In the demanding world of thoroughbred horse racing, longevity is a testament to skill, dedication, and an unyielding passion for the sport. Few embody these qualities more than Merrill Scherer, a horse trainer whose career has spanned over six decades. From his earliest days on the backstretch to saddling graded stakes winners, Scherer’s journey is a masterclass in horsemanship, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines a truly great trainer.
Merrill Scherer’s story begins not in the winner’s circle, but with a foundational love for the racetrack instilled in him by his father in their native Louisiana. His first encounter with a racehorse at nine years old was a memorable one, where the sheer power of the animal left a lasting impression. This early fascination propelled him from a high school student to a young man boarding a Greyhound bus for a 36-hour trip to Ohio, all for the chance to work as a groom. This marked the official start of a lifelong dedication to equine athletes.
The Foundation of a Legendary Career
Every seasoned horseman has a starting point, and for Merrill Scherer, it was the hands-on, day-in-day-out work of a groom in 1956. Learning the craft from the ground up, he developed an intimate understanding of horse care, behavior, and conditioning. This practical education was invaluable, providing him with insights that can’t be taught in a classroom. After honing his skills in Ohio and New England, Scherer took out his trainer’s license in 1962, purchasing his first horse, Wooded Acres, and officially embarking on his training career.
Scherer has primarily been a fixture in the Midwest, building his reputation at tracks across Illinois, Kentucky, and Louisiana. His approach is built on a sharp eye for detail and a deep-seated belief that there is always something new to learn. “I’ve done a lot and seen a lot in this game,” Scherer once remarked, “but you always see something new every day.” This philosophy of continuous learning and adaptation has been a cornerstone of his enduring success, allowing him to remain competitive through racing’s many evolutions.
Veteran horse trainer Merrill Scherer observing a thoroughbred during morning workouts, an embodiment of his decades of experience.
Defining Moments and Notable Horses
While Scherer built a consistent record of wins over decades, his breakthrough into the upper echelons of the sport came in 1993. It was with a tenacious South Dakota-bred gelding named Little Bro Lantis that Scherer captured his first graded stakes victory. Defying the odds, they won the Stars and Stripes Handicap (G3) at Arlington Park, a victory that showcased Scherer’s ability to develop an overlooked horse into a top-tier competitor. Little Bro Lantis was celebrated for his versatility and heart, qualities Scherer expertly nurtured. “He was an amazing horse,” Scherer recalled of the gelding that gave him his first major stakes win.
This milestone was not an isolated event but a highlight in a career marked by steady success. Since official record-keeping began in 1976, Merrill Scherer has amassed over 1,400 victories and his runners have earned more than $24 million. This remarkable consistency speaks volumes about his skill in placing horses where they can succeed and maintaining a high standard of care and training across his entire stable.
“A trainer’s true gift is seeing potential where others don’t. Merrill Scherer’s career is a testament to this, particularly his work with horses like Little Bro Lantis. He has a rare ability to connect with an animal and unlock its full athletic capability, a skill honed over sixty years of dedication,” states Dr. Alistair Finch, a respected equine behaviorist.
A Family Legacy and Enduring Passion
The world of horse racing is often a family affair, and the Scherer legacy is deeply woven into the sport’s fabric. Several of his sons have followed him into the industry, most notably trainer Gary Scherer. The family has also faced hardship together, including the profound loss of his son Richie, who was also a trainer, in 2017. Through it all, the family’s shared passion for horses has been a constant source of strength and connection.
Even as he entered his 80s, Merrill Scherer’s work ethic remained undiminished. In 2020, he took on a new role, assisting fellow trainer Wesley Ward with his Churchill Downs division. This collaboration between a seasoned veteran and a globally successful younger trainer highlights the deep respect Scherer commands within the industry. His willingness to lend his expertise underscores his unwavering love for the sport. “I’ve got a good pep in my step working with these horses,” he said at the time, a statement that perfectly captures his enduring vitality and passion.
What makes Merrill Scherer’s training style effective?
Merrill Scherer’s effectiveness comes from a combination of six decades of hands-on experience, a sharp eye for a horse’s individual needs, and a philosophy of constant learning. His deep understanding of equine fundamentals, gained from his early days as a groom, allows him to develop horses to their full potential, often finding success with overlooked prospects.
This dedication to the craft and the animal is the secret to his longevity. He doesn’t rely on a single, rigid system but adapts his methods to suit each horse, a hallmark of a true horseman. His career is a powerful reminder that in horse racing, there is no substitute for experience and a genuine connection with the equine athlete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Merrill Scherer?
Merrill Scherer is a highly respected American thoroughbred horse trainer with a career spanning over 60 years. He is known for his longevity, consistent success, and his role in developing stakes-winning horses, with over 1,400 career wins since 1976.
When did Merrill Scherer start his training career?
Merrill Scherer officially took out his trainer’s license in 1962. He began his journey in the horse racing industry in 1956, working as a groom and learning the business from the ground up.
What was Merrill Scherer’s first graded stakes win?
His first graded stakes victory came in 1993 when his horse, Little Bro Lantis, won the Stars and Stripes Handicap (G3) at Arlington Park at odds of 43-1.
Where is Merrill Scherer primarily based?
Throughout his long career, Merrill Scherer has been primarily based in the Midwest, conditioning horses at tracks in Louisiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, with Fair Grounds and Churchill Downs being key locations.
How many races has Merrill Scherer won?
Since official statistics were regularly kept starting in 1976, Merrill Scherer has trained the winners of more than 1,410 races, with total purse earnings exceeding $24.6 million.
A Career Built on Horsemanship
Merrill Scherer’s story is one of quiet dedication and profound expertise. In a sport often defined by fleeting moments of glory, his career stands as a monument to consistency and an unwavering commitment to the horse. From a teenager on a bus chasing a dream to a respected veteran still walking the shedrows in his 80s, the Merrill Scherer Horse Trainer legacy is not just about the wins—it’s about a lifetime spent in service to the thoroughbred, earning the respect of his peers and a distinguished place in the annals of horse racing.
