Wheeling marks 50 years of greyhound racing

Wheeling marks 50 years of greyhound racing

                The rich history of Wheeling Downs/Wheeling Island dates back 100 plus years – the facility first serving as a fairground before becoming a track for thoroughbreds and harness racing.

                The latter fizzled in the early 1970s and Wheeling Downs opened as a greyhound track on Aug. 18, 1976, a year after dog racing was approved by the State of West Virginia. Greyhound racing re-energized the facility as more than 4,000 fans attended opening day.

                Wheeling Downs added simulcast wagering in the early 1990s and video lottery a few years later.

                Although the advent of online wagering has proved popular with many fans, others continue to come out to enjoy the excitement of live greyhound racing.

                On Aug. 18, 2026, Wheeling will mark 50 years of live greyhound racing at the island oval. It’s been a memorable 50 years with highlight after highlight.

                Down through the years, Wheeling has drawn some of the best greyhounds in the country to compete in their stakes program, including Rooster Cogburn, Blazing Red, Printer Olly, Mr. Wizard, My Problem, Olly’s Ace, Mr Tipper, K’s Broadway, DD’s Nelson, He’s My Man and Kiowa Sweet Trey. There have been 10 stake races of $100,000 or more.

                With the anniversary milestone approaching later this summer, racing writer Stan Pawloski and greyhound historian Robin Reed will bring back a part of the track’s history each week with a page or two in the daily racing program.

Among the highlights will be the win champions for each year, every track record holder for each distance, longest winning streaks, Friend Delilah – the winningest Wheeling greyhound, the West Virginia Classic stakes event, first ever Wheeling race, Hall of Fame greyhounds racing at Wheeling and more.