Driver Hunter Myers has competed in over 16,000 races in his career. On Saturday, April 20, he earned one of the most significant accomplishments of his career, earning his 2,000th career victory aboard A Delightful Act N in the $25,343 Filly and Mare Open Handicap at MGM Northfield Park.
Myers entered Saturday needing three wins to reach the accolade. He scored his first victory at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows aboard Andy Rickert trainee Markham Eyre N at long odds after being parked the mile.
Myers then made the two-hour journey to his home track at MGM Northfield Park where he would score one of the two victories he needed with Jodi Schillaci trainee Feelin Fancy.
In the featured event of the evening, Myers impressively guided A Delightful Act N to a come-from-behind score, nailing Always Gonna B You (Aaron Merriman) and holding off a game Cyclone Sister (Kurt Sugg) in the final strides, winning in 1:54.
Myers, who has earned more than $17 million in purse money, began driving horses in 2014 at just 16 years old. His first trip to the winner's circle came at the Jackson County Fair in Wellston, Ohio, where he guided Uptown Dreamer to victory for his father, Michael Myers, who have both always been involved in harness racing.
Myers told Ayers Ratliff following his 1,000 victory in 2021, "I have always had a good support group around me that likes and understands the ups and downs of racing. My mom, dad and other family members have always been behind me all the way and have always pushed me to be the best that I can be."
Myers, who is expecting his first child in August with girlfriend Chloe Fisher, credits many people who have supported him in the sport.
"Sam and Jodi Schillaci are a big part of my support system. Sam offers a lot of great advice on both driving and life. They will never understand what they have done for me," said Myers.
Live harness racing resumes on Sunday, April 21 with a first post of 6 p.m.
MGM Northfield Park currently races on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
(Northfield Park)