by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Northfield, OH — Aaron Merriman scored the 7,000th win of his career while driving Ali Rush in Northfield Park’s ninth race on Thursday (Jan. 15). Ali Rush boldly left from the gate and led her competition from start to finish, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.3.

Aaron Merriman scored the 7,000th win of his career while driving Ali Rush in Northfield Park’s ninth race on Thursday.

Merriman, 36, keeps a torrid schedule, regularly competing at Northfield Park and The Meadows. However, he also races at various other venues throughout the year. In 2014 Merriman competed in 4,646 races, more than any other driver in North America.

Merriman’s talents have been noticed on the national stage and he has competed against the best of the best in harness racing. In 2014 Merriman found himself behind the starting gate of the Hambletonian, an elimination of the Little Brown Jug, the Kentucky Futurity, the Canadian Trotting Classic and a host of other Grand Circuit and major stakes races.

In August, Merriman became the youngest inductee into the Northfield Park Wall of Fame.

Merriman’s richest win came in a $300,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes final behind Palazzo Princess. His fastest win was timed in 1:48.3 with Kanaris at Scioto Downs in September 2014.

Merriman remembers his first win as being with a pacing mare named Albert’s Filly at Raceway Park in Toledo, Ohio.

JJ Zamaiko photos

Aaron Merriman is all smiles in the winner’s circle after his 7,000th career victory.

Although there are 7,000 to choose from, Merriman says that he has no favorite win.

“It always feels great to win a race,” explained Merriman. “I really don’t have a favorite. I have had the same elated feeling every time I have been to the winner’s circle.”

Merriman started driving at the age of 21 and appreciates the successful 15-year career he has experienced so far; accomplishing the 7,000 win milestone and purse earnings approaching $40 million.

“I’ve had a great run for a long time,” said Merriman. “There are so many owners and trainers that have given me opportunities and I will be forever grateful to them. The horses deserve credit too — they are the ones who carry us around the track and deserve the real credit for my 7,000 wins.”