by Ayers Ratliff, Northfield Park Publicity Department

Nprthfield, OH — Northfield Park recognized its 2014 leading driver and trainer on Monday (Feb. 2).

JJ Zamaiko photo

Brian Loney and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. were recognized for winning the 2014 Northfield Park dash titles.

Northfield Park Vice President and General Manger Brent Reitz and Assistant General Manager Mike Colacarro were in the winner’s circle to congratulate Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and Brian Loney. They presented them with plaques and each will receive a $100 gift certificate to the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.

Ronnie Wrenn Jr. again topped the 2014 local driving ranks, winning 659 races over the Flying Turns. His nearest competitor, Aaron Merriman, drove 475 winners. Josh Sutton (282), Kurt Sugg (191) and Jason Merriman (171) completed the top five reinsmen.

Wrenn, 28, resides in Maumee, Ohio and now has three driving titles under his belt. He won the dash titles at Northfield Park and Northville Downs in 2013.

Wrenn’s 2014 total victory tally was 847, which was seven wins better than any other driver in North America. Aaron Merriman (840), George Napolitano Jr. (679), Dave Palone (640) and Bruce Aldrich Jr. (615) completed the top five drivers by wins on the continent.

Wrenn began driving in 2008 and has won 2,221 races and purses of $9 million. Wrenn’s richest win ever came in a $200,000 Ohio Sire Stakes final. His fastest win was aboard Rockin Finish in 1:50.

Northfield Park’s 2014 leading trainer Brian Loney won nine more races than any other Cleveland conditioner. He garnered 89 local victories throughout the year. Barry Langley finished second with 80 wins. Virgil Morgan Jr. (72), Jessica Millner (70) and Calvin Hollar (68) completed the top five Northfield Park trainers for 2014.

Loney is originally from Hager Hill, Ky. and has recently relocated to Northfield. He has three children, 14-year-old son Gannun, 10-year-old son Payton and 5-year-old daughter Polly.

Loney, 36, has 1,185 career victories and purse earnings of $2,549,704. However, 2014 marks his first dash title.

Loney remembers his first training win was with the gelding pacer Stealth Fighter at Fairmount Park. The favorite horse he has ever cared for is Moe Joe Rack It.