Veteran trainer Erv Miller became the newest member of the 4,000-wins club thanks to a win with the pacing filly Live Wire at Tioga Downs on August 4.
Miller watched the filly enjoy a two-hole trip for most of the mile before rallying to win in 1:54 for driver Lewayne Miller.
The 45-year-old horseman from Perrineville, New Jersey has watched his stable rack up earnings in excess of $1 million for 13 consecutive seasons, and that includes the 2007 campaign which stands as his biggest year to date. His stable amassed over $7 million in earnings that year thanks in large part to the exploits of such stars as Lis Mara, Yankee Skyscaper and Muscle Mass.
Miller, who leads all active trainers with wins, has also campaigned such stars as Loyal Opposition, Manyofmanymissions, Shadyshark Hanover, Incredible Tillie, Restive Hanover and Il Villaggio.
Other noteworthy accomplishments for Miller include being honoured in his home state by the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association as its Person of the Year in 2004. He was later recognized at the USTA District 5 awards ceremony in 2005 with the Brian Pinske Memorial Award honouring his achievements on the Grand Circuit. He also won the Glen Garnsey Trainer of the Year Award from the United States Harness Writers’ Association that year in addition to winning the Delvin Miller Trainer of the Year Award from the Grand Circuit.