Michael Merton notched his 3,000th harness racing career winning drive at Monticello Raceway on Thursday January 18. The milestone win came aboard Armor Hanover in the 7th race, the 9-year-old SJ'S Caviar gelding won by 7 lengths in 1:57.2, he is owned and trained by Doug Berkeley of Montgomery NY.
Michael hails from a family that has been deeply embedded at Monticello Raceway since its inception in 1958. Michael started his career driving as an amateur, he then received his P license in 1991.
Michael and his brother Greg has been mainstays in the Monticello Raceway backstretch and driving colony for decades.
2017 was a banner year for Michael, he drove 257 winners and amassed a personal best of $1,150,003 in yearly purses earned, his career earnings are a respectable $10,628,662.
Michael was greeted in the winner's circle by many of his fellow horseman, family member and well-wishers.
Wasting no time, Merton won the final race of the card with Ideal Candidate, setting his sites on 4000.
By: Shawn Wiles