The Meadows: Aaron Merriman joins 10,000 win club

With a 1:58 2/5 victory behind Icy Crystals in Saturday afternoon's sixth race at The Meadows, Aaron Merriman became just the 13th driver in North American harness racing to have 10,000 wins.

Merriman came into the day with 9,998 wins and set the stage for the milestone moment after taking the third dash with I'm Feelin Good in 1:53 3/5. After an off-the-board result in race four and a close second-place finish in race five, Icy Crystals got the job done for Merriman, taking the lead in the backstretch and pulling clear for an easy victory. Following the win, he was joined in the winner's circle by his family and track officials for a sign presentation.

"It’s not the racing, it’s the travel that wears on you," Merriman said. "But it’s the way I make my living. I am worried about my family, and I would like to spend more time with my kids."

To create that family time, he indicated he might be more selective about accepting Grand Circuit assignments this year.

"It’s a special feeling to be part of the Grand Circuit, especially when you get an opportunity to drive a nice horse," he said. "I might not chase the longer shots like I’ve been doing. I may evaluate things a little bit differently."

Even as he celebrated his milestone win, Merriman said his thoughts were elsewhere — with fellow driver Matt Kakaley, who was injured in a mishap at Yonkers last Tuesday.

"I’d like to give Matt a shout out,” he said. "I talk to him about every day. He’s doing well, but it’s a scary thing. Here I’m enjoying this accomplishment, and he’s in the hospital. It doesn’t seem fair. My heart goes out to him."

North America's leading dash winner each of the last three years, Merriman has driven the earners of over $62 million.

--quotes courtesy of The Meadows--