Northfield, OH — Aaron Merriman had a pre-Thanksgiving celebration on Wednesday (Nov. 22) at MGM Northfield Park, earning his 15,183rd victory late in the program to tie for third in all-time North American wins with Herve Filion.

Aaron Merriman earned his 15,183rd victory to tie for third in all-time North American wins with Herve Filion. Casalinova photo.

“It’s totally surreal. Herve was one of the greatest drivers of all time; to be in the same vicinity of his greatness is astounding to me,” said a jubilant Merriman on social media.

While Merriman had many drives throughout the day, it was Dudley who helped him tie the record with a come-from-behind win for trainer Whitney Johnson.

Bluebird Revival (Hunter Myers) and Gianna Grace (Eric Tharps Jr.) left alertly and dueled through the opening turn, with Gianna Grace coming away with the lead. However, the lead was short-lived as Divine Zette (Anthony MacDonald) pulled to even terms at the quarter in :29, finally clearing around the far turn for the first time.

The field was in straight alignment past the half in :58.4, but the action started to heat up heading to three-quarters in 1:29, with Dudley tipping first over for Merriman. Turning for home, Dudley easily handled Divine Zette and fended off all challengers to win by three lengths in 2:00.

Merriman, who began his driving career in 1997, has won the Northfield dash title ten times throughout his career and has been the national dash champion in eight straight seasons. Merriman has over $112 million in career earnings.

Live racing resumes on Sunday (Nov. 26) at 6 p.m. MGM Northfield Park currently races on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. For more information on live racing and promotions, visit www.northfieldpark.com.