HarnessRacingUpdate • 7/19/14 PAGE 7 of 16 Wrenn Jr., Merriman and Sutton Are Northfield’s Terrific Trio By Amy Hollar When one thinks of famous trios it isnt often harness racing crossing your mind. In your head may pop Peter, Paul and Mary, The Three Wise Men or possibly The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Trios which can entertain enlighten and possibly even educate. Would you ever consider Merriman, Wrenn and Sutton? Without realizing their actual formation existed, this trio of professional harness drivers has proved hugely entertaining on a near nightly basis both in and out of the sulky. Aaron Merriman, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. and Josh Sutton respectively, set atop the leader board in dash wins in North America. Merriman as of this writing eclipses Wrenn by 34 with 428. Sutton separates himself from Wrenn by only 29 with 365. The three are competitive, have at times been controversial, yet maintain a friendship among themselves which easily trades barbs with congratulatory hoopla. A large majority of their 2014 on-track battles have taken place around the half-mile banked turns of Northfield Park. Depending on various schedules it is rare the three are not gathered nightly with fellow drivers and trainers in the decrepit conditions of the tracks drivers room analyzing and rehashing previous exploits, of which occasionally horse racing is involved. Merriman the self-proclaimed, Nicest Guy In Harness Racing at 36, is the elder of the group. Due to his marathon abilities to maintain a hectic schedule between Northfield and The Meadows he has amassed wins nearly as easily as he has amassed miles on his car. Bouncing back from a racing accident in June of 2010 which left him with the remnants of a devastating shoulder injury, he has maintained strong numbers among the countries driving elite. Entering the Northfield paddock normally after the program has started, his bright red shock of disheveled hair exhibits afternoon helmet-head from his Meadows obligations or a languished nap. Hell shake hands, give shout outs and bemoan his lack of success earlier in the day all the while flashing a smile like the Cheshire Cat trying to find a canary. The avid Cleveland sports fan has never met a stranger in a room. Hell just as easily win over a shy little leaguer as he has Ben Roethlisberger in a West Virginia casino. Dont know Aaron Merriman? Well, hell make sure you do. Dont know LeBron James? Well, neither does Aaron, but if there was ever anyone who stood a chance introducing King James to harness racing in northeast Ohio, all bets are on him. Not one to lack charming character traits himself, Ronnie Wrenn Jr.s 394 wins have him in second place defending his 2013 North Americas top dash-winning reinsman title. The tall lanky, 27 year old Michigan native with boyish good looks began to establish new roots in Ohio soil nearly two years ago. Surgery on an old high school football injury kept him sidelined for nearly the first month of the year but in no time owners and trainers were vying for his services from $2000 claimers to sire stakes champions. And hes been happy to oblige. Just as happy as he is to flash a grin anyone would swoon over. As one trainer pointed out, hes so dreamy. But dont be deceived. His quick wit and biting sarcasm are not to be fooled with, just like his convictions on the track. Taking a stand against what he felt were harsh penalties being handed from the judges booth at the Delaware County Fair in the 2013, Wrenn took himself off remaining mounts for most of the week. While debatable on its accomplishment, there is no doubt he left the fairgrounds with a new found respect among his peers. That respect carries over to the racetrack. Not one to shy away from verbal confrontation after a race, Wrenn will maintain composure all the while asserting his position. Within minutes his mind is on to the next race and whatever wrong doing from the previous mile stored away like an Illuminati memento. Changing his colors to match those of his cherished father, Ron Sr., who passed away this spring, was the easy part for Wrenn dealing with his loss. During his fathers illness the emotional toll showed nightly on Jr.s face as he struggled to make it through a race card before being called once again to his fathers side. While condolences were appreciated the sheer amount was often overwhelming and most race nights he preferred to remain silent on the subject. Who better to bring one away from sorrow, than friends? As Wrenn stated, Competition brings out the best in me. The drivers are friends. Every night is fun. When asked who is a more accomplished Twitter composer, he quickly concedes defeat to Merriman with nary a hint of envy. (continued on next page)
Posted on: Sat, 19 Jul 2014 18:31:02 +0000
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