Gill and Rose part company

OCEANPORT, N.J. - Leading owner Michael Gill and stable rider Jeremy Rose parted company despite enjoying considerable success at Monmouth Park.

The split came abruptly Sunday morning as Rose cleared out his locker in the jockey's room and scratched off all his mounts, including those not owned by Gill.

John Breeden, Rose's agent, confirmed the breakup.

"Mike (Gill) wanted to make a change for a few days and wanted to take Jeremy off today's horses," Breeden said. "I told him you can't do that.

"You can't knock somebody one day and expect them to be your friend giving 100 percent."

Rose was unwilling to step aside and watch other riders take his mounts.

"It would have been unfair to Jeremy," Breeden said. "It's a difficult time. We have to step back, take a few deep breaths. We have to decide whether we're going to go back to Delaware or pound the pavement to stay at Monmouth."

Gill recruited Rose to ride his Monmouth string this meet. Entering Sunday's action, Rose was second in the standings with 27 wins, 18 behind Joe Bravo.

Gill dominates the owner standings with 26 wins. Eddie Broome, E & G Stables and New Farm are tied for second with six.

Rose won the 2001 Eclipse Award winner as the outstanding apprentice rider.