Interview with Bennett Bell Williams, Jessica Bell, September 24, 2008

Interview Summary

Jessica Bell is the wife of John Bell, a highly successful breeder and owner. In 1954, the Bells founded Jonabell Farm in Lexington. Bennett Williams is the daughter of Jessica and John. In this interview, Jessica Bell recounts her adolescence in Lexington, Kentucky and meeting her husband, John. She speaks about her husband's first job breaking yearlings for the well-known trainer, Max Hirsch. Bell and Williams share stories about acquiring and living on Jonabell Farm. They also talk about several prominent horses bred there, including Damascus and Epitome. John Bell's leadership role within the equine industry and his participation in organizations such as the Kentucky Racing Commission and the Thoroughbred Club of America is also discussed. Williams reflects on the industry, how it has become more commercial, and the need for uniform rules and medication. Bell and Williams also discuss the family's decision to sell Jonabell to Sheikh Mohammed in 2001.

Interview Keyword

Damascus (Race horse) Epitome (Race horse) John A. Bell Jonabell Farm (Ky.) Lady EssieThouron Lexington (Ky.) Max Hirsch Thoroughbred horse breeding

Interview LC Subject

Al Maktum, Muhammad ibn Rashid, 1949- Bell, Jessica, 1922- --Interviews Bell, Jessica, 1922- Bell, John A., III, 1918-2007 Hirsch, Max, 1880-1969 Horse trading Horses--Breeding--Kentucky Thoroughbred horse Williams, H. Bennett Bell Williams, H. Bennett Bell--Interviews

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections and Digital Programs, University of Kentucky Libraries.