< Back WHEELING HOT DOGS ( AS OF MARCH 13, ALL RACES 5/16 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ) Stan Pawloski Mar 21, 2023 Lester Raines Kennel’s SNL Sir Liam has four wins and a second in his last five Grade AA starts for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates SNL Karma has three victories and two seconds in her last five outings (B, A, AA), JS Xtra Fancy has back-to-back 3/8 wins (TA, TAA) and JS Bud Lite Nite has won three out of his last four races (C, B, A). Blanchard Kennel’s Artex Pumbaa has back-to-back Grade AA victories for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mate Easi Utley has two wins and a second in his last three trips (A, AA). Rangel Kennel’s Pat C Dog Patch has three straight victories (B, A, AA) for trainer Alex Hall. Kennel-mate Ace Hottakiwaki has captured three out of his last four starts (D, C, B). Charter Kennel’s Tequila Time has back-to-back wins (B, A) for trainer James Campbell. Steve Sarras Kennel’s Nashvilleinferno has three victories in a row (M, D, C) for trainer Mike Holguin. Previous Next

< Back NGA FALL MEET WRAP UP Jim Gartland Oct 19, 2021 In spite of the light number of pups consigned, the fall auction has to be considered a success. 140 pups were entered in the meet with 70 consigned to the auction. After a week of schooling and two rounds of races the consignors walked their charges into the ring at the Hall of Fame early Friday morning. When all was said and done, 34 race meet pups had been sold for a total of $363,000. The top selling greyhound was LS Zoom who was owned and consigned by David Strong & Jill Lashmet . Zoom went to Tom Ferris for a cool $37,500. LK's Simone , raced by David Strong and owned by Jill Lashmet sold for $30,000 and went to Lester Raines . Vince Berland consigned a couple of broods to the auction and they brought $5,500 and $2,500. Several items including a print, a stud service and a surprise donation of a giveaway pup raised some $2,550 in donations to the Hall of Fame. Thanks to J oe Frenette, Jill Lashmet, Bob Crossland, HS Auction Co . and Leslie Csokasy for those contributions. The overall top seller in the meet was David Strong who sold 16 pups either solely or in partnerships for $203,500. The biggest buyer at the meet was Norm Rader who bought $63,000 worth of stock. Previous Next

< Back BLANCHARD CAPTURES 2019 WHEELING KENNEL CHAMPIONSHIP Stan Pawloski Jan 13, 2020 When the Blanchards were booked at Wheeling Island in July 2017, trainer James E. Blanchard was confident the kennel would be competitive. He was right. After posting nearly 300 wins in just a half season of racing their first year, Blanchard battled the Lester Raines Kennel down to the wire in 2018 before coming up two wins short of the kennel championship. In 2019, the Blanchard Kennel took command a couple months in and never looked back in capturing their first kennel crown at Wheeling Island. The Blanchard Kennel amassed 575 victories in 2019, just off their 581 total the year before. Defending kennel champion Lester Raines took runner up honors with 507 wins, while Jacobs Racing finished third with 497. For Blanchard, their goal every year is to shoot for the top spot. “It’s a great feeling to win the kennel championship after being so close the year before … we worked hard for it which makes it special, a big accomplishment. To be top kennel, you need to have a lot of talented greyhounds and be lucky,” Blanchard said. “Wheeling is a forgotten gem. We aren’t booked at Southland, but we treat this place as our Southland. That’s another reason why we’ve been successful in Wheeling.” The Blanchard family also has two bookings at Orange Park in Florida – the Jim Blanchard Kennel and the Double J Kennel – which they use as a stepping-stone to Wheeling. “We break in most of our pups at Orange Park before picking the ones we feel will be a good fit for Wheeling. We like to give them 20 to 25 starts so they can learn how to race and get experience,” Blanchard said. “The hard work put in by my father Jim, trainers Mark Blair and Chris Maynard as well as their employees at Orange Park is a big factor in keeping us competitive at Wheeling.” Next in line behind Blanchard (575), Lester Raines (507) and Jacobs Racing (497) in the final 2019 standings were Patriot/Taplin (494), Brad Boeckenstedt (451), Charter (442), Xtrem Hess Racing (429), Steve Sarras (417), Abrahamson (416), Rangel (415), Wayne Ward (394), Imark (346) and A Ray (341). The Blanchard Kennel had nine greyhounds reach double figures in wins, including three in the racetrack’s top five – L’s Griz (25), High Wire Willy (19) and L’s Luv It (18). “L’s Griz is the best greyhound I’ve ever raced … he can do it all – go to the front or come from behind. L’s Luv It has been so consistent and can race from any hole which is a big advantage at Wheeling,” Blanchard said. “High Wire Willy has been a diamond in the rough. He came in from Ebro and turned into one of the track’s top 330-yard sprinters.” Other double-digit winners for the Blanchard Kennel were Arkans Scrappy (13), Vicki Of Ruckus and For The Birds (12 each), GR’s Breeze (11), Disco Mania and JW Concepcion (10 each). Three greyhounds had nine victories each – LNT Batman, LNT Iron Man and Priscilla Barnes. Blanchard credited his Wheeling crew – wife Sarah Blanchard, Sheri Comer and Gina Hall – for playing a key role in the kennel’s success in 2019 as well as the owners of greyhounds leased to the kennel to race. “They’ve all been a part of our success and we couldn’t do it without them,” Blanchard said. “They are a big part of our team.” As for 2020, Blanchard expects a competitive fight for the top spot in the kennel standings. “A lot of our top greyhounds are getting a little older, so we need to rebuild our kennel,” Blanchard said. “Hopefully we have a good group of pups come in this year. It’ll be a battle again, but I love the competition.” Handling the greyhounds is a passion for Blanchard, too. “I’ve been around greyhounds my whole life. It’s what I want to do,” Blanchard said. “Each day I wake up and can’t wait to get to the kennel. How many young kids want to grow up and be a greyhound trainer? Not many, but I did.” While Blanchard garnered the most wins in 2019, Patriot/Taplin had the most seconds (556). Blanchard was tops in thirds (544) and fourths (524). Blanchard and Jacobs Racing were the leaders in win percentage with 14 percent followed by Lester Raines, Brad Boeckenstedt and Charter with 13 percent. Jacobs Racing led all kennels with a 42 percent trifecta mark. Blanchard and Lester Raines were next with 40 percent. Topping the charts in starts was Blanchard (4,075) followed by Patriot/Taplin (4,020) and Abrahamson (3,672). Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as June 20, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jun 20, 2022 Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Keeper Cry has won four out of his last five Grade AA races for trainer Jill Spicer. Kennel-mate XB Tweak has three wins in a row (C, B, A). Lester Raines Kennel’s SNL Ramey has four victories and two seconds in her last six Grade TAA 3/16 starts for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate JS Phat Chic has back-to-back wins (A, AA). Wayne Ward Kennel’s Memphis Minnie has back-to-back Grade AA victories for trainer Ron Otto. Imark Kennel’s Sharpdressedman has three straight wins (C, B, A) for trainer DiAnn Derr. A Ray Kennel’s AMF Exemplar has back-to-back victories (B, A) for trainer Joe Palmer. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s RR Cheer Leader has three wins in a row (D, C, B) for trainer Joe Otto. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs (as November 21, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Nov 22, 2022 Steve Sarras Kennel’s CET Dirty Dan has eight wins and two seconds in his last 10 starts (SAA, AA) for trainer Jay Falcone. Kennel-mate Florentine has two victories and a second in his last three Grade AA races while Steve Novotney has back-to-back wins (B, A). Lester Raines Kennel’s SNL Sir Liam has three victories and a second in his last four Grade AA trips for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates RS’s Dark Night (AA) and Super C Amega (C, B, A) have won three out of their last four outings while Teaser’s Twist has back-to-back wins (B, A). Jacobs Racing Kennel’s My Bank Account has captured three out of her last four Grade AA starts for trainer Louise Strong. Charter Kennel’s Atta Boy Angus has four wins and four seconds in his last eight Grade TAA 3/16 races for trainer James Campbell. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Xtrem Kitty Cat has back-to-back victories (A, AA) for trainer Jill Spicer. Rangel Kennel’s VJ Sipnonpatron has two wins and a second in his last three trips (B, A) for trainer Alex Hall. Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Cuddlebug has three straight victories (D, C, B) for trainer Ron Otto. Imark Kennel’s Kentucky DB has won three out of his last four outings (M, D, C) for trainer DiAnn Derr. Previous Next

< Back DERBY LANE NOTES Dec 14, 2020 As Derby Lane heads toward the end of its current six-month meet on Dec. 27, Watson Racing appears headed toward its first kennel championship at the 95-year-old greyhound facility. Watson Racing, which joined the Florida West Coast roster on Oct. 7, 2019, won 12 races in seven performances in the past week to raise its front-running total to 242 victories. It leads three-time kennel champion Everett Racing by seven wins. Everett Racing lost ground in the previous week with 11 victories. With Brittany Castle serving as the trainer, Watson Racing added to its lead on the Saturday evening performance with four wins. Capabal kennel is third in the standings with 227 victories, followed by reigning kennel champion Lester Raines at 226 and Abernathy at 214. Abernathy tied Watson Racing with 12 wins in the previous week. Cal Holland kennel was the only other operation to reach double digits in victories for the week with 10. Derby Lane is working with 13 kennels after former two-time leading operation Bartley Corporation left on Nov. 30. This past week, Derby Lane reduced its racing schedule on Monday through Thursday to 12 races per performance, down from 15. It continues to provide 15 races on the Friday matinee card, and both performances (afternoon and evening) on Saturday. LK’s Santorini of Lashmet kennel continues to lead all greyhounds in wins at the current meet with 19 from 29 starts. Deco Colt Gun of Nova kennel is second at 15 victories out of 35 outings. A 44-month-old female from a litter by LK’s Vespar and LK’s Chardonnay, LK’s Santorini recorded a four-length victory this past Wednesday in her first start following a four-week layoff. She clocked the 550-yard course in 30.82 seconds as the 3-5 wagering favorite. Trained by kennel manager Ken Deacon for breeders and owners John and Jill Lashmet of Eaton, Colo, LK’s Santorini is seeking her first meet top-dog title. She has 66 lifetime victories from 144 starts with more than $50,000 in earnings. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of May 17, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski May 17, 2026 Lester Raines Kennel’s LNS Ritzi Go Go has five wins and two seconds in her last eight Grade AA trips for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Wanderlusts Call has back-to-back 3/16 victories (B, TA). Code Red Kennel’s FF Whirlwind has four wins, a second and a third in her last six Grade TAA 3/16 starts for trainer Tom Engle. Blanchard Kennel’s Lyl Ark Bernadet has won three out of her last four trips (A, AA) for trainer Chris Maynard. Kennel-mate Bulldozer Mozer has back-to-back Grade AA victories. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s ML Side Pocket has three straight wins (B, A, AA) for trainer Natalie Looper. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Forest’s Goal has back-to-back Grade TAA 3/16 victories for trainer Cheyney Kuriata. Previous Next

< Back CG'S HONESTY CAPTURES WVGOBA JUVENILE Stan Pawloski Sep 25, 2023 CG’s Honesty rocketed out to the early lead and never looked back in romping to a 7-length victory in the final of the $35,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juveniles Stakes at Wheeling Island Saturday afternoon. Breaking from the five-hole, CG’s Honesty – racing out of the Code Red Kennel and trained by Tom Engle – dominated from start to finish. The 2-year-old was sent to post at 6-1 odds despite being the top qualifier for the championship final after recording a pair of wins and a second in the preliminary rounds. Littermate CG’s Sun Storm (Code Red) took runner up honors while CET Mist (Steve Sarras) 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. CG’s Honesty, a September 2021 greyhound out of Jax Yardley-CG’s Lady Bug, had 6 wins, 3 seconds, 3 thirds and 5 fourths in 19 starts at Tri-State Greyhound Park, before shipping up to Wheeling Island for the Juvenile Stakes. She is owned by Janice C. Abrahamson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVmHVzwOWro Previous Next

< Back Wheeling kennels on fire, post big days Stan Pawloski May 6, 2024 Two Wheeling kennels – Lester Raines and Jacobs Racing – lit up the tote board with winners on two separate days this past week. On the Thursday program, the Joel Roden-trained Lester Raines Kennel posted seven wins – Summerly, JS Leap Of Faith, JS Mismarymackin, JS Up In Flames, JS Reema, Calmbefordastorm and JS Smalltowngirl. During the Saturday card, the Natalie Looper-handled Jacobs Racing Kennel had six victories – GLS Ondemand, Sparks Fly, Bane, O Ya Sammy, Foolish Behavior and Stronglikeabull. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of May 8, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski May 8, 2023 Steve Sarras Kennel’s Florentine has three straight Grade AA victories for trainer Mike Holguin. Charter Kennel’s Oneofthegoodones and Cheater Slicks have won three out of their last four Grade AA races for trainer James Campbell. Blanchard Kennel’s Stars Align has three straight 3/8 wins (TB, TA, TAA) for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mates Artex Pumbaa has back-to-back Grade AA victories while Tenacity has three wins and two seconds in her last five outings (C, B, A). A Ray Kennel’s AMF Gotworktodo has two victories and a second in his last three trips (A, AA) for trainer Joe Palmer. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s B Luna Eclipse has two wins and two seconds in her last four races (B, A) for trainer Jill Spicer. Previous Next

< Back WHEELING TRACK ANNIVERSARY: TOP STAKES FINAL FIELDS, NO. 3 AND NO. 4 Stan Pawloski Aug 21, 2023 Down through the years, Wheeling has had a rich tradition in greyhound stakes competition. Fans have been blessed with the chance to see some of the all-time greats in some of the track’s most memorable moments. The month of August marks 47 years of Wheeling greyhound racing and with assistance from local greyhound historian Robin Reed, a list of the top eight all-time Wheeling stakes final fields has been put together. Selected as the best of the best stakes championship fields follow: No. 1 – the 1987 $60,000 Wheeling Challenge Invitational No. 2 – the 1984 $145,000 West Virginia Classic No. 3 – the 1984 $80,000 West Virginia Commissioner’s Cup No. 4 – the 1977 $11,000 Thomas F. Shehan Sprint Classic No. 5 – the 2001 $35,000 Spring Classic No. 6 – the 1982 $55,000 City of Wheeling Sprint No. 7 – the 2008 $100,000 Wheeling Island Invitational No. 8 – the 2004 $50,000 Couch Potato Stakes. "Wheeling stakes racing has created some of the most indelible memories in the track's great 47-year history," Reed said. "I love having the opportunity to bring those moments to life again for both veteran fans such as myself who have shared in the experience and new fans to Wheeling racing who may not be aware of the track's remarkable past." Today’s article looks at No. 4 – the 1977 $11,000 Thomas F. Shehan Sprint Classic and No. 3 – the 1984 $80,000 West Virginia Commissioner’s Cup. 1977 Thomas F. Shehan Sprint Classic (ranked No. 4) Friday evening, Nov. 18, 1977 The championship final field featured two All-American greyhounds, Rooster Cogburn and Highway Robber. In addition, Rooster Cogburn was voted into the U.S. Greyhound Hall of Fame. Five out of the other six finalists made stakes championships during their careers with a pair winning the events. The field included four Wheeling racers – Slick Genius, unbeaten in the qualifying round races, Dixie Miler, Cool Highway and E.Z. Ike. From the rail out, the finalists and their achievements follow: 1-COOL HIGHWAY (Steubenville Kennel) - Winner of the 1978 West Virginia Classic - Second in the 1977 Wheeling Spring Derby - Second in the 1978 Wheeling Downs Sprint Championship - Finalist in the 1978 City of Wheeling Stakes - 61 career wins - 1977 Wheeling mark (63-25-19-9), second in wins 2-DIXIE MILER (James G. Conlen Kennel) - Second in the 1977 Wheeling Top Dog Stakes - 1976 Wheeling win champ, 14 wins - 1977 Wheeling record (36-18-11-2) 3-SF’S TAIN’T SO (Steubenville Kennel) - Third in the 1977 Wonderland Battle of Ages - Finalist in the 1978 Wheeling Downs Sprint Championship - 1978 Wheeling record (52-18-14-10) 4-HIGHWAY ROBBER (Wayne Strong Kennel) - 1976 All American - Winner of the 1974 NGA Futurity - Winner of the 1976 Wonderland Inaugural - Second in the 1976 Orlando Derby - Second in the 1976 Biscayne Inaugural - Second in the 1976 Orlando Inaugural - Second in the 1977 St. Petersburg Derby - Finalist in the 1977 Derby Lane Sprint Classic - 52 career wins 5-ROOSTER COGBURN (Wayne Strong Kennel) - U.S. Greyhound Hall of Fame - 1977 All-American - Second in the 1977 Wonderland Battle of Ages - Finalist in the 1978 Hollywood World Classic - 1977 racing record (87-43-17-5) - 59 career wins 6-JAMES G . (J. Johnson & Son Kennel) - Raced at Mobile, ALA 7-E.Z. IKE (Julian Dial Kennel) - Finalist in the 1978 Wheeling Downs Sprint Championship - 1978 Wheeling win co-champ (53-27-4-5) 8-SLICK GENIUS (Julliene J. Goble Kennel) - Winner of the 1977 City of Wheeling Stakes - Third in the 1979 Wheeling Downs Sprint Championship - Finalist in the 1978 Wheeling Downs Sprint Championship - 51 career wins at Wheeling - 1977 Wheeling record (64-30-6-7) In the championship final, All-American Rooster Cogburn lived up to his pre-race publicity when he rushed to the early lead and never looked back in drawing away to a 6-length victory in 31.39 on a track rated “slow.” Florida invader SF’s Tain’t So took runner up honors while local star Slick Genius was third. Completing the finish were Highway Robber, fourth; Dixie Miler, fifth; Cool Highway, sixth; James G., seventh; and E.Z. Ike, eighth. Rooster Cogburn had two wins and a second in the three qualifying rounds. Three new wagering marks were set in the stake final – new total pool of $24,316, new quiniela mark of $12,862 and a win, place and show standard of $5,992. 1984 West Virginia Commissioner’s Cup (ranked No. 3) Friday evening, Oct. 26, 1984 The final featured two All-Americans – two-time honoree My Tipper and Blue Twinkle. My Tipper also won the NGA Rural Rube Award as the country’s top sprinter. Six out of the eight finalists made stake championships. From the rail out, the finalists and their accomplishments follow: 1-BLUE TWINKLE (Julian Dial Kennel) - 1984 All-American - Winner of the 1984 Orange Park Derby - Winner of the 1984 Jacksonville Derby - Winner of the 1984 & 1985 Bayard Derby - Second in the 1984 Greyhound Grand Prix - Finalist in the 1984 West Virginia Classic - Set track record on Jacksonville’s 5/16th (30.47) and 3/8th (37.54) courses - Set Bayard’s 3/8 track record (37.77) - 72 career wins 2-K’S DOUBLE K (Dick Andrews Kennel) - Third in the 1984 Tampa Future Champions Preview 3-ZAMBELLIS - Winner of the 1984 Phoenix Derby - 13-race consecutive win streak - 52 career wins 4-MAGNIFICAT (Steubenville Kennel) - Winner of the 1985 Hollywood World Classic - Finalist in the 1984 Biscayne Florida/World Challenge - Set Flagler 5/16 track record (30.73) 5-I’M GANGSTER (E.J. Alderson Kennel) - Second in wins at Wheeling in 1984 (63-29-14-4) 6-M’S BEST BET (Haber Racing Kennel) - 1984 Wheeling record (39-13-9-3) 7-MY RED STREAK (Steubenville Kennel) - Winner of the 1985 Flagler Derby - Winner of the 1984 Ebro Derby - Finalist in the 1985 Hollywood World Classic - Finalist in the 1985 West Virginia Commissioner’s Cup 8-MY TIPPER (British-Mountaineer Kennel) - 1984 & 1985 All-American - 1985 Rural Rube Award winner (top U.S. sprinter) - Winner of the 1984 Hollywood Inaugural - Winner of the 1985 Florida/World Challenge - Winner of the 1986 Biscayne Irish-American - Third in the 1985 West Virginia Commissioner’s Cup - Finalist in the 1985 Hollywood World Classic - Set three 5/16th track records at Wheeling (29.73, 29.91, 29.97) In the championship final, 7/5 favorite My Tipper set a world record time when the sprinter stopped the clock in a sizzling 29.73 in capturing the stake trophy. My Tipper broke fifth from the eight-hole but rushed up into the lead by a length over Blue Twinkle around the first turn. The champion never looked back as he pulled away for a 5-length victory in record time. Blue Twinkle took runner up honors while Magnificat, despite trouble, rounded out the trifecta ticket. Completing the final field were K’s Double K, fourth; Zambellis, fifth; My Red Streak, sixth; M’s Best Bet, seventh; and I’m Gangster, eighth. In the first round of the West Virginia Commissioner’s Cup, My Tipper set a new Wheeling track mark with a time of 29.97, then lowered his own record with a world record time of 29.91 in the third round. The old mark of 29.95 was set at Naples-Ft. Myers, FL, earlier in the year. Owned by James O’Donnell, Jr., My Tipper – a sprinter from Mobile, Ala., -- had four victories and a second in the five preliminary rounds. Previous Next