< Back YEAR IN REVIEW: HIGHLIGHTS FROM WHEELING'S 2020 RACING SEASON Stan Pawloski Jan 18, 2021 Another exciting and fun-filled season of Wheeling Island greyhound racing is in the history books, but 2020 was unlike any of the previous years due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Under state orders, the Wheeling Island facility temporarily ceased operations on both the racing and casino sides on March 16. Nearly 12 weeks later on June 5, greyhound racing resumed but without fans until June 24. It is believed to be the longest the racetrack has been shut down since the flood of 1996 when the operation was closed from mid-January until March 1. There were numerous highlights on the track throughout 2020, including the $100,000 Mountaineer Classic, two West Virginia bred stake events and win streaks which generated interest. In addition, a number of youngsters with promising futures opened their careers and the track experienced an influx of racers from other operations. Top greyhound honors went to Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Slick Simon, who posted 17 victories in the shortened season. Next in line was Lester Raines Kennel’s Craigie Pirate with 15 wins. The Lester Raines Kennel, trained by Joel Roden, captured the 2020 kennel championship after finishing runner up to the Blanchard Kennel in 2019. It was Raines’ third crown in the last five years. In the $100,000 Mountaineer Classic in late October, Abrahamson Kennel’s CG’s Penny Shoe closed deep in the stretch to catch Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s TNT Free Falling, the early pacesetter, for a 1 ½-length victory in 29.82 to capture the racetrack’s featured stakes event for 2020. Abrahamson Kennel’s Atascocita Birma rounded out the trifecta ticket – just 2 lengths back. Completing the Mountaineer Classic final field were Penrose Boss (Blanchard Kennel), fourth; Craigie Pirate (Lester Raines Kennel), fifth; AD Black Falcon (Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel), sixth; L’s Luv It (Blanchard Kennel), seventh; and TNT Twister City (Patriot/Taplin Kennel), eighth. CG’s Penny Shoe came up to Wheeling from Tri-State Greyhound Park where he had 27 wins in 2020, including 12 straight Grade AA races. In 2019 at Wheeling, the sprinter finished runner up in the West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juvenile to littermate CG’s Sneaker. In the $35,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juvenile in late September, A Ray Kennel’s Mac’s Tayloranne rocketed to an early lead and then held off Steve Sarras Kennel’s CET Dirty Dilly by a head at the wire in 30.14 to capture the stakes crown. Rounding out the trifecta ticket was Steve Sarras Kennel’s CET Sassy. Completing the final field were Baby Face Nelson (Lester Raines Kennel), fourth; Go On Horse (Abrahamson Kennel), fifth; CET Ozzy (Steve Sarras Kennel), sixth; CET Motley Crew (Steve Sarras Kennel), seventh; and Coach Oh Boy (Patriot/Taplin Kennel), eighth. In the $65,000 WVGOBA Panhandle Championship in late November, Lester Raines Kennel’s RS Perfectionist pulled away in the stretch for a 4-length victory in 30.02. Steve Sarras Kennel’s CET Dirty Dan and CET Godiva rounded out the trifecta ticket. Completing the final field were CET Pistol Pete (Steve Sarras Kennel), fourth; CG’s Penny Shoe (Abrahamson Kennel), fifth; RS’s Kingofkings (Lester Raines Kennel), sixth; Rico’s Dreamer (A Ray Kennel), seventh; and Go On Horse (Abrahamson Kennel), eighth. The longest winning streak during the 2020 racing season was six in a row by Imark Kennel’s Imark Solo. Five of the sprinter’s six wins were in Grade AA. Blanchard Kennel’s HKF Friskyfranny won five straight 3/8th races while five greyhounds won four in a row – Craigie Pirate and JS Wanna Bee (Lester Raines), JSK Roulette (Jacobs Racing), BWC Kreeli (Blanchard) and AMF Whisterical (A Ray). With the closing of all the Florida tracks in December, Wheeling experienced record handles late in the year. For five cards from Dec. 30 through Jan. 3, the track handled $3.4 million. Previous Next

< Back NGA SPRING MEET SCHOOLING RESULTS - WEDNESDAY MAY 27, 2020 Jim Gartland May 27, 2020 54 races scheduled: Dragged after every 10, no watering. Conditions: Partly cloudy, 63 degrees – Track: Fast (SCR = Scratched) RYAN O'DONNELL – (Race 1) 30.41, 30.78, 30.71 GLENN JONES - (Race 2) 31.02, 31.24, 31.46, 31.61, 31.65, 31.12, 32.06 JAY RANGEL - (Race 3) 30.69, 30.65, 30.48, 30.38, 30.85 (run back), 30.70, 30.74, 30.74, 30.63, 30.65, 30.92, 31.27, 30.74, 30.54, 30.80, 32.12, SCR, SCR DAVID STRONG - (Race 4) 30.13 , 30.69, 30.39, 30.51, 30.74, 30.53, 30.43, 30.54, 30.77, 30.32 BIEHLE/FULTON - (Race 13) 30.24, 30.22, 30.31, 30.49, 30.47, 30.65 KENNETH BIEHLE - (Race 37) 31.07, 30.32, 30.53, 30.39, 30.88, 30.70, 30.78, 30.41, 30.65, 30.92, 30.32 Previous Next

< Back WVGOBA JUVENILE KICKS OFF AT WHEELING ISLAND Stan Pawloski Sep 14, 2020 A long shot and two favorites pocketed first round victories as the $35,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juvenile Stakes kicked off Friday afternoon at Wheeling Island. Registering opening round victories were Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Coach Oh Boy, a 16-1 shot, Lester Raines Kennel’s Baby Face Nelson and Abrahamson Kennel’s Go On Horse. Each accumulated 15 points to top the leader board heading into the Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 16, second round. The semifinals will be held on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 20. The juvenile championship final is scheduled for Saturday matinee, Sept. 26. Following are capsule looks at the three first round races: Coach Oh Boy closed in the stretch to post a 1 ½-length victory in 30.79. CET Sophia was second while Mac’s Tayloranne rounded out the trifecta ticket. Baby Face Nelson jumped out to an early lead and was never headed in winning by 1 ½ lengths in 30.25. CET Abercrombie was second while CET Ozzy settled for third. Go On Horse roared out to a big early lead and was never challenged in romping to a 5 ½-length win in 30.25. CET Dirty Dilly closed in the stretch for second with Mac’s Blackbird third. Points after the first qualifying round follow: Coach Oh Boy (Patriot/Taplin), 15 points Baby Face Nelson (Lester Raines), 15 points Go On Horse (Abrahamson), 15 points CET Sophia (Steve Sarras), 10 points CET Abercrombie (Steve Sarras), 10 points CET Dirty Dilly (Steve Sarras), 10 points Mac’s Tayloranne (A Ray), 7 points CET Ozzy (Steve Sarras), 7 points Mac’s Blackbird (A Ray), 7 points Mac’s Lilith (A Ray), 5 points Wild Fuzzle (Xtrem Hess), 5 points Wild Gargamel (Xtrem Hess), 4 points Mac’s Winchester (A Ray), 4 points Go On Missile (Abrahamson), 3 points CET Motley Crew (Steve Sarras), 3 points Mac’s Winchester (A Ray), 3 points CET Wreckitralph (Steve Sarras), 2 points Wild Googlieeyes (Xtrem Hess), 2 points Wild Flossy (Xtrem Hess), 2 points Mac’s Zoro (A Ray), 1 point CET Def Leppard (Steve Sarras), 1 point Coach Podorson (Patriot/Taplin), 1 point Wild Uno (Xtrem Hess), 0 points Coach Oh Yeah (Patriot/Taplin), 0 points Previous Next

< Back FURRY FOUR FIELD SET Shane Bolender Mar 30, 2021 Although upsets were plentiful in the first couple of rounds of the 2021 “Hound Madness” Stakes, once 60 greyhounds got eliminated and we ended up with four remaining for the semi-finals, the “chalk” survived all the chaos, setting up for what should be one heck of a set of match races this coming Friday. The West Region was won by #3 seed Pat C Ram Rod (Gloria Dorsey Kennel), who took out #1 seed Air Ace during the 3rd race on Saturday rather easily, extending an early length lead to 3 ½ lengths by the time the finish line came. That win extended his overall race winning streak to four straight going into the Furry Four round. The Midwest Region was won by #1 seed Craigie Delegate. The Monte Hoopes trained star seems to be the crème of the overall crop as as the red and white fawn male beat #6 seed TMC’s Sweetcraig by 3 ½ lengths to advance. His stat sheet is pretty impressive, as not only has the 69 pound male won his last five starts, but has won 10 of 12 races this year and 14 of 17 career races overall. The East Region was captured by #2 seed JS Keephopealive (Lester Raines Kennel). This is the second entry in the Furry Four field for trainer Monte Hoopes. This is also the only female out of the four remaining greyhounds, making her a rooting favorite to face off against the big boys. Some would argue her path to this stage in the stakes event was the easiest, facing some of the weaker seeds to get here. She easily dispatched #5 seed Eliza Fraser in the “Greyt Eight” round, winning by 6 ½ at the finish line and still pulling away. The fourth and final region (South) was won by #3 seed Aladdin (A Ray Kennel). The red male held off gamely #13 seed XM Stride N by a single lengths in probably the best match race of the four recently contested. Oddly enough, it was also the only race he won outright, as he finished second overall the previous four races. The “tail” of the tape on both races is detailed below. Race #13 on Friday’s performance will feature the JS Keephopealive vs. Aladdin match race while race #16 will feature Craigie Delegate vs. Pat C Ram Rod. The winners of both races will face off for the championship on Friday, April 9th. RACE 13 (Grade SAA) – Friday, April 2, 2021 JS KEEPHOPEALIVE VS. ALADDIN RACE 16 (Grade SAA) – Friday, April 2, 2021 CRAIGIE DELEGATE VS. PAT C RAM ROD Previous Next

< Back WVGOBA JUVENILE STAKES SET Stan Pawloski Sep 8, 2021 The $35,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juvenile Stakes kicks off Friday afternoon, Sept. 10, at Wheeling Island. Four kennels have entered a total of 13 greyhounds – eight from Tri-State Greyhound Park and five from Wheeling Island. The second round will be Wednesday, Sept. 15 and the semi-finals on Sunday, Sept. 19. The juvenile stake final is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25. Entries by kennel follow with the highest grade the greyhounds have reached as well as the track. A Ray – Mac’s New York (Grade B), TS; Mac’s Zhivago (Maiden), TS; Mac’s Evita (Maiden), TS; and Mac’s Pippen (no official races), TS. Code Red Kennel – JA’s Croft (Grade AA), TS; and JA’s Harper (Grade C), TS. Lester Raines – RS’s Dark Night (Grade AA), WD; RS’s Im All In (Grade AA), WD; RS’s Happyharper (Grade A), WD; RS’s Prime Time (Grade B), WD; and RS’s Blue Heaven (Grade C), WD. Patriot/Taplin – Coach Van Winkle (Grade B), TS; and Coach Wonder (Maiden), TS. Previous Next

< Back SPRING MEET POSTPONED Mar 25, 2020 We are collectively navigating these unchartered waters with the corona virus pandemic affecting all of our families, businesses and our way of life. As a result of this pandemic and the issues invoked by Governmental guidelines and regulations, we have been forced to postpone the NGA's spring meet scheduled for April 13th through 17th. We have tentatively rescheduled the meet for the week of May 11th through 15th. However, with so much uncertainty in the world we currently find ourselves living in, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide any updates we can as to the ongoing status of the meet. Please direct any specific questions or concerns about the meet to the NGA office. At this time, the office is operating with limited personnel but will continue with normal hours (M - F, 8:00-5:00) until further notice. However, per Dickinson County Health Department Orders, public access will be limited into the office, so please call ahead if you plan on coming to the NGA office for any reason. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs (as of November 13, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Nov 13, 2023 Charter Kennel’s JSP Hush Money has six straight 3/8 wins (TA, TAA) for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mate JSP Feelthesting has back-to-back Grade AA victories. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s GLS On Demand has six wins, including four in a row, and a second in his last seven 3/16 races (TA, TAA) for trainer Natalie Looper. Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Got Rhythm has won three out of his last four outings (A, AA) for trainer Ron Otto. Code Red Kennel’s AMF Gotta Go has two victories and three seconds in his last five Grade AA races for trainer Tom Engle. Lester Raines Kennel’s GB’s Briar has two wins, a second and a third in his last four trips (A, AA) for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate JS Flamin Hottie has two victories and a second in her last three starts (B, A, AA). Blanchard Kennel’s Easi Gil has back-to-back wins (A, AA) for trainer Chris Maynard. Here is WW Got Rhythm at Wheeling Island on Nov 12, 2023 from the #1 post position. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocQ8JkvUTkE Previous Next

< Back $64,000 SPRINT CLASSIC FIRST-ROUND RESULTS Feb 18, 2020 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The $64,000 Sprint Classic featured a familiar theme on Saturday at Derby Lane. All four first-round winners led at every race call in the track’s premier 550-yard stakes series. Lester Raines kennel’s O Ya Hot Rod, Shoot The Breeze of Floyd, and Lashmet’s LK’s Crush N It and LK’s Santorini defeated their respective opponents by a total of 15-1/2-lengths to earn 16 points apiece. The 32-dog field will be reduced to 16 after qualifying on Wednesday in Races 4 (8:10 p.m.), 6 (8:39), 8 (9:13) and 10 (9:47). Two ensuing rounds will determine finalists for the Feb. 29 championship race. Greyhounds accumulate points in each qualifier based on order of finish on a scale of 16-10-8-6-3-2-1-0. First place pays $25,000. “The better dogs won the races, and the favorites all pretty much came in as expected,’’ Derby Lane racing secretary Les Robison said. Of the four winners, only O Ya Hot Rod was not the public’s wagering favorite. He was the 7-2 second choice and paid $9 to win. Breaking from box 6, the 39-month-old male from a litter by Defrim Bale and O Ya Cindra prevailed by one length in 30.62 seconds under trainer Jennifer Richardson. Shoot The Breeze provided the most impressive performance with an eight-length romp out of post 8 in 30.07 seconds, the third fastest time of the meet. The 28-month-old son of Trent Lee and Danicas Go Daddy paid $2.60 as the prohibitive wagering choice for trainer Randy Floyd. LK’s Crush N It, the reigning national win champion and winner of four career stakes, clocked the second fastest time at 30.22 seconds out of box 3 for trainer Ken Deacon. He won by 4-1/2 lengths and returned $2.80 to win. It was the 70th career triumph from 99 starts for the 38-month-old male from a litter by LK’s Now R Never and LK’s All In. LK’s Santorini, a 34-month-old daughter of LK’s Vespar and LK’s Chardonnay, prevailed by two lengths in 30.57 seconds under Deacon. Starting from post 6, LK’s Santorini returned $4 to win. On Wednesday, Shoot The Breeze (box 2), LK’s Santorini (3) and O Ya Hot Rod (7) drew into Race 10, while LK’s Crush N It drew post 7 in Race 6. “I’m looking forward to Wednesday,’’ Robison said. “The 10th race has got three winners. That could be an exciting race depending on the break. Any one of the three that won the first round could possibly win the second round.’’ Previous Next

< Back 32 GREYHOUNDS ENTERED IN WVGOBA JUVENILE STAKES Stan Pawloski Sep 6, 2023 The $35,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juvenile Stakes kicks off Friday, Sept. 8, at Wheeling Island with a field of 32 sprinters. Six kennels – Code Red, Imark, Steve Sarras, Wayne Ward, Jacobs Racing and Xtrem Hess Racing – have entered West Virginia-bred greyhounds in the stakes event. The second round will be held on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 13, and the semifinals on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 17. The juvenile championship final is scheduled for Saturday matinee, Sept. 23. Entries by kennel follow: Code Red – CG’s Nail Biter, CG’s Sun Storm, CG’s Honesty, Arroyo Deon, Arroyo Duchess and Arroyo Rylee. Imark – CET Bronze, CET Zinc, CET Lithium and CET Nickel. Jacobs – BJ’s Goldie, BJ’s Willie, BJ’s Monte and BJ’s Bodie. Steve Sarras – CET Mist, CET Dirty Skinny, CET Dirty Tom, Gullane, Four Roses, CET Jasper, CET Murphy, Kebo Lucky Lady, TS Adesanya and TS Nate Diaz. Wayne Ward – CET Mc Gregor, CET Mulligan, CET Mc Carthy, CET Valley, CET Flood and CET Murray. Xtrem Hess – Wild Chomp Dude and Wild Blue Bee. Previous Next

< Back STIDHAM CHARGES DOMINATE IOWA BREEDER'S CUP Nov 12, 2020 There definitely was a family feel at the top of the board in the final of the Iowa Breeders’ Cup at Iowa Greyhound Park. JD Elegant, JD Eminence and JD Eclectic finished first, third and fourth. “What a dynamite litter,” said Brian Webb, trainer for Stidham & Brindle Kennel. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime litter. Besides these three, there are two others in grade A.” The trio are from JD Titanium and JD Bombshell, whelped Oct 12, 2018. They also were the top three qualifiers. In the final, Elegant, who has hit the board in 24 of 27 races and has won five of six, broke on top from the 7 box, ahead of her littermates and Slide Off. She held a short lead entering the first turn and slowly pulled away for a five-length win in 31.63. “There was a little jam behind her,” Webb said. “Once she gets the lead, she’s tough to run down.” Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR True Grit, from Boc’s Hank Jr. and Boc’s Destiny, overcame a slow start with a strong rush but was unable to overtake Elegant, who has 12 wins this season. Last year, the Stidham & Brindle entry, JD Revelation, lost by a nose to a hard-charging Revin Devon. The brindle from Copper Kettle Kennel reached the final again, finishing sixth. “We lost by a nose last year,” Webb said. “This year we were definitely ready. It’s a fantastic way to end the year.” Elegant paid $8, $3.40 and $2.60. The victory also held special meaning. “This was a big win for Jon (Stidham, owner),” Webb said. “He’s never won this one. The win is dedicated to his mom, who passed away this spring.” The purse is estimated at $229,000. The winner receives 40%. The remainder is broken down by order of finish: 20%, 10%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5% and 4%. In the consolation race, BGR J Capt Quick broke well and never trailed to grab the title. “Getting the one-hole was key,” said Phil Stapleton, trainer. “He wants the inside.” He held firm to the rail and pulled away for a 3-length win. “Once he got around the turn he was able to get control,” Stapleton said. The red male, from Djays Octane and Boc’s Sweeney, posted a 31.37. He has hit the board in 26 of 32 races and paid $10.20, $6.20 and $3.20. T’s CaptPhasma placed, BGR Goingoingone showed and Babinov fourth. The consolation race purse is $7,500, with $3,000 to the winner. The remainder is based on order of finish: $1,500, $750, $600, $525, $450, $375 and $300. Previous Next

< Back A THANK YOU FROM DON JENSEN Dec 28, 2020 Hello, It is hard to believe that greyhound racing has ended at Derby Lane after 95 years. I was fortunate to be asked to write a pari-mutuel column for the former St. Petersburg Times, beginning in 2004. Although my background was in thoroughbred racing – including a one-year stint as the publicity director at Charles Town Races in West Virginia – I welcomed the opportunity to learn and write about dog racing. My first column for the newspaper involving Derby Lane dogs came on Oct. 30, 2004, featuring a Floyd & Porter greyhound named MN’s Island Anne, who has just missed starting her career by going up the graded ladder undefeated until suffering a Grade A defeat. Trained by the late Cal Holland Jr., those first four wins turned out to be only half of the eight total victories that MN’s Island Anne would register during her lifetime from 49 races. Perhaps, it was fitting that I would begin writing on the Derby Lane (and Tampa Greyhound Track) dogs in that manner. My goal primarily was to spread the wealth of publicity wherever possible. In the past 17 years, I covered All-Americans, Rural Rube champions, Flashy Sir winners, stakes titlists and meet win champions. But when the opportunities arose, I got as much enjoyment to write about dogs and kennels that were not in the spotlight as much as others. I was fortunate to see the final race today at Derby Lane, more than 13 years after seeing the final race at Tampa Greyhound Track on Aug. 18, 2007. I want to thank EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU – kennel operators, trainers, handlers, greyhound owners and track personnel – for treating me respectfully in a way that I’ll never forget. Dealing with the media can be challenging, but I was brought up in the newspaper business with an old-school beliefs, and I always tried to maintain that throughout my coverage while showing respect to the person whom I was speaking with. I quickly became aware of how much care and effort you put into the greyhounds, which required your attention seven days a week on a yearly basis. My best moments, without a doubt, were covering you on stakes championship performances. Many dressed nicely, and the smiles and congratulations were contagious. But as I look back, the little things probably stand out to me just as much. I remember driving to Virginia from Florida one Christmas week when a kennel operator called to wish me Merry Christmas. Then one Saturday evening while dining at a Tampa restaurant, I received a call from another kennel operator who had won a rare kennel championship and wanted to thank me for writing about it. Of course, there were other calls to my residence from kennel personnel thanking me for writing on their athletes, emails that reflected the same thing, and of course, all of the camaraderie at the track. Except for reflecting on my first article, I prefer not to singularly mention any particular kennel-related personnel for fearing of overlooking anyone. But for all the articles I wrote, none would have been possible without your cooperation and trust that I would reflect your thoughts, and bring fair and unbiased coverage to your sport. There are different stages in life that we go through, and for nearly two decades, you became part of my life. Some of the individuals who I met 17 years ago are no longer with us, and I have not forgotten their contributions as well. As we all go into the next chapter of our respective lives, I want to thank you again for your cooperation and friendship that we developed through the years. I feel blessed to have added this chapter in my life, and it is one that I’ll always appreciate and never forget. My prayers are with all of you, and wishing that you find as much happiness as I have in this now-concluded chapter of my life. Again, thank you for letting me be part of your respective lives. Sincerely, Don Jensen Tampa Bay Times Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of January 27, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jan 27, 2020 Jacobs Racing Kennel’s JSK Roulette has four wins and three seconds in her last seven Grade AA trips for trainer Louise Strong. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s CTW Tira Misu has won five out of her last six outings (B, AA) for trainer Joe Otto. Kennel-mates GF La Duena has captured three out of her last four Grade TAA 3/16 races while CBJ Fly Blush has two wins and a second in her last three starts (B, A). Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Butterworth has three straight Grade AA victories for trainer Ron Otto. Lester Raines Kennel’s JS Drinkmepretty has won three out of her last four Grade AA trips for trainer Joel Roden. Blanchard Kennel’s High Wire Willy has captured three out of his last four Grade TAA 3/16 starts for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mate L’s Luv It has two wins and two seconds in her last four Grade AA races. Rangel Kennel’s PJ Felicia has won three out of her last four 3/8 outings (TC, B, TAA) for trainer Alex Hall. Charter Kennel’s PJ Rich The Kid has captured three out of his last four starts (C, B, A) for trainer Jay Falcone. Abrahamson Kennel’s Arkans Honshu has won three out of her last four races (C, B, A) for trainer Tom Engle. Imark Kennel’s Allday Emma has captured three out of her last four trips (C, B, A) for trainer Scott Purdy. Previous Next