Monticello Raceway top trainers Danny Gill and Bob Lounsbury
have light heartedly taunted one another for months as to
who’ll be the leading trainer and for most of the time Gill, with more horses
in his stable than Lounsbury, was the on top.
Although he constantly trailed, Lounsbury would tease Gill
with “I’m gonna catch you” to which Gill would reply with; “if I
can’t out-train you I’ll out- start you” referring that had more horses racing
than his friendly adversary.
When Gill, and his wife Brenna, went on their annual
vacation to Disney World in early December Lounsbury warned Gill that he
shouldn’t go. “When you’re away I’m going to take over the lead,” he told him.
But with an 18-race lead Gill felt confident that he’d still
be on top when he returned two weeks later.
However, while he was gone Lounsbury could do nothing wrong.
His horses seemed to win three or four races on every race card and his wins
began to add up so from time to time he’d call Gill in Florida and
tease him by saying “you better hurry home or I’ll be on top”.
While Gill was away Lounsbury’s horses were on a tear
winning 29 races and when he returned Gill found himself trailing. Now,
with just four race cards remaining Lounsbury’s 198 wins are eight more than
Gill’s 190.
Last year Gill won the training title harnessing 118 winners
while Lounsbury was fourth best with 86 but now Lounsbury is poised to win his
first training title, although in the past he has copped the top training
percentage award on a few occasions
Both talented trainers have incredible stats this
year. Starting today (Dec. 26) Lounsbury’s horses have 198 wins, 105 seconds and 69 thirds in 535 starts for an almost
unbelievable .522 UDRS (percentage)
Gill’s numbers are great, too. His 190 wins in 743 starts
are joined by 124 seconds and 118 thirds for a hefty .401 UDRS.
Both trainers mainly race claiming horses with Lounsbury’s
best, Tracys Song, racking up 21 wins this season and Gill’s Haroun Hanover
copping 20 victories against his competition.
Win or lose both gentlemen have had great seasons and
continue to remain friends despite of the warring words.. And although
their Mighty M stats are tremendous their numbers rank them one-two in
percentage on the North American leaderboard for trainers whose horses
have started 500+ time this year.
