The sparks began to fly last year when driver Jimmy Marohn Jr. met trainer Danny Gill. Marohn was a proven talent in the sulky, and Gill, a newcomer at Monticello Raceway, was an unknown entity. But when the driver and trainer hooked up, the two proved to be dynamite together. Marohn won the driving title while Gill prevailed in the training ranks.

On Thursday, June 13 through rainy conditions and over a 'muddy' Mighty M track, Marohn reined five winners, three of which were trained by Gill.

The three Gill horses that Marohn guided to victory were Talldarknhandsome, Tom Riddle and Bell Kat Kabob, all of which are owned by Ed Hall and James Hall of Connecticut.

Marohn's other wins during the Thursday card came with Big Z Fortune and Hardrock Kid.

“I’m lucky to be Danny’s driver of choice because when he sends out a horse to race you can bet that horse is in top form,” Marohn said. “He came here last year a relative unknown and then let his actions speak for him.”

“I appreciate what Jimmy just said but maybe it’s me who is the lucky one,” Gill countered after having heard Marohn’s words. “Jimmy is a great driver and he’s always available to drive my stock. We’ve been pretty good together, don’t you think?”

Gill is currently atop the local training leaderboard with 89 winners, 11 more than runner-up Bob Lounsbury. Marohn’s five winners keep him a solid second behind Bruce Aldrich Jr. in the driving ranks. He trails Aldrich, 172-140.

(With files from Monticello)