by Evan Pattak, for the Meadows

Washington, PA — Brett Miller drove the 5,000th winner of his career Tuesday (March 23) when he guided Sure Duffy to victory in the sixth race at The Meadows. Miller achieved the milestone with a flourish, driving six winners on the 13-race card — including career victories 5,001 and 5,002.

Miller, 36, a native of Columbus, Ohio, said he never imagined such a lofty total when he launched his career.

Chris Gooden photo

Brett Miller received congratulations in the winner’s circle following his milestone win on Tuesday.

“When I first started driving, I didn’t have a big stable to drive for,” he said. “The first two years of driving, I set a goal of winning 1,000 races lifetime. I really thought that would be special. So 5,000, I never really thought that would come.”

Miller was introduced to the business as a child by his grandfathers, Clyde Miller and A.J. Price, both of whom operated stables. His father, Del S. Miller, is an accomplished horseman who often took young Brett in tow when he traveled the Midwest circuit.

“Dad would drive at different tracks in different states,” he said. “I went to eight different schools from kindergarten through high school because we moved so much.”

Though his harness racing pedigree is impeccable, Miller says he nearly took another professional path.

“In high school, I thought about a career as a carpenter,” he said. “I studied carpentry and actually was building houses while in high school. Then I started driving at matinees and fairs. Once I started to drive a few, there was no turning back.”

Miller calls his surprise assignment aboard Strong Scooter in the 2001 Senior Jug at the Delaware County Fair his most memorable win.

“I didn’t even know I was driving the horse until the morning of the race,” he recalls. “The trainer, Carl Conte, Jr., approached me in the log cabin and told me he had me on a real good horse in the Senior Jug. The horse went wire-to-wire in 1:50.1. We beat Sharky Spur by a nose.”

Miller drives primarily at The Meadows, although he’s been shipping to Yonkers and Freehold for stakes assignments. His goal, he says, is to keep on keepin’ on.

“I just want to stay healthy, injury free, and drive for as long as I can,” he said.