Disgruntled Carl shows up week after week at the highest levels at Northfield Park and has gone from an ordinary overnight horse to a standout as a top Open trotter over the last two seasons.

The gritty gelding recently captured back-to-back Opens at the northeastern Ohio oval, with his latest victory on Sunday, Sept. 13 giving Disgruntled Carl his 11th Open victory of the season from 28 starts and pushing his 2026 earnings to $208,864.

For a horse who was competing in low- to mid-level overnight conditions just over a year ago, his climb to the top tier has been remarkable.

Purchased for $10,000 at the 2022 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, Disgruntled Carl has now banked $419,887 in lifetime earnings, with his connections hopeful that the best is still ahead for the hard-knocking trotter.

The turning point came in July 2025, when he was sidelined for throat surgery. At that time he had earned $146,260.

“Dr. Beinlich at Woodland Run performed throat surgery on him in July 2025 and turned him right around,” said trainer Sam Schillaci, who co-owns the five-year-old through Schillaci Stables LLC.

Since returning to the races, Disgruntled Carl has developed into a formidable presence on the Northfield Park circuit, banking more than $270,000 and 16 wins in the 14 months that have followed. The son of International Moni-Mamora Bay is 28-for-92 lifetime.

A major part of the equation has been his relationship with regular pilot and current North American leading dash-winning driver Justin Irvine, along with longtime caretaker Mariah Rice, who knows exactly how to handle the horse's unique personality.

“He’s an angel at home, the quietest horse in the barn,” Rice said. “He hits the paddock and it's game on, absolute wild child. He knows his job. He loves his job.”

That switch from quiet barn horse to full-blown competitor has made Disgruntled Carl a horse who requires a very specific routine.

“He definitely keeps me on my toes and makes me work,” Rice said. “He gets the royal treatment, stripped completely after warming up, and I can’t leave his side or he goes nuts. When it’s time to get him ready and hook, it’s all at the last minute. Justin and I work together and have a system down for when it comes time to hook the bike and go out the door.”

That finely tuned routine has translated into results.

For the Schillaci family, Disgruntled Carl's rise is also another chapter in a 25-year partnership with Sam Bova Racing. Disgruntled Carl is owned by Schillaci Stables LLC and Sam Bova Racing LLC, a pairing that has become a cornerstone of the Schillaci stable. Sam Bova is currently a part-owner in 28 horses with the Schillacis.

The Schillacis are quick to credit Bova for playing a major role in their continued success.

“Without him, all of this wouldn’t be possible,” said Schillaci. “He’s an absolute dream owner.”

(With files from Northfield Park)