The National Greyhound Association showcases upcoming greyhound athletes twice a year. Learn when our greyhounds will race, Upcoming National Dates: Fall Nationals 2026 October 12, 2026 October 16, 2026 Information Spring Nationals 2027 May 3, 2027 May 7, 2027 Information Fall Nationals 2027 October 11, 2027 October 15, 2027 Information Our National Meets Where Legacy Bloodlines Meet Elite Opportunity For more than a century, the National Greyhound Association’s National Meets have stood as the definitive marketplace and proving ground for the finest racing greyhounds in North America. Held each spring and fall in Abilene, Kansas, these invitation-worthy gatherings bring together the most respected breeders, trainers, owners, and buyers in the sport—those who shape the future of greyhound racing at its highest level. The Industry’s Premier Showcase The NGA National Meets are where performance meets pedigree. Across a curated week of competition, select young athletes take the track to demonstrate the qualities that define elite racing stock—speed, intelligence, composure, and heart. Structured racing rounds identify top-tier prospects Championship finals elevate the very best Featured stakes races spotlight exceptional bloodlines Buyers gain first-hand insight into performance and potential This is not simply racing—it is evaluation at the highest level, where informed decisions are made and investments take shape. A Marketplace Defined by Access and Insight The National Meets serve as one of the industry’s most important relationship and transaction hubs. Within a focused, highly professional environment, attendees gain: Direct access to leading breeders and consignors Early exposure to emerging talent Opportunities for private negotiation and acquisition Strategic insight into bloodlines, performance trends, and program development Every conversation carries weight. Every introduction has value. A Tradition of Trust Since 1906 The National Greyhound Association has safeguarded the integrity of the breed for over a century, maintaining the official registry and pedigree records that underpin the sport. The National Meets reflect that same commitment to excellence: Rigorous standards of competition A legacy of credibility and professionalism A longstanding culture of respect, transparency, and expertise Since the 1920s, industry leaders have traveled to Abilene to present their best and measure against the very highest standard. More Than an Event—An Advantage Beyond the track, the experience is intentionally designed for those who understand that success in this sport is built on access, information, and relationships. From private discussions to industry gatherings and recognition events, the National Meets offer an environment where business moves forward—with clarity and confidence. Position Yourself at the Center of the Sport Twice each year, Abilene becomes the focal point of the greyhound industry. Those who attend don’t just witness the future—they help define it. Whether your focus is acquisition, partnership, or advancing your breeding program, the National Meets provide a distinct competitive advantage found nowhere else. Join the Standard Where elite greyhounds are revealed. Where relationships are forged. Where the next generation of champions begins.

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of August 23, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Aug 24, 2026 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of August 23, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Lester Raines Kennel’s Omaha Laura has six straight victories (M, D, C, B, A, AA) for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Brandys Triumph has won three out of her last four 3/16 races (TB, TA, TAA). Charter Kennel’s FGF Stella has four wins and a second in her last five 3/16 trips (TA, TAA) for trainer James Campbell. Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Nicolette has won three out of her last four outings (D, C, B) for trainer Ron Otto. Kennel-mate WW Cold As You has back-to-back victories (B, A). Code Red Kennel’s Arroyo Amanda has two straight wins (B, A) for trainer Tom Engle. Previous Next

From our Oval The Latest News Prev Next Aug 24, 2026 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of August 23, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Read More Aug 2, 2026 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of August 2, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Read More Jul 22, 2026 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of July 19, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Read More Jul 20, 2026 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of July 26, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Read More Jul 20, 2026 50th Anniversary: Memorable stake finales revisited Stan Pawloski Read More Jul 12, 2026 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of July 12, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Read More Jul 6, 2026 The History of the West Virginia Classic Stan Pawloski Read More First Prev 69 Page 1 Next Last

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs (as October 31, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Oct 31, 2022 Steve Sarras Kennel’s CET Dirty Dan has four wins and a second in his last five starts (SAA, AA) for trainer Jay Falcone. Kennel-mate Florentine has two victories and three seconds in his last five Grade AA trips. Lester Raines Kennel’s RS’s Dark Night has four wins and a second in his last five races (SAA, AA) for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates O Ya Thunder Boy has two victories and a second in his last three outings (A, AA) while JS Run Bubba Run has back-to-back wins (B, A). Code Red Kennel’s O Ya Paws has three victories and two seconds in his last five Grade AA starts for trainer Tom Engle. Charter Kennel’s Oshkosh Edward has three wins, a second and a third in his last five Grade AA trips for trainer James Campbell. Imark Kennel’s Imark Spot has three straight Grade AA victories for trainer DiAnn Derr. Rangel Kennel’s JS Sugar Rush (TAA 3/8) and Pat C Dog Patch (B, A) have back-to-back wins for trainer Alex Hall. Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR Boogie Man has two straight 3/8 victories (TA, TAA) for trainer Frank Pellittere. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Fly Panama Blue has back-to-back wins (B, A) for trainer Joe Otto. Previous Next

< Back RS'S DARK NIGHT TOPS QUALIFIERS FOR WVGOBA PANHANDLE FINAL Stan Pawloski Oct 18, 2022 Lester Raines Kennel’s RS’s Dark Night tops all qualifiers for the Friday afternoon, Oct. 21, championship final of the $65,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Panhandle Championship at Wheeling Island. RS’s Dark Night posted his third consecutive victory Sunday afternoon in the semifinal round, bumping his point total to 45. The sprinter was the only greyhound to make it through the early rounds undefeated. Completing the championship final field are CET Dirty Dan (Steve Sarras), 40 points; CET Barracuda (Imark), 36 points; CET Fernando (Imark), 30 points; CET Marlin (Imark), 27 points; RS’s Railhauler (Lester Raines), 24 points; RS’s Dunkindylan (Lester Raines) and CET Tiger Boy (Steve Sarras), 23 points each. RS’s Happyharper (Lester Raines) and TS Pretty Boy (Steve Sarras) both had 23 points but lost the tie-breaker as RS’s Dunkindylan and CET Tiger Boy posted victories in the qualifying rounds. Capsule looks at the semifinal races follow: RS’s Dark Night rushed to an early lead and pulled away to a 9 ½-length victory in 29.96. CET Fernando finished second while RS’s Railhauler rounded out the trifecta ticket. CET Barracuda broke on top early and never challenged in posting a 6 ½-length victory in 30.50. CET Dirty Dan was second followed by RS’s Blue Heaven. CET Marlin took charge early in racing to a 5 ½-length victory in 30.13. RS’s Happyharper came in second while Mac’s Sidnyjames settled for third. Points after the semifinal round (the top eight greyhounds advance to the stake final): RS’s Dark Night (Lester Raines), 45 points CET Dirty Dan (Steve Sarras), 40 points CET Barracuda (Imark), 35 points CET Fernando (Imark), 30 points CET Marlin (Imark), 27 points RS’s Railhauler (Lester Raines), 24 points CET Tiger Boy (Steve Sarras), 23 points RS’s Dunkindylan (Lester Raines), 23 points (The following greyhounds were eliminated from the stakes event). TS Pretty Boy (Steve Sarras), 23 points RS’s Happyharper (Lester Raines), 23 points Mac’s Sidnyjames (A Ray), 19 points RS’s Super Freak (Lester Raines), 18 points CET Dirty Mike (Steve Sarras), 17 points RS’s Blue Heaven (Lester Raines), 14 points CET Sashaligotti (Steve Sarras), 14 points GLS Blondie (Jacobs Racing), 13 points RS’s Power House (Lester Raines), 11 points Rico’s Hell Yeah (A Ray), 7 points CET Musketeer (Steve Sarras), 6 points Previous Next

NGA Endorsed Adoption Groups - IA Back to Adoption Groups Heartland Greyhound Adoption Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin Website Northern Lights Greyhound Adoption Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota Website Prev Next

< Back Year in Review: Highlights from Wheeling’s 2023 racing season Stan Pawloski Jan 2, 2024 In August of 1976, greyhounds chased “Spunky” around the track at Wheeling Island for the very first time as greyhound racing was launched in the Friendly City. Last year marked 47 years of Wheeling greyhound racing and fans can expect another thrilling, fun-filled racing season and more excitement in 2024. Although no open stake races were held in 2023, there were plenty of highlights on the track. Four greyhounds generated excitement by winning six straight races, one sprinter climbed the ladder to Grade AA undefeated, two West Virginia-bred stake events were contested, several greyhounds battled throughout the year for top win honors and several youngsters broke their Maiden and look like future stars. Top greyhound honors went to a pair of sprinters – Blanchard Kennel’s Artex Pumbaa and Charter Kennel’s JSP Rayzendacash, as both posted 22 victories. Next in line were 2022 track win champ Florentine (Steve Sarras Kennel) and Tenacity (Blanchard Kennel) with 21 wins each. The Blanchard Kennel, trained by Chris Maynard, captured the 2023 kennel championship with 640 wins after taking runner up honors to the Lester Raines Kennel the last three years. The Blanchard Kennel won their first Wheeling kennel crown in 2019. The 640 wins by the Blanchard Kennel in 2023 is the most at Wheeling since the ZEZ Kennel posted 645 wins in 1999 and 659 victories in 2000. In the history of Wheeling racing, only 29 greyhounds had moved up the ladder straight to Grade AA after winning their Maiden debut. Now there’s 30 as Hell Bent accomplished the feat last year. The youngster won his first Maiden race in early June before capturing Grades D, C, B and A in successive starts. An August 2021 greyhound out of Konomi-Liz Cambage, Hell Bent races out of the Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel, trained by Jill Spicer and owned by David Strong. The Wheeling record for most victories in a row to start a career is 12 by Kiowa Sweet Trey in 2001. The sprint star won Maiden, Grades D, C, B, A and seven in Grade AA. In the $35,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juvenile Championship in late September, CG’s Honesty (Code Red Kennel) rocketed out to the early lead and never looked back in romping to a 7-length victory. Littermate CG’s Sun Storm (Code Red Kennel) took runner up honors while CET Mist (Steve Sarras Kennel) rounded out the trifecta ticket. Completing the final finish were Wild Blue Bee (Xtrem Hess Racing), fourth; Wild Chomp Dude (Xtrem Hess Racing), fifth; Arroyo Duchess (Code Red), sixth; CG’s Nail Biter (Code Red), seventh; and Arroyo Deon (Code Red), eighth. In the $65,000 WVGOBA Keystone (3/8th) Championship in October, Wild Blue Bee bided his time behind the frontrunners early in the race before storming home on the rail to edge out CET Dirty Skinny (Steve Sarras Kennel) by half a length at the wire. Pacesetter CET Marlin (Imark Kennel) settled for third. Completing the final order of finish were CET Dirty Toodls (Steve Sarras Kennel), fourth; TS Woody (Steve Sarras Kennel), fifth; Wild Chomp Dude (Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel), sixth; CET Zink (Imark Kennel), seventh; and JAS Strait Aces (Patriot/Taplin Kennel), eighth. The longest winning streak last year was six in a row by four greyhounds – Artex Pumbaa, JSP Hush Money, FGF Duke and CET Dirty Dan (streak started in December 2022 and extended into January 2023). Four other greyhounds won five straight races – Smile N Mean It, Hell Bent, AMF Gotta Go and Tenacity. Several greyhounds captured four straight victories – Artex Pumbaa, Ark RB Heyward, Artex Kusapin, Arkans Pride, Florentine, FF Leroy Brown, Arma Guiness, JSP Rayzendacash, GLS Ondemand, FF Evel Knievel, FF Evolution and FF Vespa. Wheeling will host two West Virginia-bred stakes races again in 2024, the Juvenile and the Panhandle Championship. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Wild Blue Bee captured the $65,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Keystone Championship in October at Wheeling Island. With the champion in the winner’s circle are, from left, Amy McLaughlin, Emily McLaughlin, Trinity LaCuesta, Rhea LaCuesta, racing secretary Chris Yahn, racing manager Jack Davis, Wild Blue Bee owner Randy Crabtree, Cindy Kovalski, lead out Mecca Davis and trainer Jill Spicer. (Photo by Stan Pawloski) Previous Next

NGA Endorsed Adoption Groups - FL Back to Adoption Groups Adoptable Greythounds of Florida Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina Website Awesome Greyhound Adoptions, Inc. Florida, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, North Carolina Website Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions Florida Website God's Greyts Greyhound Group, Inc. Florida Website Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions Florida Website Prev Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of January 30, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jan 30, 2023 Blanchard Kennel’s Loyal Cmn In Hot (AA) and Kabluwie (M, C, TB 3/8, A 3/8) have won four out of their last five starts for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mates Artex Kusapin has three straight Grade AA wins while About To Rock has four victories in a row (M, D, C, B). Rangel Kennel’s JS Sugar Rush has back-to-back Grade TAA 3/8 wins for trainer Alex Hall. Imark Kennel’s GF St Kitts has captured three out of her last four 3/16 trips (TB, TA, TAA) for trainer DiAnn Derr. Kennel-mate Day Drinking has back-to-back victories (A, AA). Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s SE Tilt A Whirl has two straight 3/8 wins (TA, TAA) for trainer Joe Otto. Steve Sarras Kennel’s Hollywood Week has back-to-back victories (A, AA) for trainer Mike Holgvin. Lester Raines Kennel’s Gallahadian has two straight wins (B, A) for trainer Joel Roden. Previous Next

< Back Three Selected for Hall of Fame Induction Stan Pawloski Sep 16, 2025 A record setting greyhound and a pair of racing industry leaders have been tabbed for induction into the Greyhound Hall of Fame this coming fall. David Blair's super sprinter, Bella Infrared along with track officials Tim Leuschner and Dan Luciano will be inducted in October of this year. Whelped in Abilene, Kansas, Bella Infrared was raised on the David Blair farm just a few minutes' drive from the National Greyhound Association. His owner, David Blair said that Infrared was "kind of small, for a male, but was super smart, he always knew what was going on." David has long said that Infrared was the best greyhound he ever raised, or saw, for that matter. Infrared was born on July 3, 2009 and began his racing career with a win in his first official start on January 5, 2011. Just six races later he would reach the top grade of racing (AA) and never drop out of top level competition again in his career. He would win a track leading thirty four races in 2011 including the Southland Hound Madness Stake. He also finished 3rd in the Southland Derby Consolation and Chris Chance Memorial. In October of that year he would break the Southland 5/16 mile course record, the first of three times he would accomplish that feat. He would make 2nd team All American for his efforts in 2011. His 2012 racing season was possibly more impressive. He would repeat as track champion winning thirty seven races. He would capture the 2012 Southland Derby and was a finalist in the Southland RCL Million Dollar Series. His 37 wins included a stretch where he won nineteen races in a row while breaking the track record two more times. His winning time of 31.14 on December 8, 2012 shattered his existing track record stands today as the fastest time ever recorded at Southland for a 5/16 mile race. He was named Captain of the 2012 All American Team. While his stellar racing career is the primary reason why Infrared has been inducted, his brief sire career makes his honor all the more impressive. Infrared produced many outstanding offspring, including numerous stake winners and All-Americans such as Salud Raindrop, FGF Chisum and Kind Cruel Red. He has made his mark around the world as well producing many stakes and group winners in Australia. Longtime track racing official and operator, Tim Leuschner 's love of dogs began at an early age along with his love of greyhound racing when he became a leadout at Mile High Kennel Club in 1968 while attending the University of Colorado. He earned his degree in International Relations and while he never pursued a career in Government, he certainly became an ambassador for greyhound racing. He worked his way up through the ranks in the Racing Department. He also worked in the mutuel departments at Interstate and Cloverleaf Kennel Clubs and did a stint on the maintenance crew at Interstate. in 1972 he became the Racing Secretary at Interstate. From 1972 to 1977 he worked the circuit of tracks owned by the Lindsay/Ross team including Mile High, Pueblo, Sodrac, Interstate and Taunton. In 1977 he was named as the Racing Secretary at the new Lincoln Greyhound Park and by 1986 was promoted to Assistant General Manager at the Rhode Island facility. In 1993 he headed south to become the Director of Simulcasting for the Jacksonville racing circuit. There he helped create one of the largest simulcast networks in the world with the circuit's races being broadcast throughout the U.S. as well as in Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean and as far away as Hong Kong. He served in that position as well as Director of Industry Relations for the Jacksonville group until his retirement in 2018. Tim also served the greyhound industry in helping to create the annual Greyhound Night of Stars of which he became the host of the television broadcast of the event throughout its tenure. He also traveled the world promoting the sport not only for simulcasting but in speaking to groups around the world such as the World Greyhound Racing Federation, the University of Arizona's Racing Symposium, Greyhound Pets of America and various other racing and welfare related gatherings. He served on the Board of the American Greyhound Track Operators Association for many years including as its President from 2010-2012. He is still a Board member of the American Greyhound Council and was a past President of that organization. He remains a Board member of the Greyhound Hall of Fame and has been a regular at NGA meets for many years. Dedicated to the overall betterment of the sport, Tim has been a staunch supporter of greyhound welfare and adoption throughout his career and has been President of Greyhounds as Pets of Northeast Florida for the past 23 years. He has adopted many greyhounds during his career including All American Burt Road. Another long tenured track official and operator, Dan Luciano has also been tabbed for induction. Dan, a native of Massachusetts, was introduced to the sport when he received a greyhound as a pet in 1965.Not long after that he became a kennel helper for the Discolo Kennel and eventually became the kennel's trainer at Wonderland and Bonita Springs. After leaving the kennel side of the business, Dan embarked on a long career in track management starting as a racing official at Seabrook and working his way up through the ranks, eventually managing at some of the country's top facilities including Geneva Lakes, Dubuque, Plainfield and Phoenix. His time at Phoenix began in 1992 when he was also named President of American Greyhound Racing which represented all of Delaware North's tracks. He was always an active member of The American Greyhound Track Operator's Association and served as its President from 2002 to 2004. Dan is credited to bringing the innovative "stretch vest" racing blanket to America while at Phoenix in 2000. Dan is also credited with the first use of the bone-shaped lure (at Plainfield) which would go on to be used at numerous track around the country. Dan was one of the best track operators in America, in part because he went the extra mile to associate personally and professionally with the greyhound racing community itself. His relationship with the NGA and greyhound owners and breeders helped lead also to his selection to serve on such important boards as the American Greyhound Council and the Greyhound Hall of Fame, where he still sits to this day. As an early greyhound pet owner, Dan has actively supported greyhound adoption programs wherever he worked and is especially proud of his affiliation with Arizona Adopt a Greyhound. Dan and his late wife, Sidra, were owners of pet greyhounds for some 40 years, virtually throughout Dan's lifetime career in racing. Dan was also active in his community wherever he may have been residing during his racing career such as serving on various boards including United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, the Phoenix Lions Club, Arizona Town Hall and Gateway Community College Citizens Advisory. These three worthy recipients will all be honored in ceremonies at the Hall of Fame in Abilene on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Previous Next

< Back NORTH AMERICAN WIN LEADERS 2022 Jim Gartland Jan 9, 2023 Previous Next

< Back NGA FALL MEET SCHOOLING RESULTS - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 Jim Gartland Oct 7, 2021 NGA Fall Meet Schooling Results—Thursday, October 7, 2021 72 races scheduled: Dragged after every 10, no watering Track Condition: Fast Weather: Cool, hazy - 58º (SCR = Scratched) HARDISON/FLAHIVE - (Race 1) 30.46, 30.98, 31.10, 30.89, 30.83, 30.82 HARVEY RANDLE - (Race 2) 30.64, 31.28, 31.74, 31.29 SHANNON HENRY - (Race 3) 30.54, 30.40, 30.31, 30.13, 30.65, 30.43, 30.35, 30.60, 30.78, 30.50, 30.90, 30.60, 30.95, 30.69, 31.50, 30.84, 31.38, 31.40, 31.44, 31.20, 31.25, 30.94, 31.75, 31.12, 31.05, 31.32 DAVID STRONG - (Race 4) 30.74, 30.44, 30.80, 30.72, 30.90, SCR, SCR, SCR, SCR, SCR, SCR GARDNER/GURLEY/SEASTROM - (Race 18) 30.58, 30.32, 30.12 , 30.73, 31.14, 30.49, 30.74, 30.84, 30.55, 31.11, 30.82, 31.41, 31.46 STEVE WARD - (Race 25) 30.70, 30.57, 30.76, 30.80, 30.71, 31.37, 30.64 MIKE STRICKLAND – (Race 48) 30.31, 30.43, 30.47, 31.14, SCR Previous Next