bell Jr. worked as a bloodstock agent.

A memorial service is scheduled for a later date, Ray Bell said.