BY Ayers Ratliff
Aaron Merriman scored the 5,000th win of his driving
career while driving Genesis See Yah in Northfield Park’s 9th race on Monday
evening.
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| Aaron Merriman winning his 5,000 career victory on Genesis See Yah at Northfield Park |
Merriman boldly loomed from
mid-pack to quickly pass their competition and drew off to a 10 ¼ length
win. Genesis See Yah’s 1:54.3 win marks
a new lifetime best for the 6 year-old pacing gelding.
Merriman (33 years old)
remembers his first win as being aboard a pacing mare named Albert’s
Filly at Raceway Park in Toledo, Ohio. Although there are 5,000 to choose from,
Merriman says that he has no favorite 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
the successful 12-year career he has experienced: accomplishing the 5,000-win
milestone and earning purses exceeding $23,000,000.
“I am just really grateful to have been given the
opportunities,” said Merriman. “Considering everything that has happened in my
driving career, this really feels good.”
Merriman’s richest win came in a $300,000 Kentucky Sire
Stakes Final aboard Palazzo Princess.
Aaron’s fastest win was race timed in 1:50.0. He rates the toughest
horse he has ever driven as Midnight Jewel.
