Lebanon, OH – David Miller on Wednesday (Feb. 11) at Miami Valley Raceway became harness racing’s all-time leading driver for North American purses, topping the previous record of $299.89 million established by Hall of Famer John Campbell, who retired in 2017.
Miller entered the day needing $2,895 to eclipse Campbell’s mark. Miller broke the record when trotter My Next Chapter finished third in the second race on Wednesday, pushing Miller’s purse earnings $1,066 ahead, at $299,893,207.
“It means quite a bit,” Miller said in an interview with the USTA’s Wendy Ross on Tuesday (Feb. 10) as he reflected on approaching the record. “It’s quite an accomplishment. I never would have dreamt I would be in this situation.
“It’s very fulfilling. It’s a big milestone and I’m proud to do it.”
Campbell, now the president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society, congratulated Miller in a video message after the race.
“I’ve always had tremendous respect for you as a driver, a person, and a friend,” Campbell said. “Here’s to many more millions for you David. Congrats.”
The 61-year-old Miller, who was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2014, got his first career win in 1981. The Columbus, Ohio, native finished that year with four victories and $1,891 in purses.
After a string of six top-25 finishes in the North American purse standing from 1993-1998, Miller moved to the East Coast and finished in the top five in 25 of the ensuing 27 seasons before returning to Ohio at the end of last year. He has topped $10 million in purses in a season a record 18 times, including in 2003, when he guided Horse of the Year No Pan Intended to the Pacing Triple Crown and finished the campaign with a North American-leading $11.49 million.
“It makes it special,” Miller said about being back home in Ohio. “Twenty minutes up the road was the track I started out at. To break it here, it’s pretty sweet.”
Miller, who entered Wednesday with nearly 14,900 lifetime wins, ranking No. 5 among all drivers in North American history, has been honored by the U.S. Harness Writers Association as its Driver of the Year on three occasions: 2003, 2015 and 2016.
Among his numerous career highlights, Miller has won the Little Brown Jug five times, tied for the most in history; and captured 30 Breeders Crown finals, tied for third best in the series.
“I’ve been blessed so much,” Miller said. “I’ve been very fortunate. I couldn’t be happier with the way things went in my career.”