by Thomas Hicks

Pompano Beach, FL — A Universal Drivers Rating Statistic (UDRS) of .923 is quite improbable in today’s racing environment, yet it is a reality this season for veteran horseman George K. Miller, who is also the owner/operator of Pine Hill Stable in Cohocton, N.Y.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Hicks

Miller is a well-rounded horsemen, with expertise in the bike, as well as in the breeding shed.

Miller, who holds a fair/qualifying license, has earned 12 wins from 13 starts this year at the N.Y. Fairs, all with his colts. There is his trotter Thanks For Playin (3m Lucky Chucky-Olympic Cheers), whom he purchased and pacer Americanation (3m American Ideal-Cool World), who races as a homebred for Miller.

Americanation has a 11-2-0 slate in 19 starts and has earned $32,517 this year. With a record of 1:54.0f, the Americanation/Miller team lowered the track record this week at the Trumansburg, N.Y. fair for trainer Jeff Johnson Jr. with a time of 1:59.3h.

The trotter Thanks For Playin, 3, 1:57.3s, now has a 12-1-3 slate in 19 starts and has earned $29,964 in 2016.

Miller’s career record as a driver stands at 33-19-5-0.

Where did Miller come from in the sport? As often is the case, he was introduced to Standardbreds by his father, the owner/operator of Robert Miller Co., and a racing fan who first bought a horse from Glen Garnsey.

Miller joined his father in harness racing after graduating from high school and worked in the family farm machinery business until starting work at Rodney Farm in 1990. He served there as farm manager and later established Pine Hill Stable on land adjoining the family business.

Miller learned Standardbred breeding from Barbara Galbraith and today obtains advice and assistance from his son, veterinarian Dr. Michael Miller, as well as Henderson Veterinary Associates. The younger Miller serves as in-house veterinarian at Crawford Farms and previously completed an internship at Hanover Show Farms.

The Miller (wife Laurie is also involved) team’s experience is effective, as Pine Hill has been responsible for over 90 percent of both their own and client’s mares being pronounced successfully in foal over the past five years.

The senior Miller is next listed to drive Tuesday (Aug. 30) at Saratoga in a New York County Fair Sire Stakes, handling Americanation.

His skills as farm operator, breeder/owner/driver are unique and should be respected in an era of specialization. Be there to see the elder Miller in action.