Harness: Merriman, Gingras, Burke lead the sport in 2015

With racing nearly complete this year, DRF Harness would like to congratulate the leading drivers and trainers of 2015.

Aaron Merriman topped all drivers in wins with 873 from 4,204 starts. He was followed by George Napolitano, Jr (3145-832) and Ronnie Wrenn, Jr (3141-796).

Once again, driver Yannick Gingras steered his horses to the earnings title with $13,595,898 in 2,109 starts. Next in line was USHWA Driver of the Year David Miller at $12,362,991 (2,568 drives) and Tim Tetrick at $11,998,634 in 2,525 drives.

Per usual, Ron Burke dominated the statistical trainer categories with 984 winners (4,814 starters) and $24,938,561 in earnings. Rene Allard was a distant second in wins with 433 in 1,676 starts and USHWA Trainer of the Year Jimmy Takter was runner-up in earnings at $12,945,377 from 783 starters.

Hanover Shoe Farms topped all breeders (and eclipsed its own record for yearly earnings) with $30,132,026.

With just one track racing on December 31 (Monticello Raceway), total handle on U.S. races checked in at just over $1.5 billion, up a bit more than 1% over 2014. Purses were up nearly 4% and race dates increased by 1.5%.

[DRF HARNESS EYE: Digital Harness Eye is now available for purchase--PPs, Analysis, Charts, and more!]