Northfield: Herman Hagerman trains 1,000th winner

Herman Hagerman, who began his training career at Colonial Downs in 2011, kicked off 2024 with a bang on Wednesday (Jan. 3), earning career win 1,000 in his first try of the year at MGM Northfield Park.

Hagerman's first training win came over the New Kent, Virginia, oval on October 15, 2011, where he won a conditioned event with Take A Shot Scott. On Wednesday, it was Mayhem Like Me (Greg Grismore) who would give Hagerman one of the most significant victories of his career.

Mayhem Like Me sat off-the-pace into the first turn as Beach Forecast (John Ciocca) sprinted to the lead, clearing quickly into the first turn. Ciocca set torrid fractions up front, getting to the quarter in 27 seconds and the half in a blistering 55 4/5, and it was at the half where Mayhem Like Me would begin to make his move by tipping first-over.

On their approach to three-quarters in 1:25, Neyreit (Kurt Sugg) made his way to the lead, with Mayhem Like Me continuing to inch closer to the leader. Turning for home, Mayhem Like Me saved ground and then rolled through the passing lane down the stretch to win by a half-length in 1:55 4/5.

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It was the 20th career victory for the 6-year-old son of Sunshine Beach owned by Anthony Miller. The gelding now has earnings of $153,141.

Hagerman, who has trained for most of his career, also has 75 driving victories to his credit. 2023 proved to be one of Hagerman's most successful seasons, as he earned over $1.3 in purses. In addition to his 1,000 career wins, he currently has over $8 million in career purse earnings.

Live racing resumes on Saturday (January 6) evening at 6:00 p.m. MGM Northfield Park currently races on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

--press release (Northfield)--