Herman Hagerman, who began his training career at Colonial Downs in 2011, kicked off 2024 with a bang on Wednesday (Jan. 3), earning career win 1,000 in his first try of the year at MGM Northfield Park.
Hagerman's first training win came over the New Kent oval on Oct. 15, 2011, where he won a conditioned event with Take A Shot Scott.
On Wednesday, it was Mayhem Like Me (Greg Grismore) who gave Hagerman one of the most significant victories of his career.
Mayhem Like Me sat off the pace into the first turn as Beach Forecast (John Ciocca) sprinted to the lead, clearing quickly into the first turn. Ciocca set torrid fractions up front, getting to the quarter in :27 and the half in a blistering :55.4. It was at the half where Mayhem Like Me would begin to make his move tipping first over. On their approach to three-quarters in 1:25, Neyreit (Kurt Sugg) made his way to the lead with Mayhem Like Me continuing to inch closer to the leader. Turning for home, Mayhem Like Me saved ground and rolled up the passing lane down the stretch to win by a half-length in 1:55.4.
The win was the 20th career victory for the six-year-old son by Sunshine Beach. The gelding now has earnings of $180,970. He is owned by Anthony Miller.
Hagerman, who has trained for most of his career, also has 75 driving victories to his credit. 2023 proved to be one of Hagerman's most successful seasons, as he earned more than $1.3 million in purses. In addition to his 1,000 career wins, he currently has more than $8 million in career purse earnings.
Live harness racing resumes on Saturday evening, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
(With files from Northfield Park)