Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Odds On Driver of the Month
December 2004

David S. Miller

David Miller, 40, is one of the hottest stars in Standardbred racing today. The Ohio native, who now calls New Jersey his home, has followed in the footsteps of his father, the late Don Miller.

"The whole family is involved in racing," Miller said. "My father had a public stable for 20-some odds years and raced at Hilliard and all over Ohio. My grandfather, Clyde raced mostly up at Northfield Park."

Miller was a dominant driver on the Buckeye scene for nearly ten years, before he decided to pack his bags and head for the Meadowlands.

David Miller

Miller began his career in 1981, but things really blossomed for him in 1988, when he piloted 153 winners. His career only progressed from there, as during the 1990s he dominated his competition in Ohio, as Scioto Downs leading driver for eight cnsecutive seasons (1991-1998). He earned the Jerry Kaltenback Memorial Award for outstanding driver on the Ohio Sires Stakes circuit for seven yeas, from 1992-1998. He was best known in Ohio for his partnership with the pacer and Ohio Horse of the Year Crisp Sahbar and the freshman pacing colt Falcons Future. Miller was named 1993's Rising Star by the United States Harness Writers Association.

It was at the beginning of 1999 that he made the choice to move to the Garden State, and that move paid off ten-fold. That fall he was selected to represent the United States in the World Driving Championship in Australia, where he finished fifth. He was also partnered with the exceptional trotter Magician, and the pair wound up winning the $1 million Breeders Crown Open Trot, besting favorite Moni Maker.

My whole family is involved in harness racing.

In 2002 David captured both driving titles at Garden State and Freehold Raceways and in 2002 he won his first Meadowland's titles for both UDRS and wins during their fall meeting. That year saw him partnered with Illinois standout Kadabra, then three. He piloted the son of Primrose Lane to wins in the $542,500 Breeders Crown, the $180,000 American National, adn the $226,764 Matron, among others.

2003 was to be David's best season ever as he scored victories worth $11.4+ million (a career best), good enough to sit him on top of all drivers in North American in terms of earnings. He was 14th among all reinsmen in victories, with 426, and was leading driver at the Big M during their winter/spring/summer meets as well. He was best known for his partnership with No Pan Intended, the 2003 Horse Of The Year, who won the Little Brown Jug, the Cane Pace and the Messenger Final to sweep the Triple Crown of Pacing events.

Miller was also behind the top fillie Kikikatie. The freshman daughter by Real Artist scored 14 wins from 15 tries in 2003, earning nearly $800,000 for her connections. Modert Art was another of Miller's charges in 2003. David piloted the pacer to victory in the $640,000 Woodrow Wilson Final in 1:51.3, among others, and he was second in the Breeders Crown as well.

Previous Drivers of The Month for 2004
November 2004 - Dale Hiteman
October 2004 - John Campbell
September 2004 - Tony Morgan
August 2004 - Andy Miller
July 2004 - Tim Tetrick
June 2004 - Ryan Anderson
May 2004 - Ronnie Marsh