by Matt Sparacino, publicity director, Harrington Raceway

Harrington, DE — Driver Victor Kirby joined the 3,000 win club Thursday (July 3) at Harrington Raceway, completing a three-win day to reach the milestone.

Fotowon photo

Victor Kirby scored with Cashco to reach 3,000 career wins.

After winning one race earlier in the day at Harrah’s Philadelphia, Kirby started the Harrington card with a win in the first with Stirling Charisma ($19) before taking the sixth with Cashco ($5.60) to reach 3,000 career wins.

“It might just be another win to somebody, but it’s a big win to me,” said Kirby, who learned the business of racing from his grandfather Vinal Kirby as well as trainer John Wagner. “My grandfather laid the foundation, teaching me general horsemanship. John Wagner, all respect to him, is just a great horseman. I owe a lot to both of those guys.”

While Kirby has won many races driving for his own small stable, as well as for some larger outfits, the lion’s share of his wins have come driving for trainers with more diminutive sized stables.

“I get a lot of gratification winning races for guys with small stables,” Kirby added. “It’s great to drive for the big stables and win for them but it’s really special winning for the ones that only have maybe two or three in their stable.”

The 41-year-old Kirby currently drives full-time at Harrington, as well as many days at Harrah’s Philadelphia, while spending most of the winter at Dover Downs.

George Dennis won three races on the program, including a win aboard first-time starter freshman filly Totally Rusty — a daughter of Rusty’s For Real — who prevailed in 1:57.2 for trainer Doug Lewis.

Another 2-year-old with an auspicious debut Thursday was out of the Les Givens stable, when Quick Art made a brush to the lead near the half-mile and scored a decisive 1:57 score. He is a son of Artzina.

The Harrington meet will now go on a break as preparations are made for the Delaware State Fair (July 17-26), where racing will take place on July 24 for the annual Governor’s Day program (7 p.m. post time). The summer/fall meet will resume on a Monday through Thursday schedule beginning August 18 through Oct. 23.