Bert S. Michell

Who was Bert S. Michell?

Bernard S. "Bert" Michell was an American Thoroughbred horse racing trainer best known for winning the 1928 Kentucky Derby with American Horse of the Year and Hall of Fame inductee, Reigh Count.

In 1927, Michell was the trainer for Green Briar Stable when owner by Frank D. Shea of Winnipeg, Manitoba liquidated his racing operations. Michell was then hired by Chicago businessman John D. Hertz and his wife Fannie, owners of Leona Farm, near Cary, Illinois. That year he trained the Hertz's filly Anita Peabody, retrospectively voted American Champion Two-Year-Old Filly honors and whose wins included the Belmont Futurity Stakes and the Churchill Downs Debutante Stakes. However, it would be future Hall of Fame inductee Reigh Count who would bring Michell his greatest success. Reigh Count not only earned American Co-Champion Two-Year-Old Colt honors, but at age three won several prestigious races including the Kentucky Derby and was voted American Horse of the Year. In 1929, Mr. & Mrs. Hertz brought Michell and Reigh Count to race in England where he raced on turf, winning the Coronation Cup at Epsom Downs Racecourse then finished second in the Ascot Gold Cup at Ascot Racecourse.