Search Results

< Back NGA Spring Meet Schooling Results Jim Gartland Apr 7, 2025 Monday, April 7, 2025 44 races scheduled: Drag after every 10 races. No watering Conditions: Sunny, Cool – 35º start - 45º finish – Track: Fast (HS = Hand Slip (not timed) SCR = Scratched) JAWS RACING – (Race 1) 30.91, 31.32, 31.11, 30.95, 30.90, 30.91, 31.10, 31.11, 30.68, 31.47(run back), 30.81, 31.13, 31.32, 31.08, 31.23, 31.55, 31.40, 31.51, 31.15, 31.69 WOODALL/TAPLIN – (Race 2) 31.02, 30.79 DAVID STRONG – (Race 3) 30.83, 30.64, 30.41, 30.40 , 31.00, 31.03, 31.01 SEASTROM KENNELS - (Race 4) 30.86, 30.78, 31.19, 31.52, 30.98, 31.62, HS JACOBS RACING - (Race 10) 31.14, 31.30, 30.78, 30.98, 31.17 ROBERT GETSO - (Race 30) 32.24, 32.45, 32.52, 34.42 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 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of September 25, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Sep 24, 2023 Blanchard Kennel’s Tenacity has seven victories, including five in a row, and a second in her last eight Grade AA trips for trainer Chris Maynard. Lester Raines Kennel’s LK’s Simone has three wins and a second in her last four Grade AA races for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates GB’s Willow has three straight victories (M, C, B) while JS Bleu Fawn Do has back-to-back wins (B, A). Steve Sarras Kennel’s WW Beastly Wrath has two Grade TAA 3/8 victories in a row for trainer Mike Holguin. A Ray Kennel’s AMF All But Over has three straight wins (C, B, A) for trainer Joe Palmer. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s TNT Steely Dan has back-to-back 3/16 victories (TB, TA) for trainer Cheyney Kuriata. Previous Next

< Back TRISTATE SHOWCASE: EMPIRE MAGNET AND OD CARDANO DUEL IT OUT P. Saul and D. Ciampa Apr 7, 2023 On the evening of Thursday April 6th, two of the better dogs clashed at Tri-State in the Grade AA 11th race. Empire Magnet - kennel name Empire - races for the McMillon/Ward Kennel. They are super proud of Magnet's record at Southland, and the talent the four year old 85 lb dog brought to the TriState kennel. Od Cardano - kennel name Roni - races for Double G Racing under trainer Greg Geter. The two year old 77 lb boy is owned by North Shore Kennel. So far in 2023, OD Cardano had 14 starts with 9 wins, 2 seconds and 1 fourth while Empire Magnet's record is 12 starts with 5 wins, 4 seconds and 1 third. With the field loaded into the start box, Empire Magnet was in the 7 box, and OD Cardano was in the 8 box. When the lid opened, the 2 box dog, GF Lucky Penny, got out in front. Both Empire Magnet and OD Cardano rushed the turn close together in second and third place. However, OD Cardano tried to get to the inside and bumped into Empire Magnet. Empire Magnet just kept running like nothing happened, but OD Cardano offstrided and dropped to fourth. Along the backstretch, OD Cardano got back on stride and was in third place. With GF Lucky Penny still in the lead coming into the stretch but taking a wide turn, Empire Magnet drives on while being chased by Od Cardano. Empire Magnet crossed the finish line first, with OD Cardano following for second place 1.5 lengths behind. When asked how trainer Christopher Grieb thought of Empire's effort, "He’s the biggest dog in the race and he’s got to act like it. He got to the turn in second and shoulder to shoulder with a dog who already had 9 wins this season. Empire being the bigger dog, put his shoulder into the other dog and kept his momentum." Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of January 11, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jan 11, 2026 Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Miss Popular has won three out of her last four Grade AA races for trainer Richard Taylor. Kennel-mate Time Stamp has two wins and a third in her last three Grade AA trips. Lester Raines Kennel’s Neon Light Speed has captured four out of his last five 3/16 starts (TA, TAA) for trainer Joel Roden. Code Red Kennel’s Arroyo Amanda has won three out of her last four outings (A, AA) for trainer Tom Engle. Kennel-mate Kwik Navy has back-to-back wins (B, A). Wayne Ward Kennel’s WV’s Lindy Point has two straight victories (A, AA) for trainer Ron Otto. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of February 24, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Feb 24, 2020 Blanchard Kennel’s L’s Luv It has six wins and three seconds in her last nine Grade AA races for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Lester Raines Kennel’s JS Drinkmepretty has four victories and a second in her last five Grade AA trips for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Kelsos Ukulele has back-to-back Grade AA wins. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Intrigue has two victories and two seconds in her last four Grade AA starts for trainer Louise Strong. Kennel-mate Simply Simple has back-to-back wins (B, A). Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s RS’s Hammerdown has two straight 3/8 victories (B, TAA) for trainer Joe Otto. Steve Sarras Kennel’s Wobble Baby has back-to-back wins (B, A) for trainer Barb Long. A Ray Kennel’s AMF Got It Good has two victories in a row (B, A) for trainer Joe Palmer. Previous Next

< Back AVATAR PASSES AWAY Jim Gartland Aug 24, 2021 We are sad to report that superstar SH Avatar has passed away. The nation's leading sire and all time leading money earner had been living the life of a pet at the home of former trainer, Darren Flahive in Kansas City. Over the last few weeks he had developed some lumps which turned out to be cancerous. Bob Hardison relayed that "his age and advancing condition all but eliminated any surgical possibilities and it was clear he was beginning to suffer, so we (Bob, Tom Sugihara, Toye Cole and Darren) decided to have him euthanized." He will be missed but his legend and progeny will carry on for many years. Avatar was recently selected for induction into the Greyhound Hall of Fame. That ceremony will take place at this year's fall meet. RIP to the legendary SH Avatar. Previous Next

< Back FLORENTINE CAPTURES 2022 WHEELING WIN LEADER CROWN Stan Pawloski Jan 24, 2023 Sprint star Rob Gronkowski was in the national spotlight in 2013-14, earning All-American honors both years and the captaincy of the 2013 team while racing at Palm Beach and Southland. Now, one of his offspring, Florentine, is making headlines at Wheeling Island. In Florentine’s first full season of racing in 2022, the sprinter captured the Wheeling track win championship with 22 victories to earn top greyhound honors. Oshkosh Edward was runner up with 20 wins while Seven Summers and Xtrem Chicken both posted 19 victories. Florentine, a February 2020 greyhound out of Rob Gronkowski-PJ Sour Diesel, races out of the Steve Sarras Kennel at Wheeling. Both Florentine and Rob Gronkowski are owned by Sarras. “When Florentine broke in at Wheeling (late 2021), I thought she had the potential to be a really nice Grade AA greyhound. As for being the track win leader, we didn’t start paying attention until late in the season when she was among the leaders,” Sarras said. “She’s the first win leader I have ever had and being a daughter of Gronk, the best greyhound I have ever owned, makes it even more special. To win 22 races against the level of competition at Wheeling is quite an accomplishment. I am so proud of her.” Florentine started the 2022 campaign rather slowly – her fourth win of the year didn’t come until mid-April. She had two victories in January, none in February, one in March and her fourth on April 14. In late April through early June, Florentine caught fire. The speedster captured seven out of nine Grade AA races, including five in a row at one point. “She can be a streaky greyhound. Florentine locked horns with a lot of the other win leaders in some of her races, so to post five straight victories was pretty impressive,” Sarras said. It was the first of three hot streaks Florentine had in 2022. In late August into September, she won four out of five Grade AA trips and during a stretch in October through early December, she had 5 wins and 5 seconds in 12 Grade AA races. The late surge put Florentine atop the win leaderboard. Like her father, Rob Gronkowski, Florentine’s game is getting into her races quickly. “She’s not the greatest breaker but has a tremendous rush to the corner. Her biggest strength is her rush. All she needs is a clean lane to the first turn,” Sarras said. “Gronk could break last in a race, but still rush to the top by the first turn. Gronk had and Florentine has a lot of grit.” Sarras prefers Florentine draw an outside post. “Although she can rush from any hole with an opening, I like her on the outside where nothing can slash down on her,” Sarras said. “She gives everything she has and sometimes when she exerts so much energy going to the first turn, she can come up a little short in the stretch.” In addition to her speed, Florentine possesses track sense and desire. “She’s a smart greyhound who picks and chooses her spots. To win that many races, you got to have racing smarts as well as talent and luck,” Sarras said. “She’s has a lot of desire. She knows when it’s race time and she lives for the moment.” Florentine started out 2023 with a bang, winning her first three starts by 5, 3 ½ and 2 ½ lengths. While Florentine topped the leader board with 22 victories, 19 other greyhounds won at least 12 races in 2022 at Wheeling Island. The 2022 Wheeling Island win leaderboard and kennel follows: 22 – Florentine (Steve Sarras) 20 – Oshkosh Edward (Charter) 19 – Seven Summers (Charter), Xtrem Chicken (Xtrem Hess Racing) 18 – Imark Trixie (Imark) 17 – Jack Parkman (Charter) 15 – SNL Sir Liam (Lester Raines), Atta Boy Angus (Charter), Loyal Cmn In Hot (Blanchard), BGR Jaded (Brad Boeckenstedt) 14 – CET Dirty Dan (Steve Sarras), JS Slush Fund (Lester Raines), JS Makeitsnappy (Lester Raines), O Ya Paws (Code Red) 13 – SNL Ramey (Lester Raines), JS Rob Stone (Blanchard), Marlyn Mason (Jacobs Racing), Saber Enzo (Imark) 12 – RS Big D (Lester Raines), Frappe (Blanchard). Steve Sarras Kennel’s Florentine was the track win champion at Wheeling Island in 2022 with 22 victories. The sprinter is held by Nikolas Sarras. Previous Next

< Back DERBY LANE WELCOMES BACK FANS May 20, 2020 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Derby Lane welcomed back patrons on Wednesday. After losing 49 performances to the coronavirus pandemic, the greyhound track resumed racing May 8 with no fans allowed on the premises. That changed Wednesday, when patrons were allowed back and the poker room was reopened. The card room will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. with 50 percent capacity. Twenty-six of its 52 tables are available with a limit of six players per table. Derby Lane also is opening its fourth-floor simulcast area. The track has made several changes to ensure safety for its employees and patrons, including plexiglass dividers, social distancing markings, regular cleaning and disinfectant practices. Derby Lane, which currently holds matinees daily at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, is adding a Saturday evening performance at 7:30 p.m., beginning May 30. All performances feature 15 races. Lester Raines entered Wednesday as the win leader in the 14-kennel standings with 145 victories, 16 ahead of both ABC Racing and Capabal. Shoot The Breeze of Floyd kennel has the meet’s most victories among greyhound runners with 13. Previous Next

< Back RS'S PRIME TIME CAPTURES WVGOBA KEYSTONE STAKES Stan Pawloski Nov 30, 2021 Lester Raines Kennel’s RS’s Prime Time romped to victory Saturday afternoon in the final of the $65,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Keystone Championship at Wheeling Island. Breaking from the seven box, RS’s Prime Time rocketed out to an early lead and was never challenged in winning the 3/8th stake event by 5 lengths in 38.33. CET Dirty Gurly (Steve Sarras) took runner up honors while JA’s Moon Man (Code Red) rounded out the trifecta ticket. Completing the Keystone final finish were Mac’s Choo (A Ray), fourth; Mac’s Zhivago (A Ray), fifth; GLS Fast Food (Jacobs Racing), sixth; Macs Chapman (A Ray), seventh; and RS’s Blue Heaven (Lester Raines), eighth. RS’s Prime Time, sent to post as the overwhelming favorite, is owned by Kelly Jo Salem and trained by Joel Roden. Previous Next

< Back DERBY LANE LOSING TOP DOG Aug 17, 2020 Goodbye, Florida. Hello, Arkansas. Hi Noon Ruger, the Derby Lane meet win leader, left the Florida West Coast track in style on Saturday in what may have been her final start in the Sunshine State. After scoring her eighth victory from 10 starts at the current six-month meet, Hi Noon Ruger was scheduled to leave Derby Lane today (Monday) for Southland Racing in West Memphis, Ark., where racing purses are higher. Nova kennel manager and trainer Missy Kubitz announced the move on Saturday, hours before her dog’s four-length victory in 30.65 seconds - the second fastest time among 111 greyhounds who competed that evening on the 550-yard course. It was her career-tying fourth consecutive victory, and eighth win in the past nine outings. “I will miss her a lot,’’ Kubitz said. “She’s on top of my list for my favorites. She gets her McDonald’s biscuit and egg every day.’’ Hi Noon Ruger, a 28-month-old female from a litter by two-time All-America first-team member SH Avatar and Hi Noon Wheezy, leaves Derby Lane with three more victories than any greyhound since the current meet began July 1. All eight wins came at the Grade A level, helping the Hans Limmer-owned Nova kennel to a 30-16 advantage over Lashmet for most top-grade victories at Derby Lane. Owned by Charles Haliburton III, Hi Noon Ruger will be relocating for the fourth time since starting her career in October 2019. She ran two stints at Derby Lane sandwiched between a two-month stay earlier this year at Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque, Texas. Only two of Hi Noon Ruger’s 17 career wins came in the Lone Star State, where she made five starts. At Derby Lane, the 63-pound athlete prevailed in 15 of 29 races – all at 550 yards. Ask Kubitz one of the things that she remembers about Hi Noon Ruger and it doesn’t take long to answer. “Her first (official) race at Derby Lane,’’ Kubitz said. On Oct. 26, 2019, Hi Noon Ruger was the 7-5 wagering favorite in her career debut after finishing first and third in two schooling races. She failed to finish the race. “In her first maiden race, she got over to the far turn (entering the stretch),’’ Kubitz said. “She had to be four or five (lengths) in front, and she stopped. Her ears went up, and she ducked into the rail. The lure had gone through the turn already, and she lost sight of it and she stopped. She thought the race was over.’’ The comment in her racing line reads: “Checked (on the) second turn-rail.’’ After that, Hi Noon Ruger began to shine. She won three subsequent schooling races by a total of 16 lengths, and finished first in her next two official starts by three and two lengths, respectively. Hi Noon Ruger advanced to Grade A on June 6, where she has been ever since – winning 11 of 16 races. Her only two losses at the current meet were a pair of seconds, losing by a nose and a neck, respectively. Hi Noon Ruger’s career-best time at Derby Lane was 30.41 seconds. “When I first broke that litter in, I thought (Hi Noon Ruger) was the fastest one,’’ Kubitz said. “She was just so fast. . . . She didn’t know how fast she could run. “She had to mature. It took her until this year to really figure it out. “She doesn’t have any box speed, but she’s got a good rush to the turn, and then she can just go from there. She’s got late speed, so she can come from behind and catch you. She’s just so calm. You open her crate and she rolls over and you can pet her belly. . . . She smiles from ear to ear with that big old toothy grin. “It’s a pleasure just to watch her.’’ Previous Next