Search Results

< 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 Blanchard captures 2023 Wheeling kennel championship Stan Pawloski Feb 12, 2024 Back on top. After three straight years finishing runner up to Lester Raines in the kennel standings at Wheeling Island, the Blanchard Kennel roared to an early lead in January 2023 and never looked back in winning the kennel championship. It was the second Wheeling kennel crown for James Blanchard after capturing the championship back in 2019. The kennel was booked at Wheeling in July 2017. The Blanchard Kennel amassed 640 victories in 2023, the most wins at Wheeling Island since the ZEZ Kennel posted 645 wins in 1999 and 659 victories in 2000. Charter Kennel took runner up honors to Blanchard with 565 wins while defending kennel champion Lester Raines finished third with 540 victories last year. Charter made a run at Blanchard in October – cutting the lead to 15 wins – but Blanchard caught fire in the last two months of the racing season, posting 125 victories to pull away. For Blanchard, their goal every year is the top spot in the standings. “It’s a great feeling and exciting to win the kennel championship after finishing runner up the last three years. We have an extremely dedicated team who love what they are doing and worked hard for it which makes it very special,” Blanchard said. “To win a championship, it takes a combination of a lot of talented greyhounds, but you got to have some luck along the way. I am so appreciative of everyone who had a hand in our success last year.” Next in line behind Blanchard (640), Charter (565) and Lester Raines (540) in the final 2023 standings were Steve Sarras (482), Jacobs Racing (432), Imark (394), Code Red (384), Wayne Ward (346), Patriot/Taplin (323), Xtrem Hess Racing (313), Rangel (255), A Ray (184) and Brad Boeckenstedt (149). The A Ray Kennel ceased operations at the end of October while the Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel pulled out at the end of June. The Blanchard Kennel had 15 greyhounds reach double figures in wins last year, including three in the racetrack’s top five – track co-win leader Artex Pumbaa (22), Tenacity (21) and Arkans TMC Athos (18). “Artex Pumbaa is so consistent and tries hard every race. He can break on top or come from behind. Tenacity is very talented and may be the fastest greyhound in the kennel. She needs to get position early,” Blanchard said. “Arkans TMC Athos is another consistent greyhound with a big-time rush to the turn. He will be back this year, after some time off. Anytime these three weigh-in, there’s a good chance of winning.” Other double-digit winners for the Blanchard Kennel were Easi Utley (17), Arkwild B Soleil, About To Rock, BNC R Rooney and TR Hill (13 each), Arkans Pride and Arma Guiness (12 each), Ark RB Heyward, Arkans Lust, Arkwild B Shalom, TMC’s Zoomzoomba and Easi Gil (10 each). Seven greyhounds had nine victories each – Arkans So Long, Artex Kusapin, Artex Suave, JW Bon Jovi, Kabluwie, Stars Align and CNS Kansasthrill. Blanchard praised his fellow Wheeling kennel crew members – trainer Chris Maynard, Kayla Purdy, Jeff Bowers and his wife, Sarah Blanchard. Maynard worked for the Blanchards at their Florida bookings since 2013 before coming to Wheeling in February 2022, after taking some time off after the Florida tracks closed at the end of 2020. “I was impressed with Chris (Maynard) when he worked for my dad (Jim Blanchard) at Orange Park in Florida. I thought he had a great future and he wanted to learn,” Blanchard said. “Kayla (Purdy) is great with the greyhounds and always puts the dogs above everything. Jeff (Bowers) recently joined our team and has been a great addition. We are a tight-knit greyhound family. At the end of the day, the dogs, our love for them and this sport, is what truly makes our operation what it is.” Three greyhound owners/breeders – Tracy Wildey, Rachelle Henry and Darren Henry – play significant roles in the Blanchard Kennel operation, contributing to the kennel’s success. “They are our core. We have a system, and they are a vital piece of the puzzle,” Blanchard said. “They are part of the breeding, raising and training. We couldn’t do it without them.” Several other owners race their greyhounds out of the Blanchard Kennel at Wheeling. They include Jim Rosga, Brian Brady, Allyn Shaw, Joe Frey, Ray Wong, Mike Pence, Jeff Junk, Tom Sugahara, Eddie McDonald, David Strong, CNB Racing (Trish Cescolini and Shannon Lorenz), Kim Sessions, Cathy Cameron, Warp Drive Kennel (Tabbatha Couch and Jayme Gordon) and Christine Johnson-Procopis. As for 2024, Blanchard expects another competitive fight for the top spot in the kennel standings. “It’ll be a battle, but we love a challenge,” Blanchard said. “Right now, our kennel is a little top-grade heavy. We’re hoping we have a good group of pups come in this year.” Handling the greyhounds is a passion for Blanchard. “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.” In addition to garnering the most wins in 2023, the Blanchard Kennel was tops in seconds (603), thirds (508) and fourths (510). Blanchard and Charter were the leaders in winning percentage with 16 percent. Next in line were Lester Raines, 15 percent; Steve Sarras and Imark, 13 percent. Blanchard and Charter led all kennels with a 44 percent trifecta mark. Lester Raines and Steve Sarras were next with 41 percent. Topping the charts in starts was Blanchard (3,915) followed by Lester Raines (3,570) and Steve Sarras (3,507). Artex Pumbaa, captain of the 2023 all-Wheeling team, was the anchor of the Blanchard Kennel last year with a track-leading 22 wins. 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

For the past 60 years, exceptional greyhounds from each US track have been nominated for the NGA's All American Teams. Originally the award was determined by the AGTOA but later the NGA Board of Director takes into account win totals, stakes wins and competition to determine that year's best of the best. All American Teams For the past 60 years, exceptional greyhounds from each US track have been nominated for the NGA's All American Teams. Originally the award was determined by the AGTOA but later the NGA Board of Director takes into account win totals, stakes wins and competition to determine that year's best of the best. 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Rob Gronkowski Switzler Jammin Chatty Cathy Steve Sarras/RAder Racing Kennel Pedigree U Too Pure Silk Kiowa Sweet Trey U Too Silk Charter/Charter Kennel Pedigree SH Avatar Kiowa Mon Manny Tom S Caterwaul T Sugihara/R Hardison Pedigree Kiowa Producer Dragon Fire Kay V Sweeet Kay J Sherck/ Smith Greyhounds Pedigree Smokey Joe Flying Penske Okgo Box To Wire N. Rader/Ed Gardner/Radar Kennel Pedigree Kiowa Jordan Doc Flying Penske Kiowa Tiffany Smith Greyhounds / J./ O'Donnell Jr Pedigree Venus Espinosa Kiowa Mon Manny Sol Venus Smith Greyhounds/V. Savill/Patriot Pedigree Flying Lone Wolf Lonesome Cry Flying Argyle Vince Berland/Berland Kennel Pedigree 2 Husker Magic Rhythmless Casino Zada Imark Kennels/Abernathy Kennel Pedigree Joey Ice Kiowa Sweet Trey Queen Rania Joey Lingle/Capabal Kennel Pedigree Flying Titanium Flying Hydrogen CTW Twan Thang S Lester Raines/Raines Kennel Pedigree Lee Opera Soprano Drive Lee Devin Robert Gurley/Raines Kennel Pedigree Rob Gronkowski Switzler Jammin Chatty Cathy Steve Sarras/RAder Racing Kennel Pedigree U Too Pure Silk Kiowa Sweet Trey U Too Silk Charter/Charter Kennel Pedigree Boc's John Luke Super Lee Antsie Nancy Brad Boeckenstedt/Boeckenstedt Kennel Pedigree Kiowa Leer Loyd Kelsos Fusileer Kiowa Kay Tipton Kay Smith/Cardinal Kennel Pedigree 1 SH Avatar Kiowa Mon Manny Tom S Caterwaul T Sugihara/R Hardison Pedigree Bella Infrared Kiowa Mon Manny Bella Ionic David T Blair Pedigree Js Robin Lonesome cry Boy Trouble Jerry Simons, Williams Kennel Pedigree CTW Bronze Drake Lonesome cry CTW Outa Sight David Peck Pedigree Tiger Boy Flying Penske Kiowa Exquisite Vince Berland/McAllister Kennel Pedigree Riverview Stevie Kiowa Sweet Trey CV's Mama Mia Norman RAder Pedigree Optimus Prime Dodgem By Design J's Felicity James Johnson Jr Pedigree O Ya Billy Bob Dodgem By Design O Ya Cranberry Gary Reicherts/Rader Kennel Pedigree 3 Need My Moneynow No More Lovin Need A dAte Sharon Williams/DQ Williams Kennel Pedigree Husker Magic Rhythmless Casino Zada Imark Kennels/Abernathy Kennel Pedigree Flying Fired Up Rhythmless Flying Ablaze Vince Berland/Lester Raines Kennel Pedigree B's Headliner BD's Grayson Odd Cherie V Berland & T Ertl/Everett Kennel Pedigree Seldom Told Trent Lee Need A Date Sharon Williams/Williams Kennel Pedigree Boc's Hank Jr Kiowa Mon Manny Boc's Miss Rodeo B. Boeckenstedt/M. Hasty Pedigree Highlyclassified Kiowa Mon Manny Cantrell Monte Jacobs Kennel/Farmer Kennel Pedigree Storm Control Lonesome Cry Racy Reward Steve Schlachter/B&B Kennel Pedigree 4 WW's Dog Gone Dodgem By Design Bank Exploder Julia Ward/Ward Kennel Pedigree Tuff Stuff Lonesome Cry Night Breeze John Yinger/RAder Kennel Pedigree AMF Ex President Kiowa Mon Manny Bonex Thomas Ferris/A Ray Kennel Pedigree Slatex Cadillac Flying Hydrogen Slatex Station G Krik Harlan/WR Kennel Pedigree GS Uncle Henry Kelsos Fusileer Steffie's mandy Gary and Sharon Willis/Willis Kennel Pedigree Hi Noon Renegade Dodgem By Design Bryan's Baby Chas HaliburtonIII/Nova Kennel Pedigree Shanett Rhythmless Maybix Marc Randle/Robert Thorne Kennel Pedigree Tiger Boy Flying Penske Kiowa Exquisite Vince Berland/McAllister Kennel Pedigree 5 Seldom Told - Captain Trent Lee Need A Date Sharon Williams/DQ Williams Kennel Pedigree Oaks Maddy Pat C Clement Oaks Gem Brandy Mick Hymes/Gloria Dorsey Kennel Pedigree Need My Moneynow No More Lovin Need A dAte Sharon Williams/DQ Williams Kennel Pedigree Oshkosh Kid Kiowa Mon Manny Oshkosh Vani Larry Pollard/Charter Kennel Pedigree Oya Stan The Man Defrim Bale* Oya Norma Rader Racing/Gary Reicharts Pedigree Husker Magic Rhythmless Casino Zada Imark Kennels/Abernathy Kennel Pedigree Kinda Cruel Red Bella Infrared Cruel To Be Kind Ed Piziak JR/Jacobs Racing Pedigree Boc's Tony Romo Flying Penske Boc's Slim N Fit B. Boeckenstedt/Bussman-Balakis Pedigree 6 Need My Moneynow No More Lovin Need A dAte Sharon Williams/DQ Williams Kennel Pedigree Husker Magic Rhythmless Casino Zada Imark Kennels/Abernathy Kennel Pedigree Flying Fired Up Rhythmless Flying Ablaze Vince Berland/Lester Raines Kennel Pedigree B's Headliner BD's Grayson Odd Cherie V Berland & T Ertl/Everett Kennel Pedigree Seldom Told Trent Lee Need A Date Sharon Williams/Williams Kennel Pedigree Boc's Hank Jr Kiowa Mon Manny Boc's Miss Rodeo B. Boeckenstedt/M. Hasty Pedigree Highlyclassified Kiowa Mon Manny Cantrell Monte Jacobs Kennel/Farmer Kennel Pedigree Storm Control Lonesome Cry Racy Reward Steve Schlachter/B&B Kennel Pedigree More All Americans 2022-2017 1990-2009 1963-1989

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of December 21, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Dec 21, 2020 Imark Kennel’s Imark Solo has seven wins and a second in his last nine Grade AA races for trainer Diann Derr. Blanchard Kennel’s HKF Friskyfranny has six victories, a second and a third in her last eight Grade TAA 3/8 starts for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mates BWC Millie has three wins and two seconds in her last five Grade AA trips, Tkel Starz has captured three out of her last four outings (C, B, A) and Easi Lil Charlie has back-to-back victories (A, AA). Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Slick Simon has won three out of his last four Grade AA races for trainer Ron Otto. Lester Raines Kennel’s Craigie Pirate has captured three out of his last four Grade AA outings for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Teasemansqueezem has back-to-back wins (A, AA). Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Flying Alita has two victories and a second in her last three Grade AA trips for trainer Joe Otto. Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR Waxon Waxoff has back-to-back Grade TAA 3/16 wins for trainer Frank Pellittere. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s XAT’s Thorn has three straight victories (C, B, A) for trainer Jill Spicer. Kennel-mate Proud Soul has won three out of his last four starts (C, B, A). Charter Kennel’s Barts Fire Away has back-to-back wins (B, A) for trainer Kenneth Brotherton. 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 May 2, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski May 2, 2022 Blanchard Kennel’s JS Rob Stone has won eight out of his last nine Grade AA races for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Charter Kennel’s Oshkosh Dally has four straight Grade AA victories for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mate Seven Summers has captured five out of her last six 3/8 outings (TC, B, TA, TAA). Steve Sarras Kennel’s Florentine has won three out of her last four starts (A, AA) for trainer Jay Falcone. Lester Raines Kennel’s Teaser’sTickle has back-to-back wins (A, AA) for trainer Joel Roden. Rangel Kennel’s MPJ Freeze Up has won three out of her last four trips (C, B, A) for trainer Sheri Comer. Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Gloves Off has back-to-back victories (B, A) for trainer Jill Spicer. Imark Kennel’s Imark Docholiday has captured three out of his last four races (D, C, B) for trainer DiAnn Derr. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of January 15, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jan 16, 2024 Blanchard Kennel’s Artex Pumbaa has eight straight Grade AA wins for trainer Chris Maynard. Lester Raines Kennel’s Lets Get Rowdy (AA) and JS Atomic Dawg (C, B, A) have won three out of their last four trips for trainer Joel Roden. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s SE Tap House has back-to-back Grade AA victories for trainer Cheyney Kuriata. Rangel Kennel’s Unequivocally has captured four out of his last five outings (C, B, A, AA) for trainer Alex Hall. Steve Sarras Kennel’s Voodoo Clam has three victories and a second in her last four 3/16 races (TD, C, TB, TAA) 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 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of February 8, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Feb 8, 2026 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of February 8, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Miss Popular has five straight Grade AA victories for trainer Natalie Looper. Lester Raines Kennel’s LNS Raisetheroof has three victories and two seconds in his last five Grade AA trips for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Ali Donaj has three straight wins (M, C, B). Code Red Kennel’s Kwik Brandy (A, AA) and Kwik Admiral (B, A) have back-to-back victories for trainer Tom Engle. Previous Next

< Back NGA FALL MEET SCHOOLING RESULTS - MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 Jim Gartland Oct 5, 2020 30 races scheduled: Drag after every listed 10. No watering Conditions: Sunny, breezy – 53º – Track: Fast (SCR = Scratched - HS = Hand Slip) Nominator ran every 4th race (i.e.: Races 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, etc.); Number following name indicates nominator’s first race. DAVID STRONG– (Race 1) 30.24, 30.89, 31.06, 31.70, 31.85, 31.82, 30.95, 32.05 (run back), 31.05, 31.48, SCR CRAIGIE, INC - (Race 2) 29.97 , 30.27, 30.18, 30.22, 30.26, 30.57, 30.59 MARCOS GONZALEZ – (Race 3) HS, HS, HS, HS BRANT TAPLIN – (Race 4) 30.47, 30.51, 30.58 KATE BARTLEY - (Race 16) 31.14, 31.86, 31.78 MONTE JACOBS - (Race 19) 30.66, 30.61, 30.53 Previous Next

< Back WVGOBA PANHANDLE SPRINT TO KICK OFF Stan Pawloski Oct 3, 2022 The $65,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Panhandle Championship kicks off Friday, Oct. 7, at Wheeling Island with a field of 25 sprinters. The second round is set for Wednesday, Oct. 12, and the semifinals on Sunday, Oct. 16. The championship final will be Friday afternoon, Oct. 21. CET Barracuda, winner of the WVGOBA Juvenile Championship in late September, is entered in the Panhandle sprint stakes. Entries by kennel for the Panhandle sprint event follow: A Ray: Mac’s Sidnyjames, Rico’s Hell Yeah. Code Red: Arroyo Roxanne. Imark: CET Barracuda, CET Piranha, CET Fernando, CET Marlin. Jacobs Racing: GLS Blondie. Lester Raines: RS’s Dark Night, RS’s Power House, RS’s Blue Heaven, RS’s Happy Harper, RS’s Big Jake, RS’s Railhauler, RS’s Dunkindylan, RS’s Super Freak. Steve Sarras: CET Moto Moto, CET Tiger Boy, CET Sashaligotti, CET Foxy, CET Dirty Dan, CET Dirty Mike, CET Dirty Stella, CET Musketeer, TS Pretty Boy. Previous Next