Harness: Profile of driver Mike Wilder

What kind of car do you drive?

Ford F-150.

Favorite dinner meal? Snack?

New York Strip, Au Gratin potatoes and Asparagus; Popcorn

What is your favorite track to race at?

Delaware County Fair.

What is your favorite big event in racing?

The Little Brown Jug.

How often is racing on your mind?

Every day, every minute.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing?

I enjoy working at my farm and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite sport to watch? Team?

College Basketball - Duke, everyone loves Duke.

What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know?

As serious as I take my job on the racetrack, I like to joke around. I love impersonating people.

What is one word that describes harness racing for you?

Intensity.

How did you get started in the sport?

Through my stepfather, Dave Ritter. Without his help and guidance in my youth, I wouldn't be where I am today. My mother Rhonda taught me how to keep horses on the racetrack by the care she gave them.

You have over 8,200 driving wins. What does that number mean to you?

I am pretty proud of that number. That's a lot of trips around the racetrack. Make no mistake, that's not all to my credit, there are a lot of people that work to make that happen.

You’ve basically stayed local at The Meadows during your career. Did you ever think of coming east or exploring more Grand Circuit options?

No, when I made the choice to leave Ohio I knew I was choosing to focus on my family. As a young man, those racing goals were there of course. I love the sport, but nowhere near how I love my family. They are my greatest accomplishments. I'm so proud of my girls.

You’ve finished second to Dave Palone in the driver standings at The Meadows a number of times. Do you ever hope that he’ll retire so you can finish first?

Lol, winning races isn't about driving titles to me. If it was, I wouldn't have left Ohio to come drive against the world’s winningest driver. I knew what coming to The Meadows meant for my career, but the reward was so much greater.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness racing?

You will learn something new every day. You will never will know everything.

What was your favorite moment in harness racing?

Winning the Kentucky Breeders Filly Pace with Tap Hanover (2002, Hoosier Park), simply because it was a family affair. I love winning races for my father-in-law, Dan Altmeyer.

Which is the best horse you’ve ever driven?

I have driven several good horses in my career and feel truly blessed to have had those opportunities. It's hard for me to label one as "the best" with all the various factors to take into account.

Which horse is/was your favorite?

Make A Success. I felt like we were a team out there. I ride him now on trail rides. He has a home for life.

What’s the one race that you haven’t won but really want to win?

What every Ohio boy wants to win, The Jug.

What is your role in Altmeyer Wilder Racing?

Owner, second trainer and driver.

You had great success driving Catch The Fire in 2019. How was he on May 17 at Scioto? Do you know why he took a month off?

He was super. I love that colt! The first time I drove him, I knew he was special. The trainer, John Ackley, was waiting to see what was going to happen with the stakes schedule. Why take races out of the horse in overnights when we can be conservative and fresh for stakes action. He is planning on qualifying him on June 18th at The Meadows. It's so nice to race for the connections of this horse. They make racing a horse of his caliber fun.

Could we see you in the Meadowlands Pace driving Catch The Fire?

I sure hope so. If he's there, I will be there.

If you could choose any horse in history to drive, which horse would it be and why?

Mack Lobell for sure. Not only was he dominant in the states, but then went overseas and dominated. He was truly a champion.

How did COVID-19 affect your life and business?

It put focus on the most important things in my life. My family, my stable and my animals. It was certainly a reality check.

What are your thoughts on how racing went on the first day back from COVID-19 at The Meadows?

It was exciting to see people doing what they love. And my daughters and family horse, Battle of Cannae, won, so it was great all around.

You wife Heather is a part of the industry as well. How has she contributed to your success?

She keeps me grounded in this roller coaster ride of racing. I always say she is my biggest fan, but she isn't afraid to voice her opinion when I make mistakes. I value her opinion on several different aspects of our sport.

If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be?

These athletes that we depend on when racing should all have good homes to go to after their careers on the track are over. They race for us, we should make sure they are provided and cared for in retirement.

How do you view the future of harness racing?

It's shaky with the politics involved right now in Pennsylvania. I think the sport will survive, but I worry about the financial aspect for future generations.

If you had one wish in life, what would you wish for?

Peace in this crazy world we live in.

Time for the stretch drive:

Best Horse You Ever Saw: Somebeachsomewhere

Best Race you ever saw: Life Sign in the Little Brown Jug

Lasix – Yes or No?: Yes

Favorite TV Show?: Forensic Files

Trotters or Pacers?: Trotters