by Victoria Howard

Maryann Plano is no novice to our sport. Along with her husband, Rick, she has been involved for more than a half-century. She was born and raised along with two sisters and a brother on a dairy farm in the small town of Frankfort, NY. Her parents, Jack and Bella Bono were two hard working, conservative and kind people.

“My parents were a little strict with me as I was a bit of a renegade, but they instilled good morals in me and I’ve tried to instill those same morals to my children, Erica and Luke,” Maryann said with a smile.

Although Maryann’s husband Rick may not be listed in the top drivers of the sport today, he can hold his head high for, statistically, he sits sixth all-time in training wins today, and would most likely be in the top five if his victories from the years 1972 through 1991, were included in the races he took part in while in Italy. With a combined total of more than 10,000 wins, Rick has recorded over 7,000 driving wins, 4,000 training wins, and amassed more than $50 million in purse earnings. He’s also held the leading driver and/or trainer title in California for well over 20 years. That’s nothing to sneeze at.

Becoming a top driver is not easy and difficult to maintain year after year for it takes talent, luck, and the opportunity to drive the best horses in the country. But in Rick’s case, the most important thing to his success was his wife Maryann who was there with him every step of the way. The saying goes, “Behind every successful man is a strong woman,” and this is certainly the case with the Planos.

“Rick and I grew up in the same town and have known each other for as long as I can remember,” Maryann said. “His parents owned a meat market in town and were known for their Italian sausage. People would come from miles to buy it and everyone knew the Plano family.

“We started dating on and off in high school. It was during that time Rick started in the business at Vernon Downs in New York in 1972. From there Rick raced at Green Mountain, Monticello, Dover Downs, Harrington, Pocono, Northfield and then California. Wow, I can’t believe it’s been over 50 years.

While Rick was racing at Pocono, Maryann told him she wanted to work in the barn so he assigned her a horse named Process to care.

“I remember showing up the first day in my daisy duke shorts and boots,” Maryann said. “At first, I was petrified of this huge, majestic looking animal but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with him. Process showed me what beautiful animals horses are while all the while showing the way to the winner’s circle, time after time.”

Mary Ann is a huge animal lover and once bitten by the bug, she was hooked. Throughout the years she has owned over 200 standardbreds. Although she has loved each and every horse her favorite was Process.

Besides being a long-time horse owner, wife, mother, and grandmother, Maryann has worn many different hats.

“In the beginning I only worked with the horses for a short time — maybe 4 years — but I did stay involved in various ways,” she said. “I worked in the race office as a secretary to race secretary Herman Brickell at Northfield Park and also served as president to several women’s organizations at Northfield, Los Alamitos and Cal Expo.

“The purpose was to inform and educate people on our sport. I think one of the biggest successes was our ‘clockers corner,’ which was held every Saturday morning during qualifiers. We would have our handicapper, along with a trainer or driver give their picks, and also Q&A, coffee and donuts were available. We held fundraisers, brought in entertainment, decorated and organized get-togethers like picnics, dances, Halloween parties, etc. Everyone showed up and participated. They were the best times!”

Being married to a horseman and raising a family isn’t always easy.

“We were on the circuit for many years when we were young and it was a good time going from track to track, but once I had my children it became more difficult,” Maryann said. “We managed by enrolling them in school either half the year in Southern California and half in North Carolina or half of the year in New York.

“Our son Luke, who has followed in his dad’s footsteps has certainly made us proud. He, like his dad, has held the driving title at Cal Expo many times and is currently leading trainer. He was also the first driver to ever win over $1,000,000 in purses at Running Aces in Minnesota.”

Just like his parents, Luke’s stable is family oriented.

“Luke and his wife, Nikki, work side-by-side in the barn,” said Maryann adding with a laugh, “I guess it paid off for all those times Luke walked around with a program in his back pocket, starting at age 3.”

After Pompano Park, “The Winter Capital of Harness Racing,” closed after some 58 years of entertaining millions of people, the Planos, like many other families, had to pick up and re-locate.

The Planos were in South Florida when harness racing was at its best; the days when the grandstands were jam-packed. Maryann shared her thoughts on how changes over the years have affected the sport and her life in it.

“Racing has changed in so many ways,” she said. “Going to the races used to be a really big deal. The kids and I would get dressed up and go every weekend to cheer on their dad. Sadly, the crowds have dwindled over the years. The biggest change I’ve noticed is that because of the casinos, the horsemen’s and the fans’ best interest isn’t always a priority. But in some ways, I suppose it has changed for the better as there are more resources and information available to the drivers, trainers and owners… and of course, the purses.

“Rick and I have downsized considerably as today we only have 12 horses in the barn; a far cry from the 25 to 30 that we always had. But we do have some powerhouses. We own all but two of the horses in training right now. Throughout the years we were very lucky to have had some absolute wonderful owners. There are too many to mention, but we certainly appreciate every one.”

I also asked Maryann about her and Rick’s future plans.

“My husband and I just celebrated our 47th anniversary and feel so blessed that we are both still here doing what we always loved, although at a much smaller scale,” she said. “We are prioritizing our children now. That includes Luke and his wife Nikki, my daughter Erica who is a business woman, and a taekwondo instructor with a third degree black belt; her husband Danny, and their child, our grandchild Coleton, who is 9 years old and the light of my life.

“My most favorite thing in the world is to be with my children, have a few cocktails, cook a delicious dinner and make a luscious dessert. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that.”

Editor’s note: I first met the Planos over a decade ago when I co-owned a mare named Voluminous, along with trainer Mel Turcotte, who just happens to be the dam of top pacer Taurasi. As of today, Taurasi remains undefeated racing in the preferred at Mohawk, going eight-for-eight. I will always be his biggest fan and a proud mama.

When Rick left Pompano Park for Hoosier Park, he took Voluminous where she had a very successful, but short campaign before being claimed.

Voluminous was always my special girl and I followed her even after she left me. On her way to California the trailer capsized on the icy highway and she escaped. Running and slipping on the icy asphalt she was injured.

I called the new owner and bought her back. My partner, Ron Ruggles and I shipped her to Kentucky and bred her and the rest is history. So, I guess you can say that the Planos and I will always be connected through Voluminous.