Aaron Merriman celebrated the 6,000th victory of his driving career Tuesday evening thanks to a winning effort with B Good Lena at Northfield Park.
Merriman brushed the mare to the lead in the second quarter and held off late-closing rivals in 1:58.1.
“It is a really nice accomplishment and I am very thankful for the career I have had,” stated the 35-year-old reinsman. “I have been given many great opportunities and have driven horses for a lot of really good people.”
Merriman’s richest win came in a $300,000 Kentucky Sire Stakes Final aboard Palazzo Princess. Aaron’s fastest win was race timed in 1:50 and he rates the toughest horse he has ever driven as Midnight Jewel.
Merriman remembers his first win as being aboard a pacing mare named Alberts Filly at Raceway Park in Toledo, Ohio. Although there are 6,000 to choose from, Merriman says that he has no favourite win.
“They all feel the same,” explained Merriman. “The winner’s circle is always happy and you never get tired of making people happy.”
Merriman started driving at the age of 21 and appreciates his successful 14-year career he has experienced so far; accomplishing the 6,000-win milestone and purse earnings in excess of $30,000,000.
“I don’t have any real aspirations at this point,” explained Merriman. “I just would just like to continue to compete at the same level I am right now for a long, long time. I guess that longevity is my goal at this point.”
(Northfield Park)