David Miller became harness racing's all-time leading driver in U.S. earnings on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Miami Valley Raceway, topping the previous record of $299,892,141 USD established by fellow Hall of Famer John Campbell, who retired in 2017.

Miller entered the day needing $2,895 USD to eclipse Campbell’s mark. Miller broke the record when trotter My Next Chapter finished third in the second race on Wednesday, pushing Miller’s purse earnings $1,066 USD ahead, at $299,893,207 USD.

“It means quite a bit,” Miller said in an interview with the United States Trotting Association's Wendy Ross on Tuesday, Feb. 10 as he reflected on approaching the record. “It’s quite an accomplishment. I never would have dreamt I would be in this situation.

“It’s very fulfilling. It’s a big milestone and I’m proud to do it.”

Campbell, now the president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society, congratulated Miller in a video message after the race.

“I’ve always had tremendous respect for you as a driver, a person and a friend,” said Campbell. “Here’s to many more millions for you, David. Congrats.”

The 61-year-old Miller, who was inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2014, got his first career win in 1981. The Columbus, Ohio native finished that year with four victories and $1,891 USD in purses.

After a string of six top 25 finishes in the North American purse standings from 1993-1998, Miller moved to the East Coast and finished in the top five in 25 of the ensuing 27 seasons before returning to Ohio at the end of last year. He has topped $10 million USD in purses in a season a record 18 times, including in 2003, when he guided U.S. Horse of the Year No Pan Intended to the Pacing Triple Crown and finished the campaign with a North American-leading $11.49 million USD.

“It makes it special,” Miller said about being back home in Ohio. “Twenty minutes up the road was the track I started out at. To break it here, it’s pretty sweet.”

Miller, who entered Wednesday with nearly 14,900 lifetime wins, ranking No. 5 among all drivers in North American history, has been honoured by the United States Harness Writers Association as its Driver of the Year on three occasions: 2003, 2015 and 2016.

Among his numerous career highlights, Miller has won the Little Brown Jug five times, tied for the most in history, and captured 30 Breeders Crown finals, tied for third best in the series.

“I’ve been blessed so much,” said Miller. “I’ve been very fortunate. I couldn’t be happier with the way things went in my career.”

(With files from USTA; race photo of David Miller driving My Next Chapter on Feb. 11)