by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Two former Monticello Raceway award winning trotters, Miss Gibbons and Donnegal, dominated the top trots at the Mighty M on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

Miss Gibbons, the Mighty M’s two-time “Horse of the Year” and her indefatigable 80-year-old tail-setter, Dr. Howard E. (Doc) Gill, cruised to an easy five length triumph in 1:59.4 in one of the $12,500 trotting features. Gill, by the way, was recently named co-winner — along with 85-year-old Orrin Phipps — of the National Amateur Driver of the Year Award from the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

The other $12,500 trot went to Donnegal, Monticello Raceway’s “Older Trotter of the Year” during the 2005 campaign. He was victorious in 2:00.4.

80-year-old Doc Gill and Miss Gibbons pose after their 1:59.4 victory.

Miss Gibbons, who had been plagued by soreness most of the season, returned to the wars in mid-December after being out of action for five months and again seems like her old self.

Her victory on December 20 — the second in a row since returning to action — was nearly a laugher after Doc Gill sent her to the lead and the veteran trotting mare, now 6-years-old, proved to be too much for her competition. Despite the fact that Gamesmanship and driver Billy ”Zeke” Parker, Jr. stalked her the entire mile, when Miss Gibbons rounded the final turn she poured it on and drew off to a five length triumph in a seasonal best of 1:59.4. Rose Time finished third for Mike Simons.

The victory, her 27th in 69 career starts, also raised Miss Gibbons’ lifetime bankroll to over $290,000. Owned, trained and driven by Doc Gill, Miss Gibbons was sent off as second choice in the contest and returned a $6.10 win payoff.

Donnegal, the pride and joy of sportsman and longtime owner Bill Mulligan, didn’t have as easy a task as did Miss Gibbons but the results were the same.

racehorsephoto.com photos

Donnegal holds off Strongbow to score his fifth win of the season.

Mike Forte was at the controls for trainer Greg Wasiluk and he sent Donnegal to the lead from the rail position, but they were looped by Thunder Boomer (Larry Stalbaum). Forte moved his trotter and retook the lead as they passed the quarter pole. Then as Donnegal led the field toward the half-mile marker, Strongbow and Zeke Parker moved up to challenge and the two raced as a team from there to the finish. Donnegal proved to be the grittiest, when he wouldn’t allow Strongbow to pass him, and when the photo finish camera engaged, Donnegal became a head winner. Hanger Pride N, who was sixth at the three–quarter pole, rallied to finish third.

Also 6-years-old, Donnegal’s victory was his fifth of the year and pushed his seasonal earnings to over $53,000. He now has 22 career victories and has earned in excess of $215,000 for his proud owner. Sent off as the betting favorite he paid $6.00 to win.