Trainer Danny Eubanks Earns First Win

[Wandering Eyes]

Trainer Danny Eubanks–who has been managing his mother Annette's barn for the past year and a half–earned his first official win with his first starter at Laurel Park Sunday when Mugatu (Blofeld) surged from last under jockey Carlos Lopez to win the day's opener, a $20,000 starter allowance.

“I think I stopped breathing at the quarter pole until he crossed the line,” Eubanks said in the winner's circle. “This isn't as big as the emotions when my mom won her 500th because that took a lot more effort. This feels pretty easy, but this was a work in progress all along. Right now, to have my mom's 500th, dad's 90th on Friday, and this first start for me, it's awesome.”

Annette Eubanks earned her 500th victory eight days ago, while the Eubanks family celebrated Guy's 90th birthday at Laurel Park a few days later.

Mugatu competed in the GI Preakness Stakes two years ago for trainer Jeff Engler. The chestnut gelding also finished in the top three in two stakes races that year, including third-place finish in the Maryland Million Classic.

After moving through various barns, Mugatu was bought by Eubanks's Rising Sun Racing Stables in a $30,000 claim last summer.

“My good friend and trainer, Greg Sacco, called me and asked if I wanted to claim something for the [2025 Maryland Million] Classic,” Eubanks explained. “I felt like I paid a little too much for him, especially when entries came out for the Classic. He didn't belong, but that's why I claimed him, and I stuck with the game plan. I knew I had this three-life condition that he's eligible for to protect him for $20,000. It took me a little longer than I expected. This is what I've been expecting for three or four races.”

Although Eubanks has gone solo, Annette isn't retiring just yet.

“The ones that are in our name, she wants to stay on as trainer,” Eubanks said. “Anything that's Rising Sun or some other partners I'm bringing along will be in my name.”

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