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Good trainer, but he insisted on driving, Another Matt Bax, I never understood these Trainers who insist on driving while the real drivers watch.
I see Banana Beach has a new trainer and driver too, another Gillespie horse, correct? Looked awful good at Lexington Tuesday.I thought the article pulling out the race card was a bit much.
I love watching good horses and as discussed here when Gillespie lost the horse, I found this article and the owners cam out and took the horse without even a phone callFuck those assholes, I hope he gets beatI'm rooting for Dex but I think Endurance is going to be really toughhttps://pressprosmagazine.com/2026/08/05/mccoy-gillespies-dream-turns-nightmare-overnight-loses-ride-in-hambletonian/
Seemed like the writer threw that in, as RG was never quoted as saying that. I'm thinking the issue was the driving because that was mentioned more than once in the article.
Ronnie Gillespie is widely regarded as an elite, high-percentage driver, particularly within the regional circuits of the Midwest and South, such as Indiana and Mississippi, as well as the fair circuits.While he may not hold the national media profile of drivers who race exclusively at major East Coast venues like the Meadowlands, his statistical record and reputation among trainers reflect top-tier driving talent.Key Strengths & Career ProfileExceptional Winning Percentage: One of Gillespie's defining traits is his UDRS (Universal Driver Rating System) score and win percentage. He routinely posts win rates well above average, frequently out-driving the odds on horses that aren't market favorites.Master of the Fair and Regional Circuits: He has been a dominant force in state-bred stakes and county fair circuits—environments that require quick decision-making on shorter tracks (like half-mile tracks) where post position and early positioning are critical.Aggressive, Front-Running Style: Gillespie is known for getting horses off the gate cleanly and placing them in commanding early positions. His ability to judge pace on the front end makes him exceptionally difficult to catch once he controls the tempo.High Versatility: In addition to driving, Gillespie has a deep background as a trainer. Drivers who also train tend to have a better feel for a horse's physical limits, allowing them to manage a horse's energy efficiently throughout a mile.While drivers who compete daily on the major Grand Circuit tracks accumulate higher overall purse earnings due to bigger race pots, Ronnie Gillespie is universally respected as a "horseman's driver"—a sharp, highly effective driver who maximizes the potential of almost every horse he sits behind.
He should be the betting favorite but I would love it if he goes off-stride at the start and is no factor. They ruined what could have been a great story. Give me Endurance.
I agree. I can see if you have a horse like this and a once in a lifetime chance to win the Hambo you might want to go with a top driver, but at the very least you have the courtesy to call Gillespie and explain to him what is going on. To show up unannounced to take the horse is very classless. And throw the guy a few $$$, he made the horse what he is and deserves it. What a terrible way to treat someone.
The industry lost a chance for a great story.
