GILL CENTER OF CONTROVERSY AGAIN
By Ray Paulick
If only Michael Gill had kept his word in 2006 when he said he was getting out of horse racing after being leading owner in North America by money and races won for three consecutive years. A lot of people would be happier and a number of horses might still be alive.
Gill did get out of racing in 2006, the year after he was inexplicably voted an Eclipse Award as outstanding owner. Unfortunately, he got back in the game late in 2008, and he was back on top again as leading owner by both races and money won in 2009.
But wait, doesn’t horse racing need more owners, not fewer of them? Not if they’re like Mike Gill. Not in my book, at least. Gill claims relentlessly and runs an absurd number of horses: he had 2,235 starts in 2003, 2,885 in 2004, 1,870 in 2005, and 2,247 in 2009. His best year earnings-wise was $10,811,631, an average of $3,748 per start. Many people feel he is using the animals as nothing more than a commodity to get what he wants. His critics, and there are many, say the horses too often pay the ultimate price.
Nothing outstanding about that. For the life of me, I don’t see how anyone ever could have voted to give him an Eclipse Award.
Jockeys at Penn National Race Course apparently took a vote of a different type on Saturday night, allegedly telling track management they would refuse to ride in any more races in which Mike Gill-owned horses were entered. The vote was taken following the fifth race, after third-place finisher Laughing Moon broke down past the wire, causing another horse to also go down. Laughing Moon’s jockey Rickey Frazier escaped injury.
It was the second breakdown of a Gill-owned horse at Penn National in three nights, Melodeeman having suffered a similar catastrophic injury on Thursday night. Melodeeman was trained by Anthony Adamo and Laughing Moon by Darrel Delahoussaye—Gill’s two trainers at Penn National.
There was a lengthy delay between Saturday night’s fifth and sixth races as the jockeys stated their case. Eventually, a Gill horse, Justin M, was scratched from the sixth race, and the remainder of the card was completed without incident. Gill had no other horses entered following the sixth.
“Gill’s horses are breaking down at a race that’s just not normal,” said a Penn National horseman who spoke on the condition of anonymity, “and it’s not the racetrack. The track is safe. The riders did a very honorable thing, finally saying ‘enough is enough,’ and did so at the risk of a backlash from management. The guys said we are not putting our lives in danger, or the horses in danger.”
According to Equibase charts, in just over three months, 14 other horses owned by Gill have either broken down, were pulled up, returned lame, or eased at Penn National. There were nine in October, three in November, one in December and two in January. (The count includes Saturday night’s incident involving Laughing Moon, even though the Equibase chartcaller did not report the horse broke down past the wire.) Most of the horses are running in bottom level claiming races. At Penn National, however, thanks to slot machine revenue, $5,000 claimers can run for as much as $20,000, with $12,000 going to the winner. An owner can make money squeezing a win out of a horse he claimed for $5,000, even if that horse never runs another race.
Chris McErlean, vice president of racing for Penn National Gaming, said he was not at the track on Saturday but got a report on the incident. McErlean said it is his understanding that horses entered by Gill to race later in the week already have been scratched voluntarily by their trainers. “That wasn’t necessarily at our direction,” McErlean said. “No formal actions have been taken.”
McErlean also said the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission is investigating. “They could be looking into Mr. Gill’s horses in particular, but breakdowns in general,” he said. “They also could be looking at certain veterinarians.”
At the beginning of 2010, Penn National has started reviewing all breakdowns, McErlean said, conducting meetings that involve “the trainer and any other interested parties, the track, the racing commission, and our vet. Every horse that breaks down gets a necropsy done, starting at the beginning of this year. This was initiated by Penn National with the cooperation of the racing commission. Every horse that does break down or is involved in a death does get a necropsy done. We are doing this more for information gathering, to see if there is any connecting of the dots. People are concerned about this and we want some answers.”
Many of Gill’s starters are not stabled at Penn National but ship in from his Elk Creek Ranch in Oxford, Pa. While those horses are on private property, neither the racing commission nor Penn National has access to them. When any horses ship in to race and go to the receiving barn, a state or association veterinarian conducts a pre-race inspection. Horses stabled at the track (and Gill is believed to have 40-50 stalls at Penn National) are not routinely given pre-race exams.
Controversy has followed Gill everywhere he’s gone in racing. He’s been denied stalls at some tracks, banned from the entry box at another, and has not been shy about filing lawsuits.
When he failed to win an Eclipse Award in 2003, Gill put out a statement comparing himself to Seabiscuit’s owner, Charles Howard, in an underdog role against the establishment.
“I can’t help but think that the vote was a vote against me, rather than a vote against the accomplishments,” Gill wrote. “And I don’t understand that. We all cheered ‘Seabiscuit’ last year, a movie about hope and the underdog rising from obscurity to challenge racing’s establishment and emerge victorious.”
Unfortunately, for Laughing Moon and numerous other horses that took their last breath while racing for Gill, there is no hope. The best hope is that he leaves the sport again—this time for good.
Efforts to reach Gill were unsuccessful.
Copyright © 2010, The Paulick Report
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Tags: Anthony Adamo, Charles Howard, chris mcerlean, Darrel Delahoussaye, eclipse award, Elk Creek Ranch, equibase, Justin M, Laughing Moon, Melodeeman, Michael Gill, mike gill, Paulick Report, Penn National Race Course, Ray Paulick, Rickey Frazier, seabiscuit
January 25th, 2010 at 7:56 am
This is a very interesting accounting of Michael Gill’s escapades in 2009 —
http://rockportharbor.com/forum/index.php?topic=6344.0
January 25th, 2010 at 7:57 am
And let’s not forget good ol’ Cot Campbell’s article — “Oh Me, Oh Myectomy”
http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org/newsimages/bh_myectomy.pdf
January 25th, 2010 at 8:03 am
I would like to mention, that while I don’t know the tagged trainers personally, Mr. Delahoussaye was instrumental in helping the FOBs locate, secure, and return one of Mr. Gill’s claimed horses to her breeder. Without him, I don’t know that the return of this dear mare would have been possible, and we are all greatly appreciative of his assistance.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Kudos to the riders for refusing to ride in any races in which Gill had horses entered to run. However, I say shame on track management for allowing this situation to get to this point. As you can see by their statement, the status quo would have continued if not for the riders standing up for themselves and the horses
January 25th, 2010 at 8:08 am
For this guy to compare himself to Charles Howard is like a snake comparing himself to a lion.
One crawls on its belly (Gill) the other the King of the Jungle (Howard). If you look at history Charles Howard cared about his horses even scratching Seabiscuit from races in which he was under a tremendous amount of pressure to run him.
This to me is yet another reason we should have a governing body with one this guy could just be banned outright and forever. As it is if he’s kick out of Penn National he can just pack up and move to the next track.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Everyone in New England knows that Gill has the racing officials in his pockets. Just look at Suffolk downs. Why else would the track relieve Jimmy Pambianchi as racing secretary to hire Tommy Creel??? Please!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:15 am
Won’t ride any Gill horses? I hope he sues the Jockeys Guild, or whoever the offending party that represents the jockeys is.
I don’t know if Mr. Gill breaks down more horses per start than anyone else, nor do I care-well, I do care, but I don’t blame him.
The state vet is responsible for soundness, and it seems like Penn Nat. should immediately institute a pre race exam for soundness for all horses running that day. It was like that in California when I trained/owned there, and should be part of the NTRA certification process.
Now, what the jocks should do is this-if the horses for Gill are the tiniest bit off, just take em out to the track, get their jock mount, and scratch the horse. If the vet wont scratch em, beg off the mount and then no one else will ride em.
But to deny Mr. Gill’s horses access to the races by boycotting all of them is ridiculous.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Thank God somebody finally had the guts to address this problem with Gill! Kudos to Ray Paulick for bringing to light what horsemen and fans have been complaining about for the last year … hopefully something will be done about this butcher.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:20 am
There should be breakdown stats kept on EVERY trainer and owner in the country, and those who have significantly higher breakdown rates than others should be banned from the sport.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:33 am
As someone invested in the sport, I AM very concerned when people like Michael Gill continue to own & race horses, because he is the kind who draws the wrath and attention from animal welfare activists and state and federal regulators.
We shouldn’t be admonishing the jockeys for taking actions to protect their own health and welfare. In fact, we should be heartily supporting them for standing up against a plague like Gill.
An on track breakdown a week for one owner for a 3 month period isn’t normal. If it is, then a lot more needs to change about the sport or we should close our doors if we agree it’s normal.
My first phone call this morning was supposed to be to the Pennsylvania Racing officials regarding breakdowns… after Melodeeman went down Thursday, the alarm went off for many of us. Thanks to the jockeys, I don’t have to make that call to file an open records request on the track at Penn.
I love the human and equine athlete in racing. Most of us are not in this sport for the $, but for the love of competition and it’s long storied majestic history. Gill seems to bring the sport down to a level that only the old Michael Vick could appreciate. As owners and other horsemen/women in this sport, we shouldn’t sweep any of this under the rug!!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Gill is a piece of garbage who cares not one iota about the runners that are briefly in his stable or the jockeys. This is all about his arrogance, ego and making a quick buck at the expense of everyone and everything at the track(s) where he is operating. And being a bully, he will probably bluster, threaten litigation and stomp around like a spoiled brat due to the actions taken by the jockeys.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Gill and his fleabag trainers and vets have put more jocks in the hospital than anyone else in the history of racing. Anytime we race its dangerous, but when the breakdown rate of one is just so over the top, come on PA Racing commission, Penn National Horse association and Penn National corporate, a publicly traded company, do the right thing! Penn National has just let this happen and continue to get worse on its watch. It is not a “new” problem. Look out New York, Kansas, Maryland, Ohio and wherever this company is planning to expand its reach in either gaming or horse racing.
Thumbs up to the jocks! It is an easy message to understand.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Racing is a business, and not all are in it for “love of competition and it’s long storied majestic history” as stated above. Especially guys with a barn full of bottom claimers.
This problem is going to grow, with or without Mr. Gill, because of this-when $5k bottom claimers can run for a $12k winners share of the purse, a good horseman is going to claim bottom $10k claimers in California or anywhere else, drop em to $5k, at Penn, and win. And those horses are going to get claimed and churned and torn up until they breakdwon and die.
This is the cold reality of bottom claimers everywhere, everywhere, and there is no stopping the cold realities of the claiming game.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Several years ago, 1999, I think, I ran a horse named Johnny Dollar in the last race on
the last day at Gulfstream. Michael Gill claimed him for $80,000.00. Although I regreted it, Gill had every right to do it. Johnny went on to win several stakes and placed in 2 graded
races for Gill before he became lame. I wrote Gill a letter asking to get the horse back to
retire him on my farm. No answer. I called his trainer who said he had merely turned
his ankle and that I would be called when they were ready retire him. I watched his next race and he was obviously unsound so I wrote Gill again. Still no answer. I don’t know
what this man did with this wonderful horse, but in my opinion he deserves the same
fate as Johnny Dollar.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:17 am
You don’t have to look far to those who still lack the ability to grasp what Gill and his methods mean for racing - try the 2009 Eclipse votes with Outstanding owner. Michael Gill received 6 votes this year vs. a standout and frankly 180-degree different outfit like Augustin Stables who received just 7 votes. The fact that 6 technically qualified voters still thought enough of Gill to vote for him as “Outstanding” in the last few months says a lot about what is revered.
If it was purely a category for leading owner by wins that wouldn’t require a vote and would be black-and-white with statistics from Equibase. Yet it is an objective category that should require some thought and distinction between one outfit and another. The travesty that he was recognized and won in 2006 and still in 2009 garners votes is a sad reflection on the sport to be sure.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:32 am
Interesting that racing officials have no authority over horses on private property. In France, trainers must provide the whereabouts of any horse declared in training, including those temporarily taking out of training for spelling/treatment. France Galop has the right to show up at any yard at any time to drug-test the horses. There are big fines if your horse isn’t where it’s supposed to be (and of course consequences of any positive test). Horses under treatment must have a vet dossier and can still be tested for any additional medication that isn’t backed up with a prescription. It’s a joke that Gill can truck horses in from his farm and race without officials having access. The “pre-race” exam by the state vet is also a joke - any horse will trot sound with enough bute or other drugs in its system, and that’s pretty much all the pre-race exam is - checking to see if the horse trots sound.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Are we going to act like the industry cares one bit about this? Puh-leeze. This is the same industry that allowed (actually the word should be “rewarded”) the rampant used of performance enhancing medications (including steroids) for DECADES, under the guise of “it’s good for the horse”! Do you think they care one bit about the development of the thoroughbred as a breed, or the welfare of the horses in general? Maybe they do, until it costs a penny. Then, it’s all business. If the playing field were level, there might be a chance some honest smaller guys would get some gravy, and we simply can’t have that. The inmates have had a firm grasp on the asylum for years. So give them the Eclipse. Get out of their way. More laughable fines. Forget about restrictions, reason and responsibility. Rome is burning anyway…
January 25th, 2010 at 9:49 am
ace, the problem with laying the blame with the vets is that most of these horses are tapped and blocked. They can’t FEEL their own compromised joints and injuries. When a horse can’t feel it, they will flex and jog sound. Without mandatory prerace x-rays, the track vet really has no way to determine that there’s a problem.
Since the horses can’t FEEL it, they go out and run as hard as they can, never anticipating or feeling the stress that leads to a breakdown. So when they go down, they go down hard and without even the slightest warning.
It’s not just about cruelty to animals, which it surely is, but putting all the OTHER horses and OTHER riders at risk every single time he sends a horse out.
And if Penn kept track of all the horses who get euthanized after leaving the track (or in Gill’s case, sent to slaughter), his percentage of terminally damaged animals would be much higher than what is currently shown.
Racing is a dying sport, and people like Gill are only hastening it to the grave. At BEST, the general public is indifferent to racing. At worst, a large segment of reasonable people find the sport abusive and inhumane (I don’t agree with that, but the perception is out there). Leaving scum like Gill out there doing what they do only proves those people right.
I hope the jockeys at penn continue their strike or refusal to ride in races where Gill has horses (they’re not just refusing to ride his horses, but refusing to put themselves at serious and avoidable risk by sharing a track with them).
January 25th, 2010 at 9:51 am
George Pruette,
Unfortunately there are many stories like yours. I followed Legendary Weave, a WA bred gelding, who as of Dec 2008 was #20 on the WA top earners of all time. Gill claimed him 12/26/03 and actually ran him for almost 2 full years. His last race was 9/18/05 which he won by 2 lengths. He never raced or recorded a work again.
I’ll just hope he’s out in a pasture enjoying his golden years, but I doubt it.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:51 am
BLESS those jockeys. I’ve been part of a group that’s been following Gill’s every move for the last year and it’s been horrifying. Racing doesn’t need this, the jockeys don’t need this, the horses don’t need this. Ace, you must be some low-life who’s made a lot of money off him and his hapless horses, or Gill himself. That you’re defending him speaks volumes about your character, or rather the lack of it.
Is there any way of finding out who cast those six votes?
January 25th, 2010 at 10:09 am
MED, the only voting bloc that publicizes the names of voters and who they voted for is the National Turf Writers Org. If a NTWA member voted for Gill, it will come out. Otherwise, we’re out of luck.
Frankly, some voters just cast ballots based on who is atop the respective leaderboards. In Gill’s case, they saw he won more races as an owner than anyone else, and voted accordingly, most likely without any knowledge of the “little shop of horrors” he operates out of Oxford, Pa.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Ray - thanks - great, important story.
Richard Coreno - as usual - is exactly right.
“ace” - you don’t hold Gill responsible? Why not? They’re his horses. Of course he’s responsible.
I hope the jockeys’ principled stand at Penn National generates enough bad publicity to prevent Gill from moving operations to another state (bad publicity seems to be the ONLY thing that gets racing authorities to take appropriate action against people like Gill).
And I hope Gill does sue the jockeys - if the jockey’s boycott doesn’t put a stop to Gill, bad publicity from the lawsuit may not only stop him but also might improve treatment and handling of claimers overall.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Good for the jocks. Now if we could just figure out a way to get that Eclipse Award back .
January 25th, 2010 at 10:36 am
“They also could be looking at certain veterinarians.”
Now there’s a novel concept! Unfortunately, too little too late for hundreds of horses over the years. Vets have to be complicit. No surprise then that as a general rule they fight any suggestion to limit meds and they very rarely get even a slap on the wrist for practises that sometimes lead to break-downs and suffering that are turning fans away from this sport in droves. Banning race-day meds to bring the US into line with international standards has to happen before we can begin to get a handle on some of the nastier practises in this industry.
BTW, beats me why jockeys at Charles Town have not done the same thing with certain out of trainers who seem to use the track as a dumping ground for lame horses.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Ace, not sure where your train of thought starts, but in all my years, racing has been a sport, not a business or an inudstry. The overall might be an industry, but racing has always been a sport. Some people, like Gill, choose to turn into a swift money maker, but he has done so at a high cost to the equine athlete.
Furthermore, for those of us in racing because we love it, despite losing money in it, and who care about the welfare of the human & equine athlete, it is appalling that someone would suggest suing the jockeys who have a right to protect their own safety.
Ace, your line of thinking is why people rail against racing. You may or may not be connected to Gill and it’s worrisome if you are not. Maybe you like dog fighting and cock fighting, too? Racing should be about the beauty of an equine athlete and the competition, good jockey maneuvers and pride…not a quick buck operation where a “win at all costs” attitude prevails.
Yes, vets are complicit…and so are Gill’s trainers and Gill himself. Why do you think he keeps his horses all stabled at his farm….so he doesn’t have an eye on his operation 24/7. Something isn’t right and it took a jockey colony to stand up and make people spring into action, when stewards and state racing officials should have acted long before now.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Kudos to the jockeys at Penn National for taking a stand. I sincerely hope that their actions will find support from not only Penn National management but also most importantly from the Pennsylvannia Racing Commission. Michael Gill is a butcher and is a symbol of the very worst in Thoroughbred racing and it would behoove the powers that be to clamp down on him.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Isn’t the trainer ultimately responsible for the horse they lead over?
January 25th, 2010 at 10:52 am
So now begins the waiting game-when will The Blood-Horse-DRF or TTimes even mention this action by the PEN jockeys?
January 25th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Thankfully the jockeys stood up against Gill. However, stopping Gill took a long-time-coming.
It is very disturbing to read here so many “COULDS:”
“The Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission is investigating. They *could be looking into Mr. Gill’s horses in particular, but breakdowns in general…They *could be looking at certain veterinarians…”
COULD! The HSUS, Animal Control SHOULD be in on this. It is obvious that with so many horses and thousands of starts per year and so many breakdowns Mr. Gill is an animal abuser/animal neglect! I presume he buys cheap claiming horses and most likely races them once, at most a couple of times. Many claiming horses have preexisting injuries and other conditions that would deem a horse not able to race. I presume Mr. Gill buys these horses, doses them to the max with Bute and other drugs, and races them to the point where it is very obvious the horse is severely injured, ill. Races them knowing they can only do one race, at the most. And as we read here, races them to their death. The track vets are as guilty. Racing is a subculture. Those in the know look the other way. And vets make a fortune off devils like Mr. Gill. The one drug, i.e., one “office visit $$$$$.
Imagine how these horses have, are suffering! Horses live to race. Horses will perform for humans, no matter how they feel. This beautiful animal will push to the max. They give their all for the race and master. And here a very wealthy owner who has amassed millions. Thousands from just one horse for one race! Then comes the reward. Horses for all their giving are disposable.
Mr. Gill, and other owners, ship the horses off to SLAUGHTER. A heinous death. A brutal transport to the kill pens. And how many of these horses are half-dead, severely suffering as they begin the long journey without food, water, to the ultimate torture of the ineffective captive bolt piercing the skull and butchering begins semiconscious or fully aware! And then there is Mexican “pithing.” Stabbed over and over.
And those like Mr. Gill, whose horse made hundreds, thousands of dollars for him, cannot, will not, give the horse a humane, dignified death. Injectable euthanasia by a qualified vet, and disposal, for a couple of hundred dollars.
The horse racing “fans” are becoming more and more in the know. Pretty soon, they too will rise up and object…at a race.
Keep reporting Mr. Paulick. You are a man of integrity and truth.
Thank you.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Same old story with Gill. Nothing will ever be done to ban this psychopath from the sport.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:44 am
It is about time that the jockeys at penn national stand up for them selves!! As a wife of a jockey and a dear friend to many jocks a penn national thank goodness it finally happen!! How many more horses are we going to let gill KILL!! And heres some facts in 2009 gill had 87 horse break down in one year!! There has 17 jockeys injured and hurt from all this ! And that is not including the horse that broke down in the mornings and the three exercise riders he sent running to florida goes they got hurt! And this is only at penn national! So yes we should be looking at the trainers and the owners and who as gill’s pockets got into the racing sec.. the vets.. its a question we all ask and want answers to !!
January 25th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Well Reese, public pressure apparently kept Grand Forks from running, agree with it or not, so maybe we can do some good now. Alex Brown has posted on Facebook that PEN is meeting on this today. Perhaps some emails or phone calls would help:
Rob Marella
Director of Racing
(717) 469-2211
Christopher.McErlean@pngaming.com
Vice President of Racing
Fred.Lipkin@pngaming.com
Publicity and Marketing Director
Quigley@pngaming.com
Frank Quigley, General Manager
January 25th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Gill is a cancer to the Sport, He can’t disappear quick enough, Good Riddance Mr. Scumbag…
Ace—-Why don’t you read what Kelly wrote?, You actually might learn something…
January 25th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Quigley@pngaming.com is bouncing. Sorry I didn’t check before posting.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Thank you, Ray, for spotlighting this situation with Gill. Please stay on it.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
A comment on bottom claimers!! If and i am a trainer of cheaper and not so cheap horses.. its not true when u drug block tap and have drugs such has snail venom which gill was caught using about two months ago at penn national but the media made sure no public knew what was going on !! Gills van entered penn national with snail venom trainer anthony adamo and van driver bothe caught with the shit in there hands and ran! It’s gills truck and trailer reg in his name but no one gets punished !! The van driver gets ruled off what about adamo or gill ohhh thats right MONEY TALK IN THIS sport.. it sucks cause it used to be the sport of kings now it s the sport of drugs and money!! So it don’t matter what claimers u have it matters on the drugs u use to break them down!!
January 25th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Kudos to those jockeys for taking action and demanding immediate attention to the safety of the racing environment for themselves and the horses. There is no excuse for this-where was the Integrity and Safety Alliance?
January 25th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
McCook makes the comment that I agree with. The trainer is the one with the “license”, and this is a trainer problem.
There should be injury stats on every trainer in the country, and those that consistently injure horses should be suspended/banned.
No trainer should be permitted to enter a horse without MINIMUM training and DIAGNOSTIC procedures.
Any on track catastrophic breakdown should be “invesitigated”, the trainer in question immediately put on probation pending investigation. If there is negligence shown in training or handling of the horse, an appropriate suspension should be levied.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Gill’s mortgage business is/was as dirty as his racing business is. Gill is well connected, Teflon coated and an equal opportunity abuser of needy people and horses.
Water seeks its own level between owners, trainers, vets and tracks. Racing commissions go along: in bed with those they are supposed to police and state pensions for employees are worth waiting for. Owner and trainer groups, officials, examining vets, tracks owners and executives are partners in crime with owners, trainers and their vets.
Pity the horses.
What about the jockeys? Penn jockeys have finally seen the light, grew a pair and decided to take their lives into their own hands. Bravo! All jockeys need to be inspired by these brave riders because abuse happens daily at all tracks.
With their very own lives at risk, jockeys have the ultimate legal power to stop abuse and force change. Since the industry is unwilling to change on its own even to save itself, jockeys mustn’t wait until racing is forced to change following insurmountable tragedy, criminal trial and jail time.
Propaganda promising nothing titled: “Penn National Gaming’s Racing Division announces equine health and safety initiatives” was published about two ago.
Excerpts:
“Penn National Gaming’s gaming and pari-mutuel businesses are subject to stringent regulatory oversight and the Company is committed to adhering to such requirements in each jurisdiction in which it operates. The Company is also acutely aware of the public perception and scrutiny from the racing community, the general public and regulatory bodies regarding the issues of equine health and safety, and actively endorses new regulations to ensure the continued health and safety of equine participants at its racetracks.
Recent industry conferences and congressional hearings have focused on the issue of medication usage, legal and illegal, in race horses; the use and potential impact of certain horses shoe types and jockeys’ use of whips in Thoroughbred races. Last month, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee issued recommendations addressing each of these areas. Penn National Gaming applauds that organization’s initiative to bring together all segments of the racing industry to put forth reasonable and achievable first steps towards increased health and safety of our equine participants.”
“Penn National Gaming feels strongly that the adoption of uniform medication rules across all jurisdictions should be a priority focus in the near term. Penn National endorses, at a minimum, the Jockey Club’s suggested adoption of the ARCI Model Rule on Androgenic Anabolic Steroids. In addition, we endorse a practical and thoughtful approach to the limited use of all medications on equines for racing and training purposes. We understand the immense complexities and various constituents affected by such policies but we also feel that the adoption of consistent rules and regulations related to medication, withdrawal times, testing thresholds, combined with enhanced testing procedures and facilities should be the overriding goal of all participants in our industry”
“In addition to the Jockey Club recommendations, Penn National Gaming feels additional opportunities exist to pursue initiatives related to equine welfare and safety, including:
Supporting and participating in a national injury database to provide consistent, reliable and fact-based statistics on equine breakdowns and injuries;
Recording all fatalities, during racing and training, to increase the knowledge base and provide accountability for such incidents;”
“Review of current claiming rules and recommendations on revised procedures to act in the best interest of horses;”
“Stricter policies on dealing with individuals who assist the practice of selling race horses for the ultimate destination of equine slaughter.”
January 25th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Did nobody read number 27 ???
Trainer’s responsibility ???
Can no one comprehend that.Gill is an owner that claims and puts them with trainers that are licensed to race them,and care for them,and condition them and to KNOW when they can or cannot run.
I’m not defending Gill,but I can’t quite understand why it’s all his fault when it is the TRAINER;s RESPONSIBILITY for these horses.
As Amanda states in post 3;
Mr. Delahoussaye was instrumental in helping the FOBs locate, secure, and return one of Mr. Gill’s claimed horses to her breeder. Without him, I don’t know that the return of this dear mare would have been possible, and we are all greatly appreciative of his assistance.
So for placing one horse,that makes him allright.When in reality he’s just as bad if not worse than Mr. Gill;He’s a trainer for him,collecting that daily dime.The horses are in his care.But,when they break down,now the trainer on record is not responsible for it,but the owner is.
It shows why racing is dying,let’s condemn an owner but let’s not condemn the ones responsible for running these horses,The Trainers that care more about the almighty dollar,than the horse..What a joke this industry is becoming..
January 25th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Perhaps it is time that some animal welfare organizations take an interest in what is happening at the infamous Elk Creek Ranch on Glen Hope Road in Oxford Pa …
January 25th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
The main reason why I now pay almost no attention to the Eclipse Awards process, the voting, & the winners is - aside from it being a painful reminder that it’s winter - is the permanent disgrace brought upon the Eclipse Awards voters themselves when they handed one to Mike Gill.
What’s next - a lifetime achievement award Eclipse for J.T. Lundy?
Don’t be surprised.
And the racing establishment wonders why millions of other Americans consider them the bottom-of-the-barrel cretins.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
“Claiming” races are the root of this problem Nobody should believe banning Gill will stop claimer breakdowns. Think about it: every horse in a Claiming race is for sale. Very few owners will sell a sound horse, with a future, for less than ten thousand. The present system encourages running horses into the ground.
Best solution - ban all claiming races.
2nd Best - ban purses higher than the tag.
3rd Best - a claim is enforceable only when a horse finishes the race, not when it leaves the starting gate.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Ron #29 said:
“COULD! The HSUS, Animal Control SHOULD be in on this”
Perfectly matching how PENN worded its lame propanda (post #37) carefully written and vetted by its lawyers in order to commit to nothing while deceiving shareholders.
Gill’s many starters were all that counted until sh*t hit the PENN fan.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
so many posts, avoid losing what’s important here,
TRAINER RESPONSIBILITY.
that’s the problem on the horse side of the sport. they injure every horse, and drive every
owner out of the sport.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Ratherrapid, Gill is the one calling the shots, not his trainers. His trainers are merely doing his bidding. Gill controls everything that is going on.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
By the way, if any of the above respondents are concerned that Gill himself has sent in (posted) an anonymous defense of “Michael Gill,” one possible way to detect this is that the idiot - despite being in the business for decades - cannot spell the word “mortgage.”
If you see the word misspelt, you just might be on to something.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
OMG! Someone is racing unsound racehorses for their own financial gain? Give me a break. Better start boycotting 90% of the people involved in this “sport”. The public is more informed than ever about the greedy spectacle that is racing; Gill’s disgusting disregard for anyone/anything other than himself is just another example of why racing will be a thing of the past sooner than you can imagine. The people that run this sport; yeah the same people who awarded this dirtbag with an eclipse award, will NEVER GET IT. People don’t give a s— about racing anymore because of your refusal to change whats wrong with it.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
EXACT@Y Ratherrapid–)trainer responsibility.
%0H
Just a few wieks back we reah on here about low Offlee Wild necame the leadibg freshman sire and about how has trainer never’revealed to the’owner the actuad veterinarian’s recommendation about future ob racing ability*How the owner s{itched him from one trainer to inother because ell the first trainer did was fead oats,hay anl condition yet |he other traine~ believed in juos and steroids.E didn’t see ng one condemning# that owner that day.What,he’s an owner that races at the top of the game so that’s allright.Another owner participates at the bottom of the game yet it’s not the trainers fault,it’s the owners fault.The owner that is paying the dime to these so-called trainers.Let’s condemn all the owners that survive at the bottom end of the totem pole but if you have an Offlee Wild then it’s OK.
It is the trainers responsible for these horses,not the owner.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Quote:
Gill did get out of racing in 2006, the year after he was inexplicably voted an Eclipse Award as outstanding owner.
This is why in nutshell why some of us could virtually care less about the end of year awards.
It is nice to see things coming around.
For one they used to maintain you could not foresee breakdowns coming,
yet some trainers are responsible for many more than others,
but the best of all is the jockeys finally waking the f up,
how their agents can put them on some of these guy’s horses like Gill and many others is mind numbing.
IF I can see crippled horses on TV a million miles away,
how is it: the track vet, the track stewards, track execs, the jockeys, the jockeys agents,
the starters, the clerk of scales, the owners, trainers et al can’t-it is a joke.
THey all share in cummulative responsibility here for the negligience.
Not that it matters but I really don’t get this line:
Quote:
Many people feel he is using the animals as nothing more than a commodity to get what he wants.
IT is called money Ray, and it is a joke you coming down soley on him and not the establishment that has allowed guy to saddle record number of breakdowns.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Glimmerglass: The fact that Gill received an Eclipse Award or votes toward one is not a “sad reflection on the sport”, but a very telling assessment of the Eclipse Award VOTERS! Instead of dictating that there cannot be Co HOY awards, Mr Waldrop/NTRA should be addressing the real issues/problems of our sport. And I don’t mean sending a rep around the country to have his picture taken on now “certified safe” reactracks.
Lance: These “trainers” Gill has are nothing more than well salaried fronts for Gill. You have never heard of them before and you will never hear about them again (Sherman is the exception). They are a dime a dozen to Gill, hold one accountable and he will get another one. Gill calls all the shots. (Exactly how many children does he have cloistered in tax free NH with his wife?)
Many people myself included have tried to find and save a Johnny Dollar or Legendary Weave only to be told by these “trainers” that they are “happily out to pasture”. Gill heads the list of people who do NOT belong in this sport. I am well aware of the realilties of the lowest levels of the claiming ranks, but because a horse is there, does NOT mean you squeeze the last possible race out of him. Either you find the horse a REAL home or you put it down in a “humane, dignified” manner AND IF YOU CANNOT OR WILL NOT DO THIS, YOU DO NOT BELONG IN THIS SPORT.
Ron: You are right on and not alone in voicing horror at how some of our equine athletes end their lives. Again, where is Mr Waldrop/NTRA (and the AQHA for that matter)? Why hasn’t Mr Waldrop/NTRA come out in unequivocal support for “humane, dignified euthanasia”? He just isn’t there for the tough issues, but boy, he just has to hand out the HOY award.
WAY TO GO JOCKS!!
January 25th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I have no idea what happened to my post above.Coffee on the keyboard is not a good thing I guess.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
respectfully disagree. John Meriweather. Try entering a horse without a trainer. Trainers enter and train. Racing regs make the trainer responsible for the condition of the horse. The enforcement for rules violation of this sort is against the trainer, instead of the owner.
but in general, what’s happening here speaks merely to the much larger problem of the trainer system as it exists and its harm to the sport. would only an owner really be able to call the shots, which is exactly the way it should be. Then we could hang M. Gill by his toe nails.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
and leslie–one of my things has been: racing on the horse side needs to commence advertising itself to
people interested in sport instead of to people interested in ripping the sport off for $$$. The latter is another of our many structural problems.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
The reminder of the Penn National propaganda from a couple of years ago per post # 38 seems contrary to Chris McErlean’s recent statement that “starting in 2010, PNatt will begin taking statistics on breakdowns.” What about the past two years since Penn Natt said they would be out ahead of all these issues? How can one believe anything PNatt says? Plenty of blame to go around in this situation including a rather blind and ineffective PA Racing Commission and staff.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Per comment about Suffolk downs Tom creel he is a close friend and I can promise you he not in gills pocket I don’t even think he talks to him. He was relieved of his possion as manager of gills oppertion long time ago. He is fair with everyone that I know of. He didn’t do favors for anyone that he wasn’t helping everyone at same time. Get your facts straight.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
So meriweather u seem to no alot U train for gill at one time? I agree though gills calls the shots and the vets but it is trainer responsiblity and they are the one who enters and scratches so in reality all parties are quiltity of killing horses and hurting many riders
January 25th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Assinine,Now I hear it’s Gill calling the shots.
I suppose Gill got all these trainers licenses bought for them too???
I don’t see Gill licensed as a trainer but as an owner.
I’m not supporting the guy.I personally think he’s a self pat on the back syndrome guy that thinks money can buy everything.He throws his money around like everybody should just bow and say………..wow,you’re great.But then again,what have the Arabs and Europeans been doing for how many years now.Spending billions in the quest to win one race in May.How about those same Arabs that breed 200 mares a year to a stallion just hoping for a few that may hit,averaging about 35% winners per crop—what happens to the other 6 or 7 that fail to win ?
Upstart,you just said it best.
WELL SALARIED fronts for Gill.
Yet they have trainer’s licenses.Welcome to the seedy side of racing because weather a guy has 1,000 in training or 5 that’s the worst side of this business.Trainers that care more about getting that money than the welfare of the horse.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Gill hired felon Cole Norman to manage his equine victims at his off-track facility. A match made in hell for their horses. Did the breakdowns accelerate after Norman’s arrival at Gill’s training facility?
Based on an excellent thread in the Chronicle of the Horse which includes a list of horses broken down by Gill and co-conspirators…
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231681
…Norman just ran for the hills. Is it because he cannot afford more dirt and delays to his getting licensed again as a trainer since it is only a matter of time?
January 25th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
@#49 - Upstart: I stand by my remark that any Eclipse voter casting a nod towards Gill is in that action a sad reflection of our sport. It’s one thing for a casual person to naively think a leader in wins is somehow “outstanding”. It’s far another to be one of the semi-rare qualified voters for that Eclipse distinction and still not get it. I hold the Eclipse voters to a far higher standard and wish others, yes including Alex Waldrop, would do the same.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Follow the money.
Greed and ego are the roots of all ills within the industry. Tragically, live animals are used and abused to death.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Regarding post #3. Unfortunately, that is like saying the Devil did one good deed. You may be one of 2-3 people who come out of the woodworks to support Mr. Delahoussaye and I’m guessing this happened after they were no longer allowed to sell “unfit for sale” horses at killer auctions. People like Gill, Adamo and Delahoussaye have no morals and unfortunately it took jockeys, and not Penn Gaming, to end this travesty. Shame on Penn Gaming for sitting on their behind for the last 4 months. One has to wonder the lack of motive by Director or Racing Rob Marella and Racing Secretary Paul Jenkins not to remove Gill from their backside. They should be utterly embarrassed.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Post #46: Misspelt? How about Misspelled?
January 25th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Re: Post #24
I think this may start a trend that hopefully doesn’t get abused. In this case, the jocks are right on target and if there are other butchers, they need to learn a lesson as well. Without naming names, I hope some other trainers and owners wake up from this lesson Gill is going to learn the hard way. Goodbye Mr. Gill, you will not be missed. It’s kind of sad to, there is nobody worse at claiming bad horses, it was pretty funny to watch Gill’s cronies claim horses for $10-$15k that everyone on the backside knew were worth a dollar as a racehorse.
January 25th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Jerry,
I didn’t know the paulick forums were an audition for 8th grade Writing Composition. Nobody likes spelling police, especially on a forum about the sad events of Michael Gill.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Jeff: That’s the very reason Gill has a owner’s license rather than a trainer’s license, so it doesn’t come back on HIM. He gets these guys their licenses, has several “trainers” so he can get rid of any one at any time when they do not do what he wants done.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
For everyone that keeps questioning the trainer rather than Gill, you need to understand how his operation is run. Gill always uses no-name trainers because he is the one calling the shots and no qualified trainer would accept this. Unlike the traditional daily rate + 10% commission on 1st - 3rd, Gill’s “trainers” are salaried and with very few exceptions, train for no one other than Gill. When he made his recent return to racing he started with capable trainers such as Tim Hooper, Chris Grove and a few others. All the established trainers he tried to use jumped ship and wouldn’t train for him anymore. So he once again went the no-name route and calls all the shots.
His trainers are pawns….nothing more.
Gill has damaged an entire generation of horses in the Mid-Atlantic over the last 1 1/2 years and I can only hope this signals the beginning of the end for him.
And a note on the Eclipse award. This was a slap in his face more than a reward. He had bitched for years that he should win the award but they only gave him the award AFTER he announced his exit from racing. It was their way of saying FU Gill, don’t let the door hit you in the ass.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
If a horse who can’t run anymore breaks down and is euthanized, it seems to be financially better for the owner, right? If the horse lives, its more expensive, no? If Gill decided to NOT run a sore horse and kept him in the barn and nursed him back to health, that would be more expensive than if he ran him and the horse broke down and was humanely destroyed. Is my math correct? Is it more expensive to ‘do the right thing’ and only run horses when they are sound?
January 25th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Being a horsemen I tip my hat to the jockeys at Penn National. there have been way to many riders and horses going down in recent months due to Mr. gill’s unending greed and ego problems. this man has no value of human life or does he care about horses. As far as Penn National management, yes they should feel totally ashamed of what they have let go on for the past year. but most of the shame should fall on Mr. Jenkins, the racing secretary, he has known of the problemsand lets them continue. but when your pockets are continuously lined with blood money as his are i suppose he like Mr. gill also has no compassion for the jockeys or the animals involved. He has condoned all this because of greed!!
January 25th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Gill has no compassion for the horse what so ever and his trainers are just as bad . They think oh my god i have a chance to train for a big out fit with tons of money and I will win races. The party is soon over for those with a heart and a conceince . The conversation goes like this “Mr.Gill we have a problem so and so has hairline in his canon bone and needs some time off ” the answer “are you going to pay for it ,if so give him all the time he needs and if not , block em and run the son of a bitch CLICK” . then Mr. No backbone trainer does just that . Now the horse and the jockey’s are in danger. Breakdowns can happen to the soundest of horses but when you own 75% of all the breakdowns at (not confirmed) one track I think that should send up a red flag. So if you are the next trainer Mike Gill approaches you should think twice about what your reputation is or will be . because we all know what you have to do day in and day out to train for him. If he cant find a trainer and he cant find a rider he cant race . As for Gill having racing officials in his pocket , thats nothing new at Penn National . Lets talk conflict of interest, The national HPBA president along with Todd Beattie and Penn Nationals HPBA rep are partners in a horse racing venture , Todds exwife Stephanie (we wont get into her exploits) is now the president of Penns HPBA . Do you think if there is ever a conflict between anyone involved in this group that you would get a fair shake , I doubt it . This kind of thing is rampent in the inner circles of racing. As for the eclipse awards . Just another Hollywood glamfest. Dont believe it ? Tell me one person who doesnt have a Million dollars in the bank who has won a eclipse award not including Handicapper of the year. When there are thousands of grooms , hot walkers , small time trainers who work everyday to get horses sound and put on a show at Bullring tracks everwhere who never get a glance . Of course these people are the backbone of racing but wood not look good on TV and on the red carpet in Hollywood. But they are the ones who deserve it the most.
January 25th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Things may have just recently come to a head but this has been going on ever since Gill arrived at PN about 12-16 months ago. How was he able to get almost a whole barn of stalls even though there was alot of demand. Rumor has it he had the racing secretary in his pocket. if you want something at PN throw money at Jenkins. Get rid of Gill and his cohorts and JENKINS TOO!!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
big dog,
you seem to know the ins and outs at penn. wasn’t there a trainer there who copped 20 plus positives and was never rubbed out because he had the biggest string on the back side? i heard this two or three years ago. never saw it discussed or confirmed in print.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Are some or all of Gill’s horses insured?
The fresh out-of-jail Cole Norman, complete with rap sheet, was hired by Gill to manage horses at his off-track facility, as if Gill shipping in to race wasn’t alarming enough. Rumors are that the match made is horse hell is no more.
The racing industry lets it all happen. The HBPA and other groups protect drug-use and abuse and promote scum.
Producing 45-day worth of equine medical records before each race for obvious reasons?
Hell no! said horsemen. Impossible! said vets.
Voiding all claims for three-legged and dead horses for obvious reasons?
Hell no! Even if horsemen find themselves on both sides of the macabre fence!
Lowering or banning the use of drugs for obvious reasons?
Hell no! “Medications” are “therapeutic” and “FDA approved”. Screw public outcry because who need the pretty-horsey anti-racing crowd? Let’s treat the public like mushrooms and it’s opinion as mere “perception”.
After all the proof is baked in the media pudding: Just yesterday, Jerry Bossert told his NY Daily News readers how compassionate racing is about horses by starting his article with:
“Cruel and brutal are words often used by less enlightened people when describing horse racing. It’s a tough sport, but it is also one of the most compassionate.”
Awful timing Mr. Bossert!
Jockey Migliore crawled to the downed Honest Wildcat and comforted him until both were removed from the track, Mig was lucky this time and went to the hospital and Honest Wildcat was euthanized.
Racing deserves to be seen as a pariah. It is digging its own grave one licensed abuser and one dead horse at a time.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Congratulations on the Penn National jockeys taking a stand, when others are not.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Great energy expended here, but I think Jeff and Lance have it most right when they say trainers - the experts - are ultimately responsibility for knowing when a horse is sound or not.
However even humane successful trainers with big wins have lost a horse unexpectedly.
Gil’s breakdown performance has to be measured against the industry means and averages and individual statistics for competing stables and trainers.
Why not compare the breakdown records of Gill and Maggie Moss, then compare those with the industry average and mean.
Of course more Gill horses break down. He runs more than anyone else, But this article does not give the benchmark for breakdowns per start industry wide. I assume Gill’s is far higher….but facts are needed.
Everyone on this boad knows business took over the sport long ago.
These horses are bred to run, nothing else. A major problem also is that a lot of damn fast horses have bad temperments but breeders breed for speed and class, not temperment, so they can market the horses for high prices.
But when a high strung horse can’t run anymore, what does he do next??
Thoroughbred Times I think last week had two winners of more than $100,000 available as broodmare prospects for $750 each. But what about the geldings, or really slow mares?
Despite multi million dollar yearlings, $150,000 stud fees, $75 a day training fees etc there is no provision in the overall cost matrix for what to do with the horses after their targeted racing career ends.
So the horses go from Belmont to Laurel to Canterbury to Arapahoe. Some find a year or two more on the bush tracks.
It’s business. Business pays for the illusion of sport.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Post #60 - re: your quibble with Post #46. “Misspelt” is an accepted alternate spelling of “misspelled.” Check the OED.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
One should realize that when they resort to taking issue with spelling, they’ve probably lost the argument.
January 25th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Dan C (72)- I think in many cases owners are pretty clueless and the trainers bear full responsibility. But everything I’ve ever heard about Gill’s operation is that he calls the shots. The trainers who have ethics, at least, enough ethics to not run a horse with hairline fractures by giving them nerve blocks and masking their pain enough to get them to the gate, are usually fired by Gill, if they don’t quit first.
Yes, trainers are certainly culpable here - they’re the ones giving the injections and cottage cheesing these horses’ joints. But it’s not like Gill is some innocent bystander who doesn’t know what’s going on.
As for statistics, hopefully that’s made more available soon, at least in a meaningful way. There’s a Penn trainer on a forum I follow who has been keeping track, and percentage wide Gill is definitely leading the field (especially if you consider horses who break down in workouts or are euthanized later, or after being shipped off the track, where the track does not keep track of these things - even if due to injuries suffered while racing).
As far as “high strung” horses who can’t run anymore, I work in thoroughbred retraining and usually 6 months in a field cures the “high strung” part, and then if they are sound they can go on to do just about anything - trail horses, kids’ horses, show horses. There’s plenty of uses for geldings and slow mares - provided of course unscrupulous people haven’t injected their joints to the point of no return. For those horses? If they’re lucky they might get pink juice.
January 25th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
It seems from all of the discussion that many of you believe that the penn national racing secretary shares a significant amount of blame for this great disgrace to horse racing. It almost sounds as if people are implying that mr Jenkins takes money in exchange for stalls. Now what kind of a person would do this with the horrible rash of breakdowns and countless injured riders? He would in essence be selling his soul to the devil. Exploiting the poor horses that he is in a position to protect for his own financial gain. Looking these riders, everyday in the eye, and knowing that he is profiting by sending them to pending doom. One would have to hope that mr Jenkins is not that kind of souless monster.
Anyway, one would feel that the proper authorities would have no choice but to investigate these claims. And if truth be told mr Jenkins should be forced to resign his position in hope to avoid criminal prosecution
January 25th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
JOE……U BEAT ME TO IT….
I WAS GOING TO ASK>>>DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE COLE NORMAN IS????
January 25th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
An underlying story to all of this is how the Penn National chart caller for Equibase seems to be going on a cigarette break after the horses cross the wire (since he/she fails to report the multitude of horses breaking down after the finish). The horse who caused all of this does not even show being broken down on the chart post race where other REPUTABLE tracks always say things like “vanned off after finish” or “broke down post race”
January 25th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I believe Gill should be investigated by the authorities. This man has to be stopped. I also have grave concerns about people that work for him. Somebody knows what is going on and if they knowingly keep his game going then they are ‘wearing the same hat’
January 25th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Insofar as I’m aware, Gill is down to two trainers, and maybe one. There’s a rumor afoot that he fired Delahoussaye after Saturday night’s jockey revolt. (Delahoussaye, BTW, was suspended in Ohio for awhile for using an electric prodder on a horse, which was tied up in front of his barn at Beulah. So, stupid as well as cruel.)
These are the other trainers who worked for Gill at one time or other during 2009: Mike Catalano, Tim Hooper, Chris Grove, Michael Pino, Ronnye Brown, Murray Rojas, Hector Garcia, Evan Jackson, Jevon Crumley, Lars Becdelamotte, and Marcus Vitali. Grove lasted just a few months; the same with Crumley and Becdelamotte. Jackson and Pino, a matter of days/weeks. Vitali had been at Penn, but took a string of Gill horses to Suffolk, then when that meet ended went to Calder without any of Gill’s stock.
No wonder Gill was reduced to advertising in the print version of DRF. Unsuccessfully, from what I hear.
January 25th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
#74, Dan, good points. You say:
“Thoroughbred Times I think last week had two winners of more than $100,000 available as broodmare prospects for $750 each. But what about the geldings, or really slow mares?”
$750 is barely above meat price.
January 25th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Maybe Cole Norman is gassing up the truck and hooking up the trailer to haul a load of Gill’s horses to a track where he can start over. Too bad it came down to the jocks to have to enforce what a state agency should have probably done. Most state racing commissions have some sort of mission statement that should cover this unsafe situation. Now days, it seems like the mission statement has something to do with,”Don’t bother us.” This is exactly the kind of behavior that will eventually kill racing forever. And if it can’t be watched over any better than this, maybe it should go by the wayside. Thank you Mr. Paulick for putting the light of day on this.
January 25th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Hector (#78) - Just what I was thinking. Posters #68 and #70 are indeed implying that Penn’s Racing Secretary takes bribes. If this is true, this situation is going to be about a heck of a lot more than Michael Gill, his trainers and his horses, as I am guessing that a Racing Secretary taking bribes would be a felony, and the PA Attorney General would be called in to investigate. I hope “Gene” and “Barb Patterson” can back up their statements somehow; otherwise I would think they are walking the fine line of libel.
January 25th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
I applaud the jockeys for acting in their own self-interest, but I don’t agree they did the stewards’ or state racing commissioners’ jobs for them.
We can only get a handle on the magnitude of the problem by comparing the records of Gill and his trainers with their peers using continuous statistical presentations like the DRF’s leaderboard that would show number of fatal breakdowns, number of starts and percentages for the 20 or so worst offenders. I would also add tracks and states to this type of analysis in addition to owners and trainers.
Put it all out there for everyone to see.
Presenting the totals and percentage of tracked entities that had no fatal breakdowns would be useful as would a similar analysis for fatal breakdowns while training.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
#82: long list but you forgot at least two of Gill’s accomplices: Canani and Shuman(sp?).
Gill’s enablers including his vets need to be investigated by the Feds. Racing needs to start operating under the law. Horse abusers and criminals need to meet bubba in jail without soap or butter.
There is a revealing thread about Gill at The Chronicle of the Horse website, where some posters saw this coming for days. One poster lists Gill’s broken down and dead horses.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:22 pm
From the grapevine, which has been surprisingly accurate regarding Gill, he and Cole Norman parted ways some time ago.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
indulto–surely you’re not suggesting that trainers be listed by their injury stats instead of their win %s?
carol garcia–”Gil should be investigated by the authorities.” Why? if PA park or any track had training standards in place–requirements to enter a horse–based on sound exercise physiology, would we be having this discussion? To clarify–to enter a horse need have 25 on track gallops and 8 speed works in the last 60 days prior to entry + specified injury diagnostics. Trainer to enter signs affidavit: training accomplished, diagnostics completed. Horse goes down, stewards investigate with view to probation, and suspension, if rules violated. Such a model rule would eliminate 90% of breakdowns, and make racing’s Michael Gills (and there are many) extinct.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
So the DRF piece says that “Gill is outraged” by this bad press he is getting. The PA Racing Commission says in the same peice that they “aren’t doing anything at this time” and they are suggesting that Penn National management should be addressing the situation. My guess is until everyone knows who has been looking the other way with their hands out, no decison to bar Gill will be made. Investigative folks outside the Racing Commission, (State Police, Attorney General, Feds) need to walk the backside and talk to some vets, racing officials, state employees, horse grooms, other trainers, under some type of protection to find out the truth.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
The DRF says Gill fired Delahoussaye in exchange for being allowed to keep his stalls. Sounds like Penn National has made its deal. I wonder whether the jockeys will stand their ground.
January 25th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Correct me if I am wrong, but aren’t stalls assigned to TRAINERS and not OWNERS? Sounds to me like some of the comments from Gill himself imply that the stalls are his and not the trainers. If true, that will send the TRAINERS on the backside crazy and there will be a revolt against penn gaming and their racing operation. Are they still in the running for the Aqueduct racino? Someone might want to forward NYRA this thread about Penn…
January 25th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
I clicked onto this story this morning and have been trying to spread the word all day today. I bet the national press will pick it up STAT. These are great comments. Mike Gill needs to feel some of the pain he’s been dishing out
January 25th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Racing has to hold an owner like Gill culpable & responsible when the majority of horses ship to the track directly from his farm. There is no way he can pretend to blame the trainer for not knowing what’s up.
Just like Ernie Paragallo, he owns the damn operation….. owner is culpable when horses don’t get the care they need and when they are entered, owners had better have a full list of medical and training bills that show their horses got the proper care.
Melodee Man, I hear, was racing with a least 3 pins/screws in a bad leg…. so, either the horses are having their nerves blocked or some horrible string of bad luck keeps befalling Mr. Gill.
But… it is not luck, you can bet on it!
January 25th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Seems to me Penn National–and other tracks where Gill races–should adopt a pre-race exam policy for ALL horses.
Tougher inspections BEFORE these horses race would certainly curb Gill’s penchant for blood.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
In the DRF piece, Gill states he has had no bad tests for illegal medications for years. Can you say SHOCK WAVE THERAPY?
And he states he is being singled out because of the way he’s dominating Penn racing. This whole issue has nothing to do with how many races he’s won - it has everything to do with the welfare of his horses.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
We could sit here all day and write about this; Nothing is EVER going to change. Racing will is already considered irrelevent in most circles and will without a doubt die a slow death. Whenever there is opportunity to make money off something that has no voice, horrible things happen. This industry, on all levels, is guilty of cherishing the profitable and abusing and throwing away those who are not. I’m a firm believer in Karma. The Gill’s of the world will get theirs in time. GREEED!
January 25th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
voting to abolish horse racing is the only
way to clear the deck. Otherwise,
gill will be back stronger.
http://www.drf.com/news/article/110354.html
Gill has been a lightning rod for controversy during the last decade. Perhaps the most notorious incident came in 2003, when one of his horses, Casual Conflict, was discovered to have had his leg sawed off following his breakdown and death at Gulfstream Park in Florida. Gill and his trainer at the time, Mark Shuman, ultimately were exonerated of wrongdoing in that case.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Based on the way most of Gill’s horse’s run, he must be on to the “new” synthetic venoms being used so the por infermed horse feels nothing. “Jugging” or “mainstreaming” of DMSO is another trick of the bad man’s trade. Wake up PNatt, PA Commission, private eyes, it’s all out there for your consumption if you choose to taste. If not, crawl into that sewer hole with Gill and his merry band of pond scum dwellers.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
The owner is using the system to his benefit. How about making the tracks and racing regulatory bodies responsible for some of the issues that the sport of horse racing has.
The structure of US horse racing allows this owner to operate the way that he does. Why not change the sport for the better to stop people from abusing the system for their own benefit. Gill is not the only owner who uses the system to his benefit he is just the one that everyone notices.
Typical reporting here, blame the person not the system in which the person is operating, that is the horse industry and the ruling bodies in the industry who are unwilling to make changes to improve the industry.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
A room full of jockeys protesting riding against an owners’ horses b/c they fear catatstrophic breakdowns is about the strongest statement i have ever heard!
Maybe all racetracks in America should deny Gill an owner’s license and maybe he should invest in racing remote control objects so that he can not subject an animal, jockey or a driver to the risk of losing their life racing for him.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Gill is an idiot! Outraged.. who really cares. He’s a horse killer and if he’s allowed to continue racing anywhere, he will undoubtedly be the cause of a death of a human life. His whole outfit is a tragedy waiting to happen. He hires idiots that he can control… trainers like Delahoussaye that are barred from multiple jurisdictions… Adamo who has never been successful training horses anywhere and was actually fired by Gill a few years ago when he went an impressive 3 for 100 (close estimate). The only reason he dominates Penn by wins is because no other owner has 150 horses that predominantly run at Penn. If only the truth were known about where approximately 100 horses have gone to over the past year, that have actually vanished from racing. This man is an arrogant, egotistical horse killer and should be barred from this sport. Truth be told, I think he would end up with criminal charges if a lot of things he is probably hiding come to be public knowledge.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Well, so far the PA Racing Commission is doing NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING, and leaving it up to Penn.
Exactly what good are they?
January 25th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Gill is a monster.
Penn Gaming should have their stock plummet for turning a blind eye.
Each are responsible for this nonsense. What’s the problem? Here are the cliff notes in purposely garbled fashion because it’s a mess and I don’t have time to construct a coherent response.
Penn Gaming could care less about racing, they just want the slots, thus the term “GAMING” in their name.
Penn Gaming employs a tool like Rob Marella to oversee racing at Penn National. Rob Marella, while a decent guy, does not understand that he could have fixed this problem long ago by just asking Mr. Paul Jenkins to ask Mr. Gill to leave.
Rob Marella turned a blind eye. The problem is higher. Christopher McEarlean is the head of racing for Penn Gaming and because he is what he is - a racing person employed by a gaming company, he takes a Laissez Faire approach to Penn National - after all it is one of several tracks and their handle is up, why mess with anything there?
So, when Penn Gaming has their meetings of the minds and 98.5% of the meeting is about gaming and no one there cares about racing, it allows trolls like Rob Marella and the racing secretary to run the Soap Opera that I call “As Penn National Turns”.
Going further, you have a racing commission at Penn who overall are decent people, but they seem hampered by the suits in Harrisburg. So they do nothing. Do they have a meeting in, oh, say November after a bunch of breakdowns in October by Gill’s horses and say “Gee, do you think we should start doing pre-race exams or perhaps doing more daily patrolling of the Gill Barn?” No. Nothing was done. Now, Marella and Jenkins will likely roll because as officials at the low-level of Penn Gaming they could have taken initiative and addressed the issues. Instead, they sat back and watched five jockeys get taken to the Hospital and several other horses die.
One also has to wonder if the Penn Chart Caller is on the take. They constantly MISREPORT what happens. You’ll see comments like “Fell” “Pulled Up”…ok Mr. Chart Caller, when a horse falls and it doesn’t CLIP HEELS, IT MOST LIKELY BROKE DOWN !!!! HELLO !!!! And when a horse is “Pulled Up” and it’s meandering around on 3 F’ING LEGS…IT BROKE DOWN !!!!! And Mr. Chart Caller, when a horse crosses the wire, it is your job to make sure all horses come back to the unsaddling area. It’s part of your job description which you should consider reading.
Am I off my soap box yet? No.
Darrell Delahoussaye is constantly bragging about how he can make sore horses run. Why does this sport put up with people like him? Why can someone lose their license for smoking pot, but when someone butchers horses, they are given 49 stalls at Penn National?
Regarding the above post about NYRA, I hope this prevents Penn Gaming from landing the NYRA Aqueduct racino. That would cost Penn Gaming billions if they do not land that treasure…seems poetic to me if they don’t.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
I have been an owner in this sport for many years , and I have never made a penny . I have lots of winners circle photos and I have had lots of fun . I have not and will not run an unsound horse . My horse get everything they need to be healthy and happy including 20 pounds of carrots a week , all the mints they can eat. When they are done racing I have no problem finding a good home for them because they are well cared for . Yes I have a few lost to breakdowns as most people have , so I know even the most well cared for horses will have breakdowns. I was at the track one morning when a Gill horse broke down in training the horse was taken to Gills barn where it stood for hours until they were done training and someone got around to putting the animal down(I saw the breakdown was unaware of the rest of the story until the next day). This is sick and just about everyone at the track knew of the incident but I havent heard word one of any fines , punishment or any reprocushion for that matter. I personnally know of one horse that had a minor throat surgery and in less than three days they had the horse in the entries and raced and ran last and the next day had to be saved from the killers. Gill claims and claims and claims and he gives very little Vet care he just drops to win as many races as possible until they cant run or as we have been seeing more and more they drop dead on the track . These Jocks have my support I hope something is done before one of them is Killed, Hes like the driver doing 60 on a snow covered highway you know sooner or later he is going to wreck you just hope he dosent kill an innocent bystander when he does.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Wow Blood Monster, couldn’t have said it better myself! This Penn National group looks bad, perhaps even worse than its potential bed partner the NYRA in New York racing/gaming. Eliminate guys and connections like this before our sport is discussed at the same cocktail party as cock fighting or one of Michael Vick’s dog destruction contests!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Oh, by the way, Gill says in the Bloodhorse that he has knowledge of only (2) of his horse breaking down at Penn National in 2009. Not only should he be banned from horse racing, bring in a white straight jacket and some anxiety medication as well! Denial in its absolute form.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Thank you Mr. Paulick for the important information regarding Mr. Gill’s horse racing career. The numbers speak for themselves.Unusual number of breakdowns on the track compared to every other owner/trainer in the business. Awards are popularity contests. RE: Mark McGwire received over 20 votes for the baseball hall of fame. Enough is Enough. Mr. Gill makes all the owners/trainers who do things the right way bore more responsibility from critics.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Anti-trust suit threatened by Gill according to the TTime piece if they revoke his stalls. O.K. Mr Carlino, you’re a known tough guy, let’s see what you are made of, or does Gill call the shots for you?
January 25th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Story also up on Thoroughbred Times. Gill is actually saying his breakdown rate is MUCH LOWER than the national average. Maybe his mumma should wash his mouth out with soap or something. The man has either gone mental or hasn’t watched his horses break down. Does anyone watch Race Replays? You can go watch the races and find 2 breakdowns and see it rather quickly. He also says Melodeeman was sound because they just won a race with him. Really? Sometimes you roll doubles with dice and sometimes you don’t, Michael. You are the only owner who breaks down 8, 9, 10 year old horses. Melodeeman, Laughing Moon, and Skiptomyloumydarlin deserved a better fate which was sealed when you dropped the claim slip.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Doesn’t the fact that he’s threatening a law suit kind of show Penn Gaming the type of individual he is?
That law suit will be garbage. Penn National is private property and on the stall application it probably says that the stalls are property of blah blah blah and they can take them back for any reason blah blah blah.
Penn Gaming, while having their issues, has plenty of lawyers who would laugh at the law suit.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Penn should talk to Delaware about revoking Gill’s stalls. Gill sued Delaware when they banned him for same antics. Guess what, DELAWARE WON. Gill is/was banned from that track.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
I think Gill is shooting himself in the foot with his quotes. I don’t think he’s thinking rationally in terms of keeping his business afloat. He needs to drink some Nyquil and call it a night before talking to the press. After making those quotes, if stalls are kept for him there will be some pretty serious outrage.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
I can’t believe that Gill sees himself as a victim. And in response to post #112, I love your name … it says it all!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
From the RCI Web Site:
“Mission Statement and Vision
To protect and uphold the integrity of the pari-mutuel sports of horse racing, dog racing and jai-alai through an informed membership, by encouraging forceful and uniform regulation, by promoting the health and welfare of the industry through various programs and projects.”
As I posted the other day in regards to synthetic versus dirt, racing right now is dysfunction times 38. we pay dearly to carry the burden of 38 racing commissions each appearing to be in a race to be less effective than their peers. We need a powerful central office to mandate strict enforcement and penalties. To start to begin the process of stamping out cruel and inhumane treatment of these animals we need to adopt the international standard for medication. Medication, legal and illegal, is masking injuries and infirmities that are endangering equine and human athletes and driving this sport toward extinction. Gill, his vets and his trainers may be doing some nasty things, but they are not alone by a long chalk. Too many trainers (assisted by their vets and abetted by their owners) are doing as much as they can get away with - and to hell with the consequences for the horse and rider. This industry needs to wake up and soon. It just puzzles me why so many seemingly well meaning and intelligent people who head racing’s alphabet soup don’t seem to give a damn.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
LESLIE HART…you’ve said it ALL.,… perfectly….
One other thing to think about….IT’S THE FABULOUS SLOTS THAT MAKE IT PROFITABLE TO RUN THESE BROKEN DOWN, BOTTEM FED HORSES….IS THAT WHAT THIS BUSINESS NEEDS MORE OF? THE ABILITY TO MAKE THOUSANDS OFF OF ABUSED HALF DEAD HORSES???????????????????? THAT”S WHATS NEEDED TO PROP UP THIS IMMORAL INDUSTRY?
THIS INDUSTRY IS ON IT’S LAST LEGS….JUST LIKE MOST OF THE HORSES AT PENN NATIONAL…….
OWNER TO BLAME …YES
TRAINER TO BLAME YES
VETS TO BLAME YES
RACETRACK TO BLAME YES
INDUSTRY TO BLAME YES
NOBODY IS INNOCENT EXCEPT FOR THE ANIMAL WHO HAS NO ABILITY TO DEFEND ITSELF….
January 25th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Actually, Gill can run horses at Delaware; he did a few times in 2009. He just can’t stable horses there. My perception is that while Gill doesn’t usually actually win his suits, he costs the tracks so much in legal expenses that at some point they are willing to settle.
He hasn’t changed his tune one bit: people hate him because he wins. That’s been his primary defense for, what, 10 years now?
January 25th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Many interesting things occurring in Pennsylvania in politics & horse racing. Mary Jo Kopechne must have risen from her place of rest recently, knowing the roten piece of debris known as Ted Kennedy had been placed in the ground to rot forever. And then a bonus, the seat he ocupied gone to a CONSERATIVE not a socialist. And then in horse racing a gallant warrior known as Casual Conflict may finally rest in peace or sadly pieces,and may take solace in the fact that another piece of roten debris may finally get his due. Smearing blue gel on a leg and driving it in with a apparatus used for breaking up kidney stones to completely cause a horse to not feel his leg is obscene. I’d truly like to strike Mr. Gill in both legs swingin from the heels with a38ounce Joe Torre louisville slugger, then climb on his back and ride him to hell whipin and drivin and pluggin him in with 220volts till he snaps them off at both knees. From a man whose retired every horse he’s ever had and personally cared for them everyday & will do so till the day they or I die. signed so my friends know, Crazy 10th letter of the alphabet
January 25th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I read a lot of sour grapes here. I would guess that a large number of the above posters have horses they trained or owned claimed by Gill. I got a very simple suggestion, DON’T run your horses for a claiming price if you don’t want them claimed. I am not defending the breakdowns, but defending the claiming game. As for the Jockeys, I would have to think there would be an Antitrust lawsuit against them. As long as a racetrack takes their entries, they should be allowed to run. What they did the other night was nothing short of race fixing. What if next year when Rachel Alexandra is 1-9 the other riders don’t want to get beat by her and refuse to ride? They need to realize that they don’t make the rules and it is not up to them to enforce them. Another thing, how many of the jockeys in the room were fired by Gill earlier this year or previous years or flat out not just good enough to ride for him. So what do they have to loose by eliminating an owner that they have no chance to ride for. This is race fixing. So as long as he is in good standing by the state of PA and can find a jockey willing to ride and pass pre race vet exams, should be allowed to participate. Layne (Starting Small) I understand how upset you are for loosing so many horses to Gill that didn’t breakdown and continue to win weekly. Shouldn’t play the claiming game. Getting Smaller, how about getting over it.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Graeme,
You’re misinformed. “Well meaning” people DO NOT run this industry….What on earth would make you believe that?
January 25th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Crybaby,
These jockeys have the RIGHT to protect their own safety and lives!! How dare you compare it to race fixing! It’s about time jockeys everywhere stand up and say “we’re not going to die so you can profit”. This type of action is WAY OVERDUE….Jockey’s should be suing Gill and his trainers for endangerment.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Crybaby is WAY off base here. I doubt a large portion of the people posting here have horses they trained or owned taken by Gill and have an axe to grind. I do think, however, that a large portion of them CARE about the way horses are treated! And they do CARE about the safety and welfare of jockeys!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
I just realized that my hope of having the trifecta in one race at Penn may be impossible now. I wanted to see a race with Michael Gill, Jamie Ness and Kirk Ziadie at Penn. All 3 should be shown the door if you ask me. For the record, I do not believe Ziadie and Ness are on the same level as Gill, but the sport is littered with them and we need to change the game. BAN THE SHOCKWAVE !!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
I play the claiming game perfectly…. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. It is my job to lose horses and I can guarantee one thing and that is the horses are very well cared for and in good order when I lose them. It doesn’t matter to me or my owners that any of them win. Get your facts straight…. yes, some continue to win but most win cheap and note that Gill has probably taken 35-40 horses off me alone over the past year and a half and has lost a lot of money doing so and more importantly has put a lot of money in my client’s accounts. And FACT…. the horses he is winning with are coming back with positive tests that the Pa. commission is currently unable to enforce so if cheating to win is ethical in your books crybaby than you belong on his bandwagon. If all you get out of the previous 117 posts is that people are sour grapes because he claims horses than you have obviously missed the point. If you can defend and support a person that hires a discount trainer so that he can pull their strings and use them as scapegoats and you think that the tremendous number of breakdowns over the past year is a good thing as well as the 6 jockeys that have been put in the hospital is a good thing, than I guess that everyone writing to this post and standing behind the jockeys wanting to protect their safety are all wrong.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
How about all the horses that Delahoussaye has been gathering up and sending to Canada to slaughter???? How many of Gill’s lame and brokedown horses went there???? Heard they had local farms full of crippled lame horses that needed put down- just waiting for their ride of misery to Canada……Was this all Gills plan for covering up his large number of breakdowns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where are Gill’s horses that aren’t racing right now????? How about the time Gill’s horse broke down after he won the race and was laying out in front of the grandstand on the track and his mighty trainer and crew where in the winners circle getting their picture taken without the horse….Even the jockey (shame on him) was in the picture holding the tack in the air…How Heartless…. Gill keeps surrounding himself with scapegoats like Delahoussaye to cover his ASS!!!!!! He always has someone to take the blame… Dissposible just like his horses…..THIS HAS GOT TO STOP HERE AND NOW…
January 25th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
LCM
I did use the word “seemingly.” Of course, it is entirely possible my brain is scrambled from reading too many of their press releases promising safety and integrity in racing. BTW, how many committees, alliances, conferences, task forces seminars etc has the industry devoted to safety and integrity - and how much have they cost?
January 25th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Crybaby,
When the establishment turns a blind eye, what should the jockeys do? You are not informed with this topic, obviously, and if you saw first hand what has been going on at Penn, you’d have a different tune. By the way, 3 of the fired jockeys could not be there Saturday because they are licking their wounds from almost dying on his horse’s. Who knows where DeShawn Parker is. He hasn’t been seen since he took a tumble in early January on a Gill horse.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
On another forum, a knowledgeable poster stated , “Gill takes his horses from his farm in Pa directly to slaughter”. “That is why no Gill horses end up at places like NH”
Some one should investigate this…as difficult as it is….Gill’s farm is like FT Knox…gated with security cameras around to protect his nefarious activities from discovery.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I’ve seen Mr. Giliforte’s horses in the AM, they all look well and are all cared for. And from what I’ve heard/seen Giliforte has a high groom to horse ratio which helps make the horses better cared for. Crybaby, do you really think Eugene Melnyk who owns the freaking Ottawa Senator cares about losing a $7,500 claimer to Michael Gill ?
January 25th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
LILLY,
I know what is going on right now at many tracks, but your account is beyond sickening. I hope everyone that is disturbed by Gill and his actions gets on the phone tomorrow and calls Penn directly….I WILL. I just realized Gill claimed a horse I once owned as a 2yo.. I think she was claimed off him, but now I’m really worried. I’m so tired of finding out every horse I’ve owned or bred has met or close to meeting a terrible fate….And I’ve only had a handful of horses, yet EVERY ONE has faced an uncertain future…It just goes to show you that the VAST MAJORITY of tbrds are in need of some sort of rescue at some time in their lives…SAD…AND UNACCETABLE BY THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN OUR SOCIETY!!! Hence the lack of interest in this, the most beautiful form of animal cruelty. Nothing more and certainly nothing less.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Graeme,
Yes, it is very hard to believe all this “integrity” isn’t making a difference isn’t it? Hmmm….l can understand your confusion…….Gosh darn it, I really thought all those “task forces” were going to work….The NTRA, TOBA, etc…must be so frustrated to see their immense efforts bear little fruit…..Oh well, at least they’re being well paid to ACCOMPLISH NOTHING.
I’ll take comfort in knowing that as funds dry up, so will their “positions”!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Does anybody know what it costs to be stabled at Penn national?
January 25th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
I think there is a lot of people in this room are in line for a slander lawsuit. Myectomy get your facts straight, Deshawn Parker was hurt on a Larry Rivelli horse a week after Gill fired him. Reese your facts are in Pieces,,, oh I get it “Reese’s Pieces” Pieces of Bull Sh**. Do you know what it costs to send a horse to Canada??? Not worth the price of meat. Try again. Get over it. People are taking all of the problems of the industry and blaming them on one person. By the way Saturday night there were 3 other horses, that were not Gill”s that broke down…. Where is that fact???
January 25th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
I think crybaby has a very warped sense of logic. Justifying senseless horse slaughter and a lack of regard for human life is disgusting. You have misplaced your anger toward a concerned horse trainer. Keep the blame for this tragedy where it belongs
January 25th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
#129 Lilly, proves my point another disgruntled owner. First off, why don’t you try and breed a better horse, seems like all you breed is cheap claimers. Why not breed a better horse and not end up in claiming races.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I have to ask the most relevant question.
An owner that has more starters is going to have more break downs. The real issue is whether he has more breakdowns per start than other owners with similar stock.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
THEY DON’T START OUT CHEAP…THEY’RE MADE CHEAP BY SCUM LIKE YOU THAT ARE SO DESPERATE FOR A DIME THEY’LL DO ANYTHING TO KEEP A HORSE RUNNING….
SO DESPERATE THEY’LL RISK JOCKEY’S LIVES FOR A COUPLE OF GRAND…
SO DESPERATE THEY HAVE NO OTHER MEANS OF MAKING A LIVING, BUT OFF THE BACKS OF BROKEN DOWN ANIMALS….
January 25th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Well obviously crybaby is associated with gill in some manner..There is no other explanation for why you would defend Gills honor. Face the facts and understand that the 125 posts that r on here are not jealous or upset that they had horses claimed off them..But are concerned over the well being of their horses (which fall over his when they go down). The jockeys who are at risk and have families…and the integrity of our sport that we all love and realize that it is the greatest game when played right…. So crybaby instead of being some anonymous Gill Lover and you believe in what you are saying then why not put your name up there and be proud of your post… You know who I am so why not let everyone know who you are…PUSSY
January 25th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
“When he made his recent return to racing he started with capable trainers such as Tim Hooper”
Hooper is just as guilty as any of Gill’s former or current trainers. The guy is far from being ethical.
As for Cole Norman, he was still at Elk Creek as of last Saturday.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Crybaby, shouldn’t you get rest?
The facts are that your boss has a higher breakdown rate than any other trainer stabled at Penn with more than 100 starters. And I’m not referring to the “OFFICIAL” breakdowns, the ones that Penn doesn’t count because they shuttle the horses off and give them the Sodium Pentobarbital rather than on-track.
I didn’t know the psychographics of the Paulick Report was 100% former owners and trainers who all had horses claimed by Gill.
By the way, Gill sucks at claiming horses. A monkey could claim horses with class, inject, use shockwave, and DROP IN CLASS - and earn money at a slots fueled track like Penn. How come nobody on this board is blasting Donald Brown who is a HUGE owner at Penn and claims with regularity? The answer? Because he’s not an a-hole, insensitive, arrogant, slimeball, who has been exposed for what he is.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Crybaby,
as for your comment on not worth the cost of shipping a horse to Canada…THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE PROVIDES THE RIDE FOR FREE…. Are you really going to pretend you don’t already know that? I’m sure being a Penn “insider” you’re well aware of how to get rid of a “cheap” claimer.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
“From the grapevine, which has been surprisingly accurate regarding Gill, he and Cole Norman parted ways some time ago.”
Actually your grapevine couldn’t be any more inaccurate. Cole Norman is still there. He never left accept to take a christmas vacation back in louisiana.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Tony adamo was 3-100 someone previously stated in this thread. Why doesn’t he just go run the zamboni at some youth hockey game. Very sad
January 25th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
I think we’re just gonna wait…and see what happens.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
You are right Sam.. The only problem is its in someones hands that has done nothing so far… So when are they going to step up and Ban him and his accomplices… Because they are all guilty by association
January 25th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
What happened to crybaby? Did gill send all the staff to a media relations seminar? I know they can’t be sleeping- I couldn’t sleep with that much blood on my hands
January 25th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Still here, just had to go and take my heart meds. I got a weak ticker, like a lot of you here. Don’t work for Gil. I am an owner that actually knows when I run a horse for a tag, that I am wanting Gill to claim them. So I can move them along and reinvest my money. Without him, I think myself and some other intelligent owners are going to have to be looking at some losses in the next few years because I do the math an realize when my horses are claimed, I am making money. I think there is some misdirected anger on this forum. Some of the trainers above are obvious failures and want to blame Gill. Not his fault you can’t train.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
There are many people on here looking to blame everyone but no one is looking into the fact that there is alot of breakdowns in general as of late at penn and maybe the surface in self should be looked at
January 25th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Crybaby,
Wow…you really summed up this business beautifully!
quote “I am an owner that actually knows when I run a horse for a tag, that I am wanting Gill to claim them. So I can move them along and reinvest my money. Without him, I think myself and some other intelligent owners are going to have to be looking at some losses in the next few years because I do the math an realize when my horses are claimed, I am making money”
I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU DO WITH THOSE BAD “INVESTMENTS” WHEN THEY DON’T GET CLAIMED? As an “INTELLIGENT” owner, can you tell the stupid owners what how you handle that problem? I’m sure they’d appreciate your wisdom and insight.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Crybaby, are you not concerned with the numerous catastrophic breakdowns including the gill horses? Do you not find it odd that the man never seems to get bad tests yet his horses crumble to the ground unable to feel the injuries from preexisting conditions? How would you feel if one of your horses met an untimely death from falling over a broken down gill horse? Ponder these questions
January 25th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Either you are not as intelligent as you claim to be or you are completely ignorant to the grave problems being presented by this business. Anyway you examine it, horse racing probably doesn’t need owners like you
January 25th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Todd,
Looking for blame? Or looking for answers? Wasn’t the track resurfaced not too long ago? I thought it was.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Lcm
with a bad investment is like a bad stock you need to get rid of it asap
i guess the gill trainer will get jobs saling the drf
January 25th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
to LCM, or stupid as you notedr. Stop breeding in your poor soiled backyard and invest into some better pasture and invest in some decent stock, get rid of your claiming broodmares (bet you wish gill claimed those before you bred them, would have probably saved a lot of money), and breed some nice mares to some decent stallions (none of which currently exist in PA).. And for the bad ones you already know the cost to Canada, that is something I didn’t know, so we already know what you did there. ( What should Gill do with them? Hope some idiot breeds them?)……………As for Hector what if, what if, what if what if?? Let’s stick to facts and get away from the hypothetical b.s. that is already the problem here.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Hector,
Are you kidding….Crybaby doesn’t care about his “investments” breaking down. At least he doesn’t have to feed a dead horse….He’s made that clear in his previous posts. The only time he’d regret a horse breaking down is if it WASN’T claimed….He’d have to pay to put it down….what a waste of money.. Don’t forget he’s an “intelligent” owner!!
January 25th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
i dont know about that but i know there was 4 van off sat 1 of gills 3 of someone else they are not mentioned i just think it could be the track thats all
January 25th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
crybaby
FYI…I don’t live in Pa, I don’t breed in Pa and I don’t race in Pa……I simply sold a horse that ended up in that lowlife dump that YOU INHABIT.
and your rant doesn’t even make any sense…what kind of “medication” did you say you took…heart pills….uhhh huhh…sure…..
January 25th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Come on everyone, we are letting Crybaby get us all side tracked from the real issue that began this article. I am going to venture a guess that Crybaby is Anthony Adamo (just a guess but the way he talks he is definitely a Gill employee). And the fact that he knows my business name as Startin’ Small and has refuted towards a couple trainers above. And has threatened with slander lawsuits.. why would anyone other than an affiliate of Gill’s be so concerned.
Back to the point, the riders made a stand on Saturday against an operation that has seriously injured a couple of their fellow riders. We, as horse people, instead of getting in debates with Gill’s employees, need to also get together in some way and make a stand against him as well. It is our horses, our livelihood and the families of many jockeys that are going to suffer most if Michael Gill is continued to carry on business in horse racing. Call it a business if you want and think that you are justifying his methods but I do not know any business in the world that would allow this misconduct to continue and the business allowed to keep operating.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Shows how dumb you are, best purses in racing. And to sink to a level of making fun of someone with a heart condition. Dump??? and where are you from? I’m wishing it was Haiti.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Todd,
Based on what I’m reading from many posts here, I think the track is probably the least of Penn’s problems….not saying it’s not a problem, but it appears there are MUCH BIGGER ones there.
As for Gill, I’m sure he’s not the only guilty owner there…just read some of “crybabys” posts to get a feel for the culture at Penn. Beyond sickening.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I haven’t read all of the posts, so if this is repetitive I apologize, but does anyone here who is defending Gill remember the “incident” at Gulfstream when he sent someone to cut the front legs off of a horse of his who had broken down and was euthanized on the track? Gill is a blight on racing and every horse he owns is at risk. I’ve personally been involved in the rescue of horses he owned who were in auction kill pens and still had poultice on their legs. They are all disposable to him (and apparently to some people who’ve posted here). Doesn’t seem to matter if they die on the track or in a slaughterhouse. People like Gill need to be run out of the business. He’s bad for the horses and for the sport. His trainers, the vets on the tracks where he runs, and everyone else involved in this low life’s business are just as guilty.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Crybaby…
Best purses in racing? GET A GRIP….compared to what? Mountaineer? Heart condition? What heart?
Startin Small…you’re right….but I’m just curious….Does this Anthony guy have a heart condition?
I’m glad to hear from someone at Penn that actually seems to care for the horses and jockeys there. Good luck..it sounds like you’ve got a real challenge on your hands. I hope this move by the jocks gets the attention of racing officials. Not just at Penn, but EVERYWHERE…..I’ll be making my phone calls tomorrow….
I just hope I didnt push crybaby over the edge…I hate for his troubled heart ot have a breakdown….don’t bother pardoning that pun.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
startin’small
what do you make of the other 3 breakdowns sat nite and the horse of gills that brokedown was trainered by you 2 starts ago do you not think it could be track surface ??????
January 25th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Crybaby, if you’re truly an owner, you’re scum just like Gill.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
I also have to say for the record that Tim Hooper did a great job training for Gill and that the rapid downslide of the operation and the dramatic increase in breakdowns started when Adamo forced Hooper out. Tim Hooper was winning at a respectable clip and the Gill operation did not have a negative reputation as it has right now… less than 1 year with the current regime. Anyone in racing in the Mid-Atlantic region that knows Tim Hooper likes and respects him for his ethical treatment of the horses and of people.
And to MYECTOMY, thanks for your great points throughout and for your kind words about my outfit.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Diana,
I do vaguely remember something about that. So WHY is this monster allowed an owners license. I am also very troubled by the post that says he ships directly from his training center to the slaughterhouse…..This part of the story needs to be investigated…but by who?
Nobody with any real authority within this industry would want to know if it’s true.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Hey there, sorry but not Adamo. A very active owner at Penn (one that will never employ you). You are the one side tracked here on a personal agenda, I have been sitting back, reading posts from you on other sites, reading letters sent to the Penn Racing office. This is a personal agenda that you probably helped orchestrate. The more you cried the more he claimed off of you. Now this is your way to get back at him. Your rants here and on other sites has nothing to do with the welfare of a horse, it is the lack and loss of your business because he claimed you out of business. I think the track should look at the whole picture and up the pre race exams and sanction anyone that is breaking the rules. this is getting way off of track, and too personal.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
If I could ask those who are interested in this issue to do one thing, it would be to try not to stray from known facts and avoid speculation and name-calling in their comments. We don’t want to close off comments, but we reserve the right to do that if we feel it is necessary.
There is a lot of emotion involved in this issue, but let’s not let that get in the way of facts and resort to unsubstantiated name calling and speculation about Mr. Gill or some of those who have posted comments. Let’s try to keep this respectful and on issue.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
sitting back reading all the posts of people picking on people does not help the horses or the jockeys they need to find answers not more problems things need to be changed for the better to help the horses
January 25th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Hypothetical ? Pending danger for your horses is reality. You are surely one of those people who will whine and cry after the fact. The penn national gill horse holocaust is anything but hypothetical. To deny this is foolish. If you care for your horses you might have some conception of this issue
January 25th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
I looked at Saturday’s charts and according to the equibase charts, one horse was merely pulled up while another one just fell. Seems like they are OK according to the chart caller at Penn National. By the way, is the name of the chart report at Penn named Stevie Wonder? Just curious.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
ace and crybaby (same guy?) either live under a rock, or are related to or are Gill.
It’s time for a criminal investigation and PENN shareholder lawsuits.
poopydiaper crybaby:
When 45 free and bought-by-the-pound horses are crammed in a truck and driven non-stop to a slaughter plant, meatmen make a killing on volume. They also like to travel at night to cruise through empty ag checkpoints.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Crybaby,
Again…I don’t own a horse at Penn, never have! I don’t know “who” you think you’re writing about.
Pre race exams MUST be implemented… I’m shocked to find out they’re not. I simply care about ALL the thoroughbreds who wind up there
And since you’re such an active owner there, you might want to make a real “intelligent’ decision and do something for the welfare of the animals you make money off. Even if you don’t personally care about them, the negative press will eventually hurt your ability to do business…
January 25th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Todd,
Track surface at Penn is GREAT this winter.
I was not at the races Saturday night so really can’t comment on the breakdowns other than what has been said. I can tell you that I did not have Laughing Moon for long at all but do know that I got him from a very respectable trainer at Woodbine and the horse was perfectly sound.
Unfortunately, break downs are going to occur in this sport just like athletes young and old die.. unfortunate accidents do happen. However, it is when one outfit has an unacceptable number of them that it becomes an overwhelming concern.
Judging by the charts from Saturday, it looks like
1) 31-1 shot in a bottom level claimer was outdistanced…. Was he just not good enough? I’m not sure he broke down at all.
2) Stunning Comparison - said he Pulled up. Didn’t say he broke down.
3) 82 -1 shot in the last fell. I have never heard of the connections so won’t comment neither good or bad.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
They should close all winter tracks if they like horses.
January 25th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Hey crybaby, can you spell mortgage…someone else said you…I mean Gill couldn’t…
January 25th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Ray,
It appears there are numerous posters here that have very specific information regarding Gill horses going to slaughter. Since you had the decency to open up this ugly can of worms, I hope you will continue down this road and look into these specific allegations. Like post # 172 RICO and the post from LILLY,.
It seems like there is a lot more going on than just the breakdowns which are bad enough. This ugly part of the industry needs to be cleaned up if possible and we certainly know that it won’t be done by the NTRA, TOBA, JC, etc…. It is my understanding that the RACE FUND that Penn set up is trying, but not having a lot of cooperation with the establishment. I hope shedding light on Gill will implement some REAL changes. FOR THE HORSES SAKE! Please follow through on the leads offered here. Lives are at stake on a daily basis.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Getting back to the issue at hand. Gill’s horses are more dangerous than others. Other people should not feel completely innocent. There are two trainers in this game. Those that care for and send horses out there to compete knowing they have a sound horse and those who inject joints with cortizone and use methods like shock wave therapy. I think some of the people at Penn National care about racing while others have turned a blind eye.
What could be a completely different subject is why can’t the Commission do more? They are, after all, the ones ultimately responsible for the racing in the State of Pennsylvania. I do not know why they don’t do something to curb the bad behavior at Penn.
Why can’t they just do random pre-race exams, at least, for horses entered to run on the backside. I’m not talking about the 3 second jog in the receiving barn for Dr. Pack. I’m talking about looking at the horse at any point after the entry is taken, preferably not on race day. If the horse is in on Friday and it’s not sound on Wednesday - SCRATCH. Let’s see how the horses are before the block and meds.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
There are lots of Gill’s in the industry; he’s just one of many ingrate money grabbers. To you CRYBABY, wish you the best. You ask that people “get over it”; you better! I got a feeling your gonna be out of work soon. What the hell is someone like you, with no morals, self relience; have to make the bucks off the back of an animal, so obviously no education,gonna do when this industy dries up? And don’t bother posting a reply. Your irrelevent.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Re Post #175
Romulus,
Incorrect. It’s tougher on a horse to compete in 88 degree temps at Del Mar in August compared to 28 degree weather.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Does anyone here think Adamo sleeps well at night? And the question remains- is he as treacherous as delahoussaye ? They say he was a former good guy caught up in gills evil plan. A lost soul just trying to skate by and hold down some kind of employment. Anybody have more details?
January 25th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
it seems like alot of woodbine horses are breaking down at penn there was one a week or so ago to could it be the poly to dirt
January 25th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Leslie,
You’re right. There are MANY “Gill’s” in this business…at the top too…Maybe Gill will be held up as a scapegoat for all the bigname owners and trainers that are too “important” to be exposed.
I hope he does fight back..maybe that way more will be exposed.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
I do have a personal agenda but what about the other 150 + posts here? Do they all have a personal agenda?
This article, these reactions and the actions of the jockeys Saturday night all stem from something that is very real and true.
And all the other forums you are sitting back reading, why do they exist?? Do they exist because Mike Gill claimed off every person that has posted a comment on them. No, because not enough action has been taken to protect horse racing and it is the only means for people to speak out and at least feel like we are being heard. (and obviously we are, or you wouldn’t be rebutting).
You would never employ me? Oh darn
January 25th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Todd,
It’s not the racetrack. You heard Layne, who has stabled at many tracks, both dirt and poly, tell you the track is in fine condition. What else do you need? Are you at Penn?
January 25th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Myectomy,
I think Romulus was referring to the condition of tracks in winter, not necesarily the temp. But you’re right….horses prefer cool weather.
Todd,
as for woodbine horses..maybe the track surface change, or maybe the fact that they were running all season at woodbine and really needed a break…not a fatal trip to Penn.