< 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 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as May 30, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski May 23, 2022 Charter Kennel’s Seven Summers (TAA 3/8) has won four out of his last five Grade TAA 3/8 races for trainer James Campbell. Steve Sarras Kennel’s Florentine has three straight Grade AA wins for trainer Jay Falcone. Lester Raines Kennel’s JS Light My Fire has back-to-back victories (B, A) for trainer Joel Roden. Code Red Kennel’s Blast Off Speed has captured three out of his last four outings (D, C, B) for trainer Tom Engle. Previous Next

< Back BB Treetop Lover breaks Wheeling 3/16th track record Stan Pawloski Apr 21, 2026 BB Treetop Lover has raced his name into the Wheeling record books. On Wednesday afternoon, April 1, the Lester Raines Kennel 330-yard super sprinter broke the 3/16th track record when he stopped the clock in 16.50 seconds. Breaking from the five box, BB Treetop Lover grabbed an early lead and never looked back in posting a 2-length victory in a Grade TAA race. The old mark of 16.65 was set by JS Cowboy Joe (Lester Raines Kennel) on Aug. 2, 2025. Before JS Cowboy Joe set his mark, another Lester Raines greyhound, Atascocita Santo, and UBX Crackereater (Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel) shared the record with a 16.74 time. BB Treetop Lover, a May 2023 greyhound out of Shima Shine-Hope’s Triumph, is trained by Joel Roden and owned by Suzanne Blair and Brian Platz. Previous Next

Learn about the National Greyhound Association and dog racing in North America. Gain insight to the fasted dog breed in the world and the greyhound professionals who steward the breed to perfection! Rooted in Tradition Since 1906 The National Greyhound Association (NGA), is a voluntary non-profit association operated in accordance with the laws of Kansas. The NGA is officially recognized by the entire greyhound racing industry—namely, all greyhound racetracks and individual racing jurisdictions, as well as foreign greyhound registries and governing bodies—as the sole registry for racing greyhounds on the North American continent., primarily the United State and Mexico. Organized in 1906, the National Greyhound Association has functioned in this capacity as the sole registry ever since the inception of greyhound track racing in the United States for more than 2,000 greyhound owners and breeders whose Greyhounds compete at tracks throughout the United States and Mexico. Records on all breedings, litters whelped, individual registrations, transfers, leases, etc., are maintained at the NGA’s headquarters in Abilene, Kansas. The NGA’s rigid identification system, the envy of other pari-mutuel racing and animal registries, has played an integral role in maintaining the sport’s impressive reputation as a creditable, major spectator sport. It also is a primary concern and goal of the NGA to promote the improvement and development of the greyhound breed itself, through maintenance of pedigree and Stud-book records dating back to the latter part of the 19th century. The NGA is an associate member of the World Greyhound Racing Federation and a charter and founding member of the World Alliance of Greyhound Registries, The Greyhound Alliance and the American Greyhound Council. Twice a year, the National Greyhound Association hosts National Meets to showcase up-and-coming greyhound athletes, collaborate on industry-related business and celebrate our greyhound achievements . The National Greyhound Association is a community of industry members , wealthy in knowledge about greyhounds and dogs alike, and a long history of friendship.

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as March 7, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Mar 23, 2022 Lester Raines Kennel’s RS Big D has won 16 out of his last 17 Grade TAA 3/8 races, including 11 in a row, for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates SNL Ramey (B, TA, TAA 3/16) and SNL Red Hot (D, C, B, A) have four wins and a second in their last five starts while JS Cash Out has back-to-back victories (A, AA). Blanchard Kennel’s Frappe has five straight Grade AA victories for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mates JS Rob Stone has two wins and a second in his last three Grade AA outings while KW Bugatti has back-to-back Grade AA victories. Imark Kennel’s Imark Trixie has captured four out of her last five trips (B, A, AA) for trainer DiAnn Derr. Charter Kennel’s Atta Boy Angus has two wins and two seconds in his last four 3/16 races (B, TA, TAA) for trainer James Campbell. Previous Next

< Back DUBUQUE CLASSIC STAKE - THIRD ROUND Sep 4, 2020 The third round of the $30,000 Dubuque Classic Stakes on Wednesday, September, September 2, sliced the field down to the championship eight with a clear favorite. Rasta (Copper Kettle) won in all three rounds to produce a perfect score of 60. The 70-pounder, born September 18, 2018, to Nashapelli – Fansome, collected victories of two lengths, a nose and three lengths in the three rounds. He moves to 14-9-3-0 on the season and is on a five-race win streak. Second in the run for points is XK Want It (Xtrem Hess) with 42 points. XK Want It is 26-10-4-1 on the year. Third is Oakland Taunton (Stidham& Brindle) with 40 points. Taunton is 21-5-6-4 on the season. Finishing fourth in the points chase was It’s My Life (T And T), 18-11-3-1 on the season. William Demarest (Stidham & Brindle) was fifth in the points with 33 and stands 20-3-1-5 on the season. Sitting sixth, thanks to a win in the third round, was FF Lurch (Copper Kettle). Lurch is 19-3-3-4. Big Joe Stoefen (Copper Kettle) came in seventh 28 points. There was a tie for the final spot. It came down to a coin toss and Superior Tuvia (Superior) won to get the final spot. Tuvia is 22-5-2-6. By the numbers, there are six males in the field of eight. Copper Kettle has three entries (Rasta, FF Lurch and Big Joe Stoefen). None of the other kennels have more than one. The championship race is set for Sunday, Sept. 6. Previous Next

< Back FIRST ROUND $30,000 DUBUQUE CLASSIC Aug 24, 2020 The $30.000 Dubuque Classic Stakes got underway Saturday, August 22, with four first-round winners. Rasta, one of two Copper Kennel winners, posted the best time, 39.91 seconds, the only greyhounds to break 40 seconds in the first round. Rasta, 12-7-3-0, is a 69-pounder, born September 18, 2018 out of Nashapelli – Fansome, Rasha broke away a bit in the homestretch to win by two lengths, her third straight victory. Kennelmate Big Joe Stoffen pulled away with authority to win by three and half lengths is his DCS debut. Stoffen is an 84-pounder, born May 18,2018, out of Will Bill Reeves – Little Iowa. He moves to 17-3-2-3 on the season. It’s My Life (T And T Kennel) rallied from fourth place in the homestretch to win his race by a half-length. It’s My Life, a 72-pounder, born Nov. 25, 2016 out of Stevie Pree – Medicine Woman. The veteran is 16-11-2-1 on the season. XK Want It (Xtrem Hess) rallied from second in the homestretch to win her first-round test by two lengths, the only female among the first four winners. XK Want It, a 59-pounder, born October 19, 2017 out of Flying Westover – Gable Annabeth, moves to 24-9-4-1 on the season. The victory snapped a five-race non-win streak. The greyhounds return for second round action on Thursday, August 27 after which eliminations will be made. The championship race is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 6. 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

< Back James (Jimmy) Blanchard Elected To Hall of Fame Jim Gartland Oct 8, 2024 Longtime kennel owner, operator, NGA Board Member and Florida political point man, Jim Blanchard was the lone nominee to receive enough votes for induction into the 2024 class of the Greyhound Hall of Fame. Jimmy was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1957. His mother and Father divorced and his Dad, Pat, moved to Florida in the early 60's where Pat fell in love with greyhound racing while working across the street from the Sanford-Orlando track. Spending the summers of his youth in Florida, Jimmy soon fell in love with the business as well. Jimmy spent years working on the farm and in kennels honing his craft and learning all he could about the greyhounds. By the time he was 18 years old, he was offered his first trainers job at Monticello and from there he would go on to train with various kennels at numerous tracks around the country. His first booking experience came as a partner with his Dad at Pensacola in 1981. His first solo booking would not come until 1994 when the Jim Blanchard Kennel made its debut at Naples. Since then Jimmy has run all over the country, with kennels at or near the top wherever he ran, most recently with double bookings at Jacksonville until the demise of Florida. His son James continues the family tradition with current bookings at Tri State and Wheeling. Along with his accomplishments on the racing side, Jimmy has long been a force in the industry as a board member of the NGA for some 20 plus years. He also served on the Board of the AGC for many years and was the main point man for the Florida Greyhound Association and their seemingly endless battles with the Florida track operators. Jimmy spent many, many days, weeks and years fighting for the betterment of the sport and of all the people involved in it, mostly at his own expense. He will be honored in ceremonies at the Hall of Fame during the 2024 fall meet. 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 Dates set for WVGOBA stakes at Wheeling Island Stan Pawloski Jul 29, 2024 A pair of West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association championships – a juvenile and a sprint stake – will be held in the fall this year at Wheeling Island. The $35,000 WVGOBA Juvenile Stakes (5/16th) will be held in September. The first round is set for Friday, Sept. 13, the second round on Wednesday, Sept. 18 and the semi-finals on Sunday, Sept. 22. The juvenile stakes final is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28. The $65,000 WVGOBA Panhandle Championship (5/16th) starts on Friday, Nov. 8, with the second round on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The semifinals will be contested on Sunday, Nov. 17. The Panhandle stakes championship is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23. No regular stake events are scheduled at Wheeling Island in 2024. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of September 14, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Sep 14, 2020 Blanchard Kennel’s BWC Kreeli has four straight Grade AA wins for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Lester Raines Kennel’s Craigie Pirate has won four out of his last five starts (A, AA) for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Craigie Deuce has back-to-back 3/16 victories (B, TA). Charter Kennel’s Eau Claire has back-to-back Grade AA wins for trainer Jay Falcone. Kennel-mate VJ Up Too Speed has captured three out of her last four trips (B, A, AA). Jacobs Racing Kennel’s JSK Crockett two straight Grade AA victories for trainer Alisha Nichols. Rangel Kennel’s Pat C Dog Patch has won four out of her last five outings (D, C, B, A) for trainer Alex Hall. Abrahamson Kennel’s Braska Kayra has back-to-back wins (A, AA) for trainer Tom Engle. Imark Kennel’s Saber Ryan has two 3/16 victories in a row (TA, TAA) for trainer Scott Purdy. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Flying Alita has captured three out of her last four starts (C, B, A) for trainer Joe Otto. Previous Next