Driver David Miller reached a career milestone only few horsemen have achieved on Sunday, Nov. 13 as he earned his 12,000th victory at Harrah's Philadelphia.
After making headlines on Saturday night driving harness racing's fastest horse, Always B Miki, to the pacer's final career victory in the TVG Championships at The Meadowlands, Miller was just two wins away from the milestone mark entering Sunday's afternoon card at Harrah's Philadelphia.
Miller inched closer to the milestone driving Talking Blues to a 20-1 upset in the afternoon's seventh race, $20,000-25,000 claiming handicap pace for owner/trainer William Mullin. Leaving from the inside post, Miller was able to position the six-year-old Rocknroll Hanover-Captain Holly gelding in third-place early on and enjoyed a ground-saving journey before shooting through the passing lane to prevail in a five-across finish in 1:53.
It wasn't until the 13th and final race of the day, a $14,000 conditioned pace, that Miller earned his 12,000th career win driving three-year-old Vegas Dream for the Ron Burke stable. After giving way to the outside leaver, Miller moved the 8-5 co-favourite back to the lead in front of the grandstand and eventually drew off to win by three lengths in 1:54.4. The Bettors Delight-Good News Lady gelding is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.
The Hall of Fame horseman, who earned his first victory in 1981 at Lebanon Raceway, is among the top five drivers for wins in North America, trailing only Cat Manzi (14,810), Herve Filion (15,179), Tony Morgan (15,645) and Dave Palone (17,720), according to USTA data.
Earlier this year, the 51-year-old Ohio native became only the third driver in the sport’s history to surpass $200 million (U.S.) in lifetime purses.
Congratulations Dave, that is
Congratulations Dave, that is quite a millstone, you are among the best. Keep up the good work.Best of LUCK in the future.