On Wednesday morning, Aaron Merriman will visit the Cleveland Clinic where he might learn more about a timetable for his recovery and return to racing after being sidelined by an accident
June 11 at The Meadows.
Merriman, who leads all harness racing drivers in North America in wins, with 355, suffered a broken left elbow and broke both wrists.
The 31-year-old horseman had surgery on his right wrist at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh before returning home to Northfield, Ohio, on Monday night. He is awaiting surgery on his left elbow and wrist.
“From what they’re saying, the elbow is probably the worst of my injuries,” Merriman said Tuesday afternoon. “I’m going for a consultation tomorrow and Friday most likely will be the surgery date. The elbow is not good. I’m not going to know a whole lot more until tomorrow and Friday.”
The accident occurred when Merriman’s horse in the 11th race, Sound Dragin, fell while moving for the lead near the three-quarter pole. Merriman was thrown from the sulky and three horses in the eight-horse field also were involved in the accident. Driver Ray Paver was transported to Canonsburg Hospital and released with bruises. Tony Hall and Kyle Bolon, who also were involved in the wreck, completed their drives that evening. None of the horses appeared injured seriously.
“I was never unconscious,” Merriman said. “I remember every moment of what happened. It wasn’t good.
“It’s sort of amazing, but I had zero trauma from my chest down. Nothing. There are bruises and welts, but it’s almost like nothing happened. I can walk whenever I feel like it. I’ve done a lot of walking; it makes me feel a lot better mentally to get up and get around.”
Dr. Gwynne Bragdon performed the surgery on Merriman’s right wrist, which suffered an open compound fracture.
“She went above and beyond what she had to do,” Merriman said. “She was great.”
Merriman is the leading driver at Northfield Park, with 221 wins, and ranked fourth at The Meadows, with 134 victories. Last year, he finished third for most wins in North America, with a career-high 706. He also set a career mark with $5 million in purses.
“I’m just hoping I get back as soon as possible,” Merriman said. “I’m really disappointed the way the year might end. It’ll all work out, I’m sure; it’ll just take some time.”
Merriman was grateful for the outpouring of support and well wishes since the accident.
“There are a lot of classy people in the business,” Merriman said. “I’m not in this alone.”
This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com.