50th Anniversary: City of Wheeling Stakes (1977-82)

50th Anniversary: City of Wheeling Stakes (1977-82)

Although not as lucrative as the West Virginia Classic, the City of Wheeling Stakes was one of Wheeling’s premier stakes events held during the early years of greyhound racing at the island oval. Following is a brief synopsis of each of the stakes finals which featured top greyhounds both on the local and national scenes.

1977 $7,500 City of Wheeling Stakes

3/8, Friday Eve., July 15

1^st – SLICK GENIUS                 

2^nd – EASY AXE

3^rd – BLACK AVA                     

Finalists: Parks Provided, Sivarg, Flying Song, Randy Pollard, Printer Maggie.

Entrants: 32.

Winning Trainer: Amos Goble

SLICK GENIUS

Red. M. Dec. 74. Neptune’s Genius – Kara Day

Julliene J. Goble Kennel

1977 Wheeling Win Champ – 64-30-6-7

1978 $15,000 City of Wheeling Stakes

3/8, Friday Eve., June 23

1^st – BLAZING RED

2^nd – COUSIN’S MISTY

3^rd – WESTY HOT SHOT

Finalists: Faded Lace, Bones Printer, Knock, Staccato, Cool Highway.

Entrants: 40

Winning Trainer: Gary Dietz

BLAZING RED

Red. M. November 75. Big Whizzer-Roused

Owner: Alice Corpaci

1978 AGTOA All-American

1978 NGA Flashy Sir Award Winner

1979 15,000 City of Wheeling Stakes

3/8, Friday Eve., August 17

1^st – CF’S NELSON

2^nd – ODD ENOUGH

3^rd – SPUD CUT

Finalists: Lady Flyer, Seminole Point, Mac’s Tac, Hondo Lemon Drop, Pat C Mona Ann.

Entrants: 40

Winning Trainer: Narciso T. Ibanez

CF’S NELSON

Brindle. M. February 77. J’s Fat Back-Smooth Renewal

Owner: Freda Lancaster

61-9-8-5 record at Plainfield prior to stakes event.

1980 $45,000 City of Wheeling Stakes

5/16, Friday Eve., October 10

1^st – J’S SUSIE

2^nd – THOMAS CAT

3^rd – SABER ACE

Finalists: Hondo Pewter, Purchase Power, Pecos Timberwolf, Bright Johnny, Friend Delilah.

Entrants: 88

Winning Trainer: Gary Dietz

J’S SUSIE

Brindle. F. June 1978. Sandy Printer – J’s Sue

Steubenville Kennel

1980 Wheeling Win Champ – 59-33-8-6

1981 $45,000 City of Wheeling Stakes

5/16, Friday Eve., July 24

1^st- DR. FUTCH

2^nd – J’S ROXIE

3^rd – ODD EXPRESS

Finalists: Mad Rebel, Chainsaw Red, Hondo Critter, Friend Delilah, Imaginary Lover.

Entrants: 40

Winning Trainer: Kenneth Purdy

DR. FUTCH

White Brindle. M. March 79. Johnny’s Boy - Vilous

Julian Dial Kennel

Raced on the Jacksonville, Florida Circuit.

1982 $55,000 City of Wheeling Stakes

5/16, Friday Eve., July 30

1^st – LIL MISS MARKER

2^nd – DB’S DUDLEY

3^rd – HIGH GLASS

Finalists: J’s Susie, My Problem, Mr. Wizard, K’s Moon, Cool Change.

Entrants: 48

Winning Trainer: Steven L. Highland

LIL MISS MARKER

Blue Brindle. F. Sept. 79. Tuf Miler – Rainin Ice

Kansas Kennel, Inc.

1982 Wheeling Record – 41-18-7-6

(Info provided by local greyhound historian Robin Reed)