Northfield, OH — Aaron Merriman, 47, reached yet another remarkable milestone in his legendary career on Tuesday evening (Nov. 25), becoming just the third driver in harness racing history to eclipse 17,000 career wins. The history-making victory came aboard Baby Yoda, trained by Northfield Park’s current leading trainer, Cory Kreiser.
Merriman entered the night needing four wins to reach the milestone and wasted little time narrowing the margin. He won the opener with Bettor B Sirius (trained by Randy Bendis) in 1:57.2, after the duo overcame a demanding first-over journey. Merriman returned a few races later with Mae Knows It All (Daryl Bontrager), winning from off the pace in 2:00.1. For his third victory of the night, Merriman guided Jack My Style (Brian Miller) to a 1:56.3 effort, putting himself just one victory shy of history.
The milestone victory came aboard Baby Yoda, who gutted it out after making the lead from post 8 in 1:58.2.
Merriman’s career has been defined by skill and consistency. Since earning his first driving victory with Albert’s Filly in 1998 at Raceway Park, he has accumulated more than $129 million in purse earnings and several national dash titles.
In 2013, Merriman became the youngest driver to be inducted into Northfield Park’s Wall of Fame. He has more driving victories than anyone else in the track’s history.
“I’m unbelievably grateful to be in this position. I’ve had the privilege of working with great trainers, owners and horses throughout my career, and none of this happens without them,” said a jubilant Merriman. “It’s special to get a milestone like this here at Northfield, a place that means so much to me.”