by Jim Moran, for Vernon Downs

Vernon, NY — Rick Plano recorded his 6,000th career driving victory during Wednesday night’s (August 15) 10-race program at Vernon Downs.

Fotowon photo

From left, Luke Plano (Rick’s son), Maryann Plano (Rick’s wife), Rick Plano and Vernon Downs Racing Secretary Scott Warren celebrate in the winner’s circle after Rick’s milestone score.

Plano achieved the milestone victory in the fourth race of the night with Bigtown Hero, a horse he also trains. His wife, Maryann, owns the 4-year-old pacing gelding who posted his first win in five season’s starts. With the victory, Plano also notched his meet-leading 86th first-place finish.

Plano, a native of Frankfort, N.Y., who began his harness career here back in 1973 before going on to achieve success at Ohio’s Northfield Park and on the California circuit, returned to the Downs a few seasons ago and has been a leading driver and trainer here ever since.

The 60-year-old horseman has accumulated more than $23.6 million in purse money during his career.

Also on Wednesday, Scorpion Moon, the 53-program meet’s fastest trotter, secured his third straight score. The fan favorite ($2.90) captured his second straight Open contest with a front-striding 1:53.3 triumph in Wednesday’s $11,000 featured seventh race.

Wednesday’s win behind Scorpion Moon was one of four on the night for noted catch-driver Jim Morrill, Jr., who provided leading trainer Tracy Brainard with three victories on her birthday.

Fresh off a career-best and local season’s swiftest 1:52.3 mile in this top class for diagonally-gaited performers here last week, Scorpion Moon obtained his ninth season’s score (fourth at the Downs) and 88th lifetime win. Brainard and Andrew Herzog own the gritty 11-year-old gelding, who raised his all-time earnings to more than $926,300.

After finishing first with the trotter Double D Fine in Wednesday’s first race and the pacer Townie Guy in race six, driver Claude Huckabone, Jr. obtained his fourth double of the meet.