< Back RS'S DARK NIGHT WINS WVGOBA JUVENILE Sep 27, 2021 Lester Raines Kennel’s RS’s Dark Night romped to victory Saturday afternoon in the final of the $35,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Juvenile Stakes at Wheeling Island. Breaking from the eight box, RS’s Dark Night rounded the first turn second to Code Red Kennel’s JA’s Croft before taking charge on the backstretch – pulling away to a 5 ½-length victory in 29.81. JA’s Croft took runner up honors while A Ray Kennel’s Mac’s New York rounded out the trifecta ticket. Completing the Juvenile final finish were RS’s Blue Heaven (Lester Raines), fourth; Mac’s Zhivago (A Ray), fifth; RS’s Prime Time (Lester Raines), sixth; Coach Wonder (Patriot/Taplin), seventh; and Mac’s Evita (A Ray), eighth. RS’s Dark Night, sent to post as the overwhelming favorite – is owned by Kelly Jo and Roger Salem and trained by Joel Roden. Previous Next

< Back FALL 2023 PUP GIVEAWAY WINNERS Oct 19, 2023 Drawings for this year's giveaway pups were held at the Hall of Fame on Thursday night during the recent Fall meet. The winners and pups were as follows: The first prize was half interest in TWO pups by Time Flies-JW Mutley donated by Tracy Wildey & James Blanchard . The winner of the pups was T.C. Howard of Abilene, KS . The 2nd pup was donated by Joe Fusaro and is a female out of a litter by Razldazl George-FF Dive Bar. This pup was won by Michael Carroll of Colorado Springs, CO . The last giveaway pup is a November 2022 daughter of Rob Gronkowski-Gulf Coast Girl, donated by Steve Sarras . The pup was won by Danyelle Ravell of East Moline, Il. Congratulations to all the winners and a big Thank You to those who donated pups and participated in the raffle! Previous Next

< Back ANOTHER FALL MEET IN THE BOOKS Jim Gartland Oct 24, 2022 A competitive stake race and a better than expected auction sale highlighted the 2022 NGA fall event. The NGA offered another stake race at the fall meet following the success of the Sunflower State Sprint this past spring. The race, tabbed The Abilene Shootout, was open to meet eligible pups who had paid up an initial entry fee last July and then made final nomination and entry fee payments the Thursday prior to the meet. When all was said and done, 35 pups were entered for the initial round. First round winners then went head to head in the stake final on Thursday while 2nd and 3rd place finishers from Monday made up the Flite I and Flite II of the second and final round. Nineteen different ownership interests were represented in the stake. Leading the way were Shannon Henry and Ray Wong each having four spots in the qualifying while Paul Bitterman, Terry Haber and Jaws Racing followed with three each. Vinny Savill, Jill Lashmet, Jason Hess, Steve Sarras, David Hays and Jay Rangel all had two entries while Joe Fusaro, Lynn Bunn, Mike Strickland, Shelby Rangel, Carl Tomblin and Monte Jacobs all had one spot. Six first round winners made up the final and included TS Frisky and TS Fe Fe owned by Carl Tomblin and Nicholas Sarras, XM Fire Cracker owned by Jason Hess and Mike Carroll, JL's Wise Guy owned by David Strong, Stars Align owned by Cameron, Wildey and Blanchard and WW Midnight Oil owned by Jaws Racing. Ana Mendiola handled the Jaws entry, Tracy Wildey ran Stars Align and David Strong handled the rest of the field off of his farm. In the end, Jaws Racing swept stake competition with WW Midnight Oil dominating the final in a nine length romp, WW Allstar Ally capturing the Flite I by eleven lengths and WW Dream Path getting up by a nose to win the Flite II. XM Fire Cracker picked up 2nd in the championship with Stars Align finishing 3rd. Jaws Racing (Julia Ward-Veal) was the top seller at the auction totaling some $213,750 in sales including the meet's top seller, WW Light Spirt, who went for $26,000. Abilene Shootout Stake winners, WW Midnight Oil, WW Allstar Ally and WW Dream Path went for $10,250, $12,500 and $5,500 respectively. 2022 NGA Fall Auction Stats Pups Consigned: 46 Sold: 40 Buyers: 17 Total: $351,500 Average: $8,787.50 Online purchases totaled $29,550 Previous Next

< Back $100,000 MARDI GRAS CHAMPIONSHIP TO KICK OFF Stan Pawloski Dec 9, 2021 The $100,000 Mardi Gras Championship kicks off Thursday, Dec. 9, at Tri-State Greyhound Park with a field of 80 sprinters. The stakes event features track win leaders CET Dirty Dilly, 39; CET Dirty Dan, 28; KBJ Powerplay, 25; JS Pumpedupkicks, 24; and Crocket, 20. The second round will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 14. The field will be cut to 56 sprinters heading into the third round on Saturday, Dec. 18. The semifinals with the top 24 greyhounds are set for Thursday, Dec. 23, and the championship final on Thursday, Dec. 30. Previous Next

< Back TUVIA TAKES DUBUQUE CLASSIC Sep 9, 2021 Competing against a balanced field in Iowa Greyhound Park’s Dubuque Classic final, the winner would need to have to work hard and have things fall the right way. Superior Tuvia was up for the task, as she claimed the title during the afternoon card on Sunday, Sept. 5. “She needed a little luck,” said trainer Jerry Cole. “I knew she had to be close. She doesn’t run turns all that great but once she hit the front stretch on two’s (Cheer For Me) tail I knew she had a chance.” Cheer For Me grabbed an early lead and Tuvia, of Superior Kennel, broke fourth. Tuvia got to her preferred part of the track with Cheer For Me about 3 lengths ahead. “There wasn’t a whole lot of early speed,” Cole said. As she moved up and gained the lead, Cole had another thought. “When she got clear, I asked ‘where’s Rasta?’” Cole said.“That lead gave her enough to win. Rasta and Cheer For Me can be lights out.” Rasta, the defending champion from Copper Kettle Kennel, had some problems during the race which prevented him from hitting the board. He finished fifth. Tuvia earned her seventh win of the season. She also won the Au Revoir last year. “She doesn’t give up,” Cole said. “She’s pretty tough. I had a feeling she could do it.” Cole said Tuvia, from Kiowa Sweet Trey and Superior Samba, will stay on the track for awhile. “As long as she keeps doing what she’s doing, we’ll keep her running,” Cole said. “We’ll keep letting her do it.” Tuvia paid $14.60, $3.60 and $3. She posted a 40.20 to win by nearly 4 lengths. Cheer For Me, of Plum Creek Kennel-Oxbow Trow, placed. Kennel mate Cuspof Greatness showed.Dutch McGruff, of Copper Kennel, was fourth. Other finalists were O Ya Jewel (Superior Kennel) in sixth, XT’s Wild Turkey (Xtrem Hess Racing) in seventh and Eager Erlene (Copper Kettle), eighth. The purse is $30,000, with a breakdown of $12,000, $6,000, $3,000, $2,400, $2,100, $1,800, $1,500 and $1,200. Rasta was the top qualifier, Cheer For Me second, Cuspof Greatness third and Superior Tuviav fourth. Fathree, Copper Kettle, won in 2018, and Superior Tora, Superior Kennel, won in 2019. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as July 18, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jul 18, 2022 Lester Raines Kennel’s SNL Ramey has won five out of her last six Grade TAA 3/16 races for trainer Joel Roden. Imark Kennel’s Limpopo (AA) and Saber Jagger (C, B, A) have captured three out of their last four starts for trainer DiAnn Derr. Kennel-mate Imark Trixie has back-to-back Grade AA wins. Charter Kennel’s Oshkosh Edward has three straight victories (A, AA) for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mate Shy Away has back-to-back wins (B, A). Rangel Kennel’s VJ Slim Shady has four 3/16 victories in a row (D, TC, TB, TAA) for trainer Sheri Comer. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Kayjay Bashful has back-to-back 3/8 wins (TB, TAA) for trainer Jill Spicer. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Top Honors has three straight victories (M, D, C) for trainer Louise Strong. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of June 28, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jun 17, 2026 Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Forest’s Goal has four straight Grade TAA 3/16 victories for trainer Cheyney Kuriata. Blanchard Kennel’s Loyal Logan has won five out of his first six starts (M, D, C, B, A) for trainer Chris Maynard. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Time Stamp has back-to-back Grade AA wins for trainer Natalie Looper. Kennel-mate Special Guest has captured three out of his last four outings (D, C, B). Imark Kennel’s Hunch Player has two victories, a second and a third in her last four Grade AA trips for trainer DiAnn Derr. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of December 14, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Dec 14, 2020 Blanchard Kennel’s HKF Friskyfranny has six wins and a second in her last seven Grade TAA 3/8 races for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mates BWC Millie has two victories and a second in her last three Grade AA trips, TW Tonka has won three out of his last four outings (B, A, AA) while Rockdown Storm (B, A) and Fuzzys Annaconda (B, A) have back-to-back wins. Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR Big Al has five victories and three seconds in his last nine Grade AA starts for trainer Frank Pellittere. Kennel-mate BGR Coyote Ugly has two straight wins (B, A). Lester Raines Kennel’s Rooftop Blondish has captured three out of her last four Grade AA races for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Kelsos Kitcarson has three victories, a second and a third in his last five starts (C, B, A). Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Abbi’s Gusta Win (AA) and Girl Happy (C, B, A) have won three out of their last four races for trainer Alisha Nichols. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Keeper Cry has captured three out of his last four trips (C, B, A) for trainer Jill Spicer. Kennel-mate UX Hoof Hearted has three straight wins (D, C, B). Previous Next

< Back WHEELING HOT DOGS ( AS OF JANUARY 25, ALL RACES 5/16 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ) Stan Pawloski Jan 25, 2021 Steve Sarras Kennel’s CTW Black Forest has won five out of his last six trips (TAA 3/16, AA) for trainer Barb Long. Kennel-mate Kells Xterra has back-to-back wins (A, AA). Imark Kennel’s Imark Mash has two victories, three seconds and a third in his last six Grade AA races for trainer Diann Derr. Kennel-mates Imark Boog (B, A) and Imark Heath (B, A 3/8) have two straight wins while Sumkindawonderful has won three out of his last four outings (M, C, B). Abrahamson Kennel’s Arroyo Phoenix has three victories, three seconds and a third in his last seven trips (C, B, A, AA) for trainer Tom Engle. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Flying Nutella (A, AA), Jet Jet (A, AA) and Flying Perfume (TA, TAA 3/16) have back-to-back wins for trainer Joe Otto. Lester Raines Kennel’s Super C Kix has two straight victories (A, AA) for trainer Joel Roden. Blanchard Kennel’s Penrose Niko has back-to-back wins (B, A) for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Keeper Perseus has three 3/8 victories in a row (D, C, B) for trainer Jill Spicer. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of July 19, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jul 22, 2026 Blanchard Kennel’s Arkwild B Enon has three straight victories (A, AA) for trainer Chris Maynard. Kennel-mates Arkwild B Parri has back-to-back wins (A, AA) while Loyal Marshall has won three out of his last four races (M, D, C). Charter Kennel’s Oshkosh Defender has back-to-back Grade TAA 3/16 victories for trainer James Campbell. Lester Raines Kennel’s Omaha Joe has two wins in a row (B, A) for trainer Joel Roden. Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Puddin Pay has three straight victories (D, C, B) for trainer Ron Otto. 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 KING & QUEEN STAKE FINAL AT IOWA GREYHOUND PARK Jul 6, 2020 Gonz Dandelion made every step count on the way to winning the $30,000 King & Queen Stake at the Iowa Greyhound Park Saturday, July 4. “Gonz does not like the one box,” said T And T Kennel trainer Christopher Grieb. “But he ran his race. He got out of the box, broke well and made the turns well.” The charts gave Gonz a box-to-wire performance. The 75-pounder, born Nov. 15, 2017 out of Bella Infared – Jedi Honey Rider, had firm command in the backstretch as his lead was around four lengths. In the far turn and in the homestretch “I was proud of T’s Bree Harison,” said Grieb. “He made a move to close the gap. It was nice to get a one-two finish.” Challenged but not contested, Gonz Dandelion finished with a two-length win in a day’s best time of 31.08 seconds for the 5-16-mile course. Gonz moves to 7-4-0-0 on the season at IGP. T’s Bree Harison, 8-2-5-1, was a comfortable second, two lengths ahead of the rest of the field. “When Gonz got in front,” said Grieb, “I was not bothered by who was behind, it was his race. “We (the T And T Kennel) have a good team here,” added Grieb. “We have great help. We make it go.” The Kings’ points leader FF Lurch (Copper Kettle), 8-2-2-2, rallied in the homestretch to take third place. Fourth, one length back and five lengths off the pace, was JD Tonic (Stidham & Brindle), 10-4-1-0. Disco Moves (Jackson) earned fifth, a half-length ahead of sixth. Disco Moves is 12-2-3-3. AT’s Golden (T And T) squeezed into sixth. Golden is 8-2-2-1. The disappointment came from Jill St. John (Stidham & Brindle), 10-6-1-1. The Queens’ point leader broke sixth and never made a move in finishing seventh. That left Oakland Taunton (Stidham & Brindle),10-2-2-2, last. For the patrons, Gonz Dandelion paid $8.80. $5.80 and $3.00; T’s Bree Harison paid $10.80 and $3.80; FF Lurch paid $3.20; the (1-5) Quiniela paid $43.00; the (1-5-8) Tri-Box paid $137.90; the (1-5-8-4) 10-cents Superfecta paid $126.77. Previous Next