< Back ROUND 1 - 2020 ORANGE PARK DERBY Jan 13, 2020 Its time to kick off the stakes racing season in 2020 with the Orange Park Derby. The best greyhounds at the racetrack will battle in head to head competition over the next two weekends for a chance at the cash and the crown on Saturday evening February 1st at bestbet Jacksonville. A ton of converted sprinters are amongst the ranks and we will soon see if they are up to the added distance. The 660 mainstays are also here, so who will come out on top in round 1? Let’s take a closer look. Round 1 of 2020 Orange Park Derby – Monday evening January 13th, 2020 Race 7 – Easy choice here as the solid grade A router is Fakeit To Makeit. A clear class edge top notch winner over 660 will get to take once several newcomers and other lower grade 660 racers. Posted well, out and gone and holding on to win. Ww Annie Kay is switching to 660 and might be able to compete early. A solid breaking grade A, she might be able to hang in early, don’t know if she can run this far. UC Ricky Snickle can close late over the distance and will make his presence know, and don’t forget about TMC’s Makinmoney. Dad Seldom Told was the winner of this race a few years ago. (3-7-8-6) Race 9 – Go with the hot hand here. WP’s Twistedlady has won 3 of her last 4 starts and hasn’t missed the quiniela in any of those efforts. She has good early speed and is determined late. Bred to run this far, dad Seldom Told was an OPD winner in the past. Pat C Woozy can really let things fly when he gets loose early, but he must break to impress here. The most is good, and late he will come flying to challenge. Other routers I Dont Care could press throughout from a great post, and the Thanksgiving Marathon Champ, Baby Stop Crying, is rested well and could threaten from off the pace late. (7-4-3-6) Race 10 – Pre-Race favorite RPG Get You Back might just be the one to beat in this whole stake race. Winning 5 of the last 6 races, she is a force over this distance. From the outside post, she will be unabated to the lead and should dominate in this effort. Super C Addison might be new to the route, but she sure looks the part of a 660 greyhound. Anyone out of Super C Alice can run this far. Don’t be surprised by an upset. WW Spending Time is a solid grade A winner over 660 that could be a tough as well tonight. She is a bit short late and that could cost her in the final few strides tonight. Alcohol U Later is a strong closer that is a big outclassed in this effort. Still young, showing promise, despite the grade disadvantage, he is good enough to factor at the wire here against these. (8-5-7-4) Race 12 – WW Porro has not missed the quiniela in 4 straight and has not finished out of the money in 6 races in a row. He has good early speed, will be a threat to the early leaders, and late will prove best for the win. BGR Woe Is Me is loving the new distance and has taken to it like a fish to water. Getting better in every start, don’t overlook those back to back wins. A new grade A, she lacks experience, but not late drive to talent. She too could be a threat to win here. LK’s Haul N Cash needs to get back breaking, and back on track, if she wants a chance to shine tonight, and in the stretch everyone better be wary of the hard closing TMC’s Skatman as they approach the finish line. (8-5-7-4) Race 14 – I know it is new to the distance, but sometimes you have to go in instinct. Pat C Jacob loved the rail and gets the one box in this effort. He is not short! He is a powerful greyhound, and you cannot forget about that 30.21 clocking sitting there 3 races back. He will break better over the route and I expect him to make quite a debut over 660 yards tonight. Trying to challenge him will be the trio of grade A 660 routers. LK’s I Got This is a good breaker that will prompt the pace throughout in this effort, especially from the 8 box. RTSS Gonwitdawin is tough when she is close early on. No big speed around here in this effort and breaking from a favorable post, she contends too. Arby can come on strong late on occasion and looks to make the most of the 2 box here. If the mood is right, she has the speed to challenge as well. (1-8-6-2) Round 2 will run on Friday evening January 17th as all 5 races return. Don’t miss out on your favorites as we surge on thru to the finals on Saturday evening February 1st at bestbet Jacksonville. Previous Next

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< Back DECO COLT GUN SELDOM MISFIRES Aug 24, 2020 Soon after the starting box opens, Deco Colt Gun usually has his work cut out. “He doesn’t get the break from the box, and he doesn’t have the rush to the turn like he used to,’’ Nova kennel manager and trainer Missy Kubitz said. “But once he gets around the turn and gets out, he drives hard.’’ Deco Colt Gun doesn’t shoot blanks very often. He is competitive, confident and consistent. For the past two years, the 550-yard specialist has been among the best Derby Lane has to offer. Deco Colt Gun is a lifetime winner of half his races (43 victories from 86 starts), and possesses an in-the-money record of 86 percent with finishes of fourth place or better. “He hasn’t dropped out of Grade A, and he’s very competitive,’’ Kubitz said. The 73-pound sprinter won his first four races this month before finishing third this past Saturday. Deco Colt Gun showed ability in his first career race at Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque, Texas, where he has been twice before returning each time to Derby Lane. He broke first on that January 2019 day and led all the way in the 550-yard race for a 2-1/2-length victory at 9-1 odds. That was only one of 16 times that Deco Colt Gun has left the starting box first among his rivals. Excelling at Derby Lane is what the David Hays-owned greyhound does best. Forty-one of his lifetime victories have been at the Florida West Coast track, including 38 at either Grade A or against stakes competition. Deco Colt Gun, a 3-year-old son of Deco Glen Lee and Tiger Girl, also has reached the finals in three of four stakes appearances - all in 2019. He was third in the $8,000 T.L. Weaver Memorial Challenge, sixth in the $50,000 Husker Magic Fall Sprint, and seventh in the $10,000 Howl-O-Ween. In each stakes sprint, Deco Colt Gun was defeated by an All-America first-team selection: LK’s Crush N It of Lashmet kennel (twice) and Flying Givenchy of Everett Racing kennel. His career-best clocking on Derby Lane’s 550-yard course is 30.23 seconds in May 2019. Deco Colt Gun’s resume includes a pair of five-race win streaks and three four-race win streaks. “He’s a good boy and he loves to race,’’ Kubitz said. “He’s changed in the kennel, too. “He used to be real quiet and never said a peep . . . . You didn’t even know he was there. Now, since we’ve been shut down (by the coronavirus pandemic from March 20 to May 7) and started racing again, he’s ripping up his rug and chewing on the water can. “He’s a mess now. I think it’s because he got cabin fever. He’s so glad to be back racing.’’ The success of Deco Colt Gun and other Nova athletes has kennel owner Hans Limmer of St. Petersburg and son Peter Limmer of Rosebud, Texas, in contention for a kennel meet championship. Entering this week, Nova ranks third among 14 kennels with 80 victories - trailing reigning titlist Lester Raines (84) and Capabal (83). Nova’s last title came in the July-to-December meet in 2016. Nova is the meet leader in Grade A wins by a 35-18 margin over Lashmet kennel. “I win a lot of races on the love that I have for (the dogs),’’ Kubitz said. “I show up and (the dogs) give it back to me. I’ve always thought that I win a lot of races with the love. “Hans and Peter are real happy with how the dogs are performing. Peter laughs and jokes about me being the Queen of the (Grade) A wins, and the King of the (Grade) B wins, because when we first opened back up (from the pandemic), I was winning all the B’s and then of course, the dogs go to A and they’re winning.’’ Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of October 25, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Oct 25, 2021 Lester Raines Kennel’s Teaser’s Tickle has won six out of his last seven trips (B, A, SAA) for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates Teaser’s Twist has three straight victories (C, B, A) while SNL Relic (A, AA) and SNL High Octane (A, AA) have back-to-back wins. Rangel Kennel’s JS Sugar Rush has captured three out of her last four 3/8 races (B, TA, TAA) for trainer John Farmer. Charter Kennel’s Atta Boy Angus has won three out of his last four 3/16 trips (TC, TB, TA) for trainer James Campbell. Code Red Kennel’s FF Roadhouse has captured three out of his last four races (C, B, A) for trainer Tom Engle. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Gypsy Wife has won three out of her last four outings (M and TC, B 3/16) for trainer Joe Otto. Previous Next

< Back "MADNESS" TO ENSUE AT SOUTHLAND Shane Bolender Mar 12, 2021 One of the most popular stakes events for racing fans of Southland looks to give it another go this Saturday after this event was canceled midway through March last year as the COVID-19 pandemic altered life for so many people. The three month delay in returning to live racing caused the event to be canceled but hopes are high that this year’s version will not only be completed, but provide many upsets and close calls at the wire that “Hound Madness” has been known for over the years. Sixty-four greyhounds start the event in a “bracket” style elimination format. In order to advance in this stakes race, you must beat the greyhound you are bracketed with. There are no earned points. There are no “top four finish” automatically advances. You can finish second in the race and be eliminated, while at the other end of the spectrum, finish seventh and still have a shot to make it to the next round. The only way to ensure advancement is to win six straight. Do that, it will also earn you the 2021 racing season’s first stakes championship. So who will “cut down the nets” so to speak? See below for a preview. WEST REGION AIR ACE (Gloria Dorsey Kennel) earned the number 1 seed in this region, but looks to face some tough competition in a hurry if top seeds do indeed advance in this part of the bracket. Palm Beach star BUG BRUSH won 13 of 22 down in South Florida to close out live racing in the state and took only 3 starts to get into top grade here at Southland. He is the #8 seed here and would pair up with AIR ACE should both advance to the round of 32. Stakes veteran ARKANS PHERKAD (Darren Henry Kennel) and PAT C RAM ROD are the #2 and #3 seeds respectively at the bottom of this region’s bracket. Pherkad has been a solid AA greyhound since the beginning of 2020 and competed in the finals of two stakes races last season while PAT C RAM ROD (Gloria Dorsey) finished second in the Festival of Stakes to World Ruler in the Male Sprint championship and won the Southland Derby consolation last season. Either one of these greyhounds would be capable of making a “FURRY FOUR” run. MIDWEST REGION It is not often you see a greyhound with 13 career starts get tagged with a #1 seed, but that is exactly what CRAIGIE DELEGATE (Lester Raines Kennel) earned via winning 10 of those 13 starts to rocket up to top grade and win four of five in that top grade as well. He has beaten the likes of ARKANS PHERKAD and MONSTER BOX already and beat other fields by 9 and 10 lengths already. He looks the part and uses a fantastic rush to the turn to do most of his damage on the track. Is there anyone in this region that can mount a challenge to this youngster? FGF MATHIAS (Charter Kennel) definitely has the late speed to do it. He was the 2020 Great American Greyhound Futurity Champion and even won the Barry Baldwin Juvenile Consolation race in the Festival of Stakes. Due to that late speed, he has been spending a lot of time lately on the Razorback (660 yards) and River (703 yards) courses, where he won tallied his last seven wins since October. JS PRETTY FLY (Lester Raines) is the #3 seed in the division who has a pretty good rush to the turn herself, and has victories in top grade over AIR ACE and CTW CHIP N DALE. She tends to sometimes gas out a little bit near the finish line, so she will need the lead in the race against either of the two favorites more than likely to have a chance. EAST REGION The greyhound with likely the best “name recognition” in the field has the #1 seed here, the second such top seed for trainer Monte Hoopes and the Lester Raines Kennel. JS FLAMIN ACE has been on a tear over the past year or so plus, winning the Darby Henry Male Sprint Championship and the Kings Vs. Queens Stakes in 2019 and parlayed that success with winning the Southland Derby this past year. He won half his 32 starts last year in a shortened racing season, but he is also approaching four years old in a couple of months. This region might give us an incredible “Greyt 8” showdown between the old and young starts if kennelmate JS KEEPHOPEALIVE can make it that far. It took this red fawn female only seven starts to reach top grade and has won 8 of her 17 career starts so far and she doesn’t even turn two years old until next month. It will take some really good early speed to compete with her to the first turn. AB CONSTABLE (Plum Creek) and the number 4 seed in the region also has some good top grade credentials and the late speed that makes him a threat as the field dwindles down, should he be able to advance through the first two rounds of eight dog fields. SOUTH REGION A pair of Darren Henry kennel greyhounds grace the top two seeds in this region as ARKANS RB TAZ and ARKASKA KAREN claim those spots respectively. The former had an amazing 30 quiniela finishes in just 40 starts last season while the latter has already won nearly a third of her 32 lifetime starts. TAZ has a hard late speed that can catch almost anyone while KAREN tends to be more early speed, albeit inconsistently. If anyone is going to pull off an upset, it needs to be in the early rounds against these two. ALADDIN is the sneaky #3 seed in this region from the A Ray Kennel. He raised some eyebrows just as recently as last week when he held off super pup CRAIGIE DELAGATE in a somewhat shocking victory. If he was to get loose early and lead by the turn, it will take one heck of an effort to catch him. Catch all the rounds of the 2021 “HOUND MADNESS” Stakes at Southland Casino & Racing. Complete schedule is below. Round 1 – (64 greyhounds – 8 fields of 8) – Saturday, March 13 Round 2 – (32 greyhounds – 4 fields of 8) – Thursday, March 18 Round 3 (Sleek 16) – (16 greyhounds – 4 fields of 4) – Monday, March 22 Round 4 (Greyt 8) – (8 greyhounds – 4 fields of 2) – Saturday, March 27 Round 5 (Furry Four) – (4 greyhounds – 2 fields of 2) – Friday, April 2 Championship - (2 greyhound match race) – Friday, April 9 TOTAL ADDED PURSE - $30,000 Winner - $12,500 Runner-Up - $7,500 3rd/4th - $2,500 5th-8th - $1,250 Previous Next

< Back STORMING TRISTATE Patricia Saul Aug 23, 2023 CG's Sun Storm left a rainbow of AA racing jackets behind as he claimed his 11th win at Tristate last night. The #8 greyhound ran his fastest time of 30.01 seconds & races for Abrahamson kennel. Watch CG's Sun Storms' race! Previous Next

< Back National Greyhound Association Appoints Connie Karsmizki as Secretary-Treasurer Feb 18, 2026 Longtime NGA Leader to Serve as Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Following December Retirement ABILENE, KS – The National Greyhound Association (NGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Connie Karsmizki as Secretary-Treasurer, the organization's chief administrative and financial officer. Mrs. Karsmizki assumes the role following Jim's retirement in December 2025, bringing more than 40 years of dedicated service to the greyhound industry. Throughout her distinguished career with the NGA, Karsmizki has served faithfully as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, working under the guidance of exceptional executive directors as Jim Gartland and Hall of Famer Gary Guccione, and gaining comprehensive knowledge of every facet of the organization's operations. Her deep understanding of member services, financial oversight, registry management, and National Meets coordination positions her uniquely to lead the NGA into its next chapter. "Connie's four decades of commitment to the National Greyhound Association and the greyhound industry speak for themselves," said Julia Ward, President of the NGA Board of Directors. "Her institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and unwavering dedication to our members make her the ideal person to guide our organization forward." As Secretary-Treasurer, Karsmizki will oversee daily operations of the NGA office, manage member services, provide financial oversight, coordinate National Meets, and serve as Keeper of the Stud Book. She will work closely with the NGA Board of Directors while providing leadership to office staff and contractors. "I am honored to continue serving the organization and membership that have been such an important part of my life," said Karsmizki. "The NGA has a proud history, and I look forward to building on that legacy while ensuring we continue to serve our members and protect the integrity of the greyhound registry." The National Greyhound Association, founded in 1906, maintains the official registry for racing greyhounds in the United States and coordinates the annual National Greyhound Meet. The organization is dedicated to preserving the breed standard and supporting the greyhound racing and adoption communities. For more information, please contact: National Greyhound Association 785.263.4660, Previous Next

< Back FESTIVAL OF STAKES UPDATE Shane Bolender Sep 14, 2021 After two qualifying rounds in each of the six divisions in the 2021 edition of the Festival of Stakes at Southland Casino & Racing, the number of undefeated greyhounds remaining appears to be the fewest after two rounds in the history of the event. With two rounds remaining until the championship and consolation fields will be set, the smart money may be on even fewer remaining unscathed before the big event. Let’s take a quick recap look at the fields in each division going into round 3 action this coming weekend: Arkansas Bred Sprint Division (583 yards) To say GOVERNMENT SLAVE is undefeated through two rounds would be one thing, but the way this brindle female won her second round race gives hope that she may finish the deal and stay unbeaten going into Championship Sunday. This Magic City Kennel star isn’t the only one putting up good finishes for trainer Bill Nihan either. The kennel holds three of the top four positions in qualifying right now, nearly ensuring multiple entries at this point into the championship race. Other single race winners in this division had disappointing finishes in the other round so far, with IMARK BOOG (Ryan Farms), CBJ STARGAZER (T and T) and CBJ ELEKTRA (Wayne R. Ward) each running fourth or worse in their other effort, keeping the rest of pack close to possibly sneak into the finals with a couple big finishes in the final two rounds. Round 3 of qualifying action will be on Saturday, September 18th. Darby Henry Male Sprint Division (583 yards) Only one greyhound remains undefeated in this division, and the name of the greyhound who holds that designation is of no surprise. One of the best racing at Southland currently, CRAIGIE DELEGATE (Lester Raines Kennel) is not only undefeated through two rounds of qualifying action, but is now riding a five consecutive race win streak and there appears there is little in his way right now to stop him. He has 24 wins on the season with a little more than 3 months to go and is looking for his second major stakes championship in the past six weeks or so as he already locked up a spot in the championship finals, short of some distasterous occurrence. BARTS BLUE BLOOD (Charter Kennel) and KB’S MOODY RIVER (Magic City) are hanging close tied for 25 points thanks to a win and second place finish over the first two rounds and the next seven greyhounds are within a third place finish or better from making a major move up the charts. Third round action in the Darby Henry Male Sprint Division is slated for this coming Saturday. Darby Henry Female Sprint Division (583 yards) The ladies division in the Festival of Stakes appears to be one of the more exciting divisions as far as picking a clear cut favorite through two rounds. There are two undefeated greyhounds so far with HIGH KEY (Northshore Kennel) and JS KEEPHOPEALIVE (Lester Raines Kennel) riding high into round 3. Southland Derby Consolation Stakes winner, FIESTA GRACE (Gloria Dorsey) is within sniffing distance of the leaders with 25 points and a somewhat surprise entry hanging in fourth place with TURBO GIA (Bussmann-Balakas) scoring 22 points. Eight other greyhounds are lurking behind those top four vying for seemingly the last four spots in the championship field. Third round action for the ladies sprint division is slated for this Saturday. Barry Baldwin Juvenile Sprint Division (583 yards ) A “super” fast pup leads the field in this division as the only undefeated greyhound left. SUPER C BREW (Lester Raines Kennel) dominated his second round qualifying race by 8 lengths and counting past the wire this past Sunday to record his seventh win in just 17 starts. There is a complete logjam behind him with four greyhounds tied for second with 25 points each and another 3 greyhounds behind that pack tied at 22 points going into round 3 action this coming Sunday. Charter Kennel’s OSHKOSH HICKORY also posted a nice win during the second round, pulling away by five lengths as the betting favorite to bring his total to 22 points. This next round of qualifying will likely be key to either solidifying spots in the championship field, or being within a top two finish of sneaking into one of those coveted eight spots. Ness Sechrest Middle Distance Division (660 yards) Second time may be the charm for Razorback Classic Stakes Consolation Champ GODDESSOFTHEHUNT (Steve M. Sarras Kennel), who is the sole undefeated greyhound through two qualifying rounds in the Sechrest Middle Distance Division. Her quick break from the box and early speed has fueled two nice wins, one over ARKANS MABEL (Darren Henry Kennel) who is currently tied for the final spot in the championship field. Speaking of stakes winners, ARKANS RB TAZ (Darren Henry Kennel), the Razorback Classic Stakes Champion this season, lays tied for second after her blistering 10 length romp in round 2 and lurks around with 25 points. Tied with her for second is fan favorite CHILLAXIFICATION (Northshore Kennel), who’s monster closing style of running in sprint races begged to see what he could do in longer distances. He recently turned 4 years old last month, and although he has just three races on the Razorback Course, he has a win and second place so far in qualifying. From front to back, the top eight so far in this field is probably the closest in talent in all six of the divisions. Third round action in this division is slated to be contested this Friday. Ansel Styles, Jr. Marathon Distance Division (703 yards) Although this division had the fewest greyhounds entered into it since it’s inception over a decade ago in the Festival of Stakes, the two undefeated greyhounds sitting on top so far through two rounds should set up for a heck of a championship final if it stays the course. FGF DAVYCROCKETT (Charter Kennel) and SMILE N MEAN IT (Plum Creek Kennel) are unscathed and looking sharp, especially Davycrocket who has won comfortably going away in both his starts in this event. A trio of greyhounds are tied for third with 20 points each in JACK KNIGHT (Gloria Dorsey Kennel), RCK GOLDEN GRACE (Mike Harris Kennel) and WW HUSKY (Wayne R. Ward). The third round of qualifying is scheduled for Friday. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of October 23, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Oct 24, 2023 Steve Sarras Kennel’s Glasgow Kiss has won five out of his last six Grade AA races for trainer Mike Holguin. Kennel-mates Elijah Craig has three straight wins (M, D, C) while Provide Comfort has back-to-back victories (B, A). A Ray Kennel’s AMF Gotta Go has captured three out of his last four Grade AA trips for trainer Joe Palmer. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s SE Tap House has two wins and two seconds in his last four Grade AA outings for trainer Cheyney Kuriata. Charter Kennel’s JSP Hush Money has three 3/8 victories in a row (TA, TAA) for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mate Oshkosh Twilla has back-to-back wins (A, AA). Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Pickupthepace has two straight victories (B, A) for trainer Natalie Looper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl7hlwqS8yA Previous Next

< Back NGA SPRING MEET SCHOOLING RESULTS - WEDNESDAY APRIL 14, 2021 Jim Gartland Apr 14, 2021 48 races scheduled: Dragged after every 10, no watering. Conditions: Sunny, cool, 43 degrees – Track: Fast (SCR = Scratched - HS = Hand Slip, no time) JAY RANGEL - (Race 1) 30.63, 30.40, 30.87, 30.97, 31.22, 31.39, 30.79, 31.59, 31.50, 31.23, 32.22, 30.98, 31.27, 31.60, 31.52, 31.77, 31.89, SCR SHANNON HENRY - (Race 2) 30.72, 30.69, 31.76, 31.02, 31.24, 31.61, 31.44, 32.49, 31.68, 31.55, 31.44, 31.62 DAVID STRONG - (Race 3) 30.41, 30.54, 30.62, 30.68, 31.19, 30.67, 31.01 SEASTROM KENNELS - (Race 4) 30.18 , 31.06, 30.63, 31.14, 31.00, 31.24, 31.34, 31.21, 31.39, 31.96, HS 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

< Back 50th Anniversary: Wheeling win champions - 1976-2025 Stan Pawloski Jun 15, 2026 1976 DIXIE MILER 19-14-3-1 Blue Bd. F. May ’75. Tuf Miler-My Dixie. 1977 SLICK GENIUS 64-30-6-7 Red. M. Dec. ’74. Neptune’s Genius-Kara Day. 1978 DIAMOND’S ROSE 50-27-10-4 Dark Red Bd. F. May ’76. Watch Harvey-Blue Diamond. E.Z. IKE 53-27-4-5 Red Fawn. M. March ’76. Ghost Barrs-Leprechaun Lass. 1979 DIAMOND’S ROSE 59-28-12-6 Dark Red Bd. F. May ’76. Watch Harvey-Blue Diamond. 1980 J’S SUSIE 59-33-8-6 Brindle. F. June ’78. Sandy Printer-J’s Sue 1981 FRIEND DELILAH 76-47-12-4 Light Red. F. Dec. ’77. Opposed-My Friend Dee. 1982 FRIEND DELILAH 70-36-17-6 Light Red. F. Dec. ’77. Opposed-My Friend Dee. 1983 REBEL’S DAISY 72-38-11-4 Black Bd. F. Oct. ’80. Rebel Charlie-Pecos Jill Ann 1984 YUCCA T 74-36-14-5 Red. M. May ’82. Opposed-Miss Katie. 1985 AUTUMN FIRE 72-29-10-6 White Red Bd. M. Aug. ’83. Kunta Kinte-I.R.’s Fat Speed 1986 DD’S NELSON 51-38-3-5 Brindle. M. Dec. ’83. DD’s Doctor Bill-DD’s Jo. 1987 W’S PRIXY FLY 81-37-21-9 Black. F. July ’84. Texas Talking-GH’s Karen. 1988 TO THE TIP 62-34-9-6 Brindle. M. March ’86. My Tipper-Miss Miranda. 1989 STAGE DOOR ACE 63-29-8-9 Brindle. M. Dec. ’86. Monster Ace-Elite Cadillac. 1990 DC JAY BIRD 65-42-14-6 Red Brindle. M. Dec. ’87. Defender-Jennifer’s Pet. 1991 GREYS BEAVER 50-33-9-3 Brindle. M. May ’89. Dark Forces-Paso Kyann. 1992 GREYS BEAVER 47-34-5-4 Brindle. M. May ’89. Dark Forces-Paso Kyann. 1993 CASUAL CASEY 59-39-6-3 Brindle. M. Aug. ’91. Swift Kick-Amber Gidget. 1994 CASUAL CASEY 45-31-3-5 Brindle. M. Aug. ’91. Swift Kick-Amber Gidget. BEN G DESIRE 61-31-12-3 Red Brindle. F. April ’90. Pat C Shredder-Ogold Ann. 1995 ROWDY GARTH 63-26-13-6 Brindle. M. March ’92. Homspun Rowdy-Elisa Ann. 1996 KIOWA DAY JAZZ 59-41-6-1 Black. F. Dec. ’93. Let Loose-Kiowa A Day. 1997 MI NICE CATCH 72-31-13-8 Light Brindle. F. April ’95. Mi Designer-Sparkling Babe. 1998 DB’S DOLCIE DASH 61-39-9-2 Black. F. Jan. ’96. Morriston Sam-Zack Attack. 1999 PRIMA GOLD TONE 75-40-8-6 Red. M. April ’97. Molotov-Golden Bea. 2000 BUTTER N JAM 72-36-11-8 Red. F. April ’98. SC’s Mask Rider-MJ’s Olivia. 2001 IRUSKA ALL STAR 63-30-16-6 Red Brindle. M. May ’99. P’s Raising Cain-Cee Bar Star. 2002 CLAIR DOLAN 52-27-10-4 Red Brindle. F. Dec. ’99. Greys Stateman-Miss Mia. 2003 SLATEX STRIKER 69-34-10-6 Red Brindle. M. Dec. ’00. Gable Dodge-Slatex Shell. 2004 GREYS ROYALCROWN 46-23-8-5 Red Brindle. M. Apr. ’02. Its A Clevercatch-Greys Liberty. 2005 NIMBY TP JAN 48-27-13-3 Black. F. October ’02. Flying Penske-JD Tripod. 2006 BB BECOOL 60-28-13-7 Black. M. Dec. ’03. Oshkosh Slammer-Bebe. 2007 MAKIN BAKIN 55-30-8-3 Black Brindle. F. Feb. ’05. Lonesome Cry-Can She Cook. GABLE PIMIENTO 67-30-15-4 Brindle. F. Nov. ’04. Gable Dodge-R’s Carolina. 2008 TK QUICK STRIKE 60-31-10-6 Black. M. July ’05. Flying Penske-Joanne’s Peach. 2009 KIOWA POWER PAK 47-31-7-6 Dk. Fawn. M. Jan. ’07. Kiowa Mon Manny-Kiowa More Mar. 2010 WP’S CAMEO 43-23-5-5 Black. F. Dec. ’07. Fuzzys Cannon-M’s Countess Amy. KB’S RUCKUS 59-23-7-6 Brindle. M. Feb. ’08. Coldwater Konow-Lil Kaci. BONAFIDE SPEED 63-23-8-7 Dark Brindle. F. Feb. ’07. WW Time Warp-Oneco Tayto. 2011 AMF EX PRESIDENT 54-28-9-4 Light Brindle. M. Apr. ’09. Kiowa Mon Manny-Bonex. 2012 CTW BRONZE DRAKE 44-28-4-2 Brindle. M. Dec. ’09. Lonesome Cry-CTW Outa Sight. 2013 GO BON COALTRAIN 41-20-5-1 Black. M. May ’11. Flying Coal City-Go Bon Sugarland. FLYING LONE WOLF 47-20-14-4 Red Fawn. M. Aug. ’10. Lonesome Cry-Flying Argyle. 2014 KIOWA LEER LOYD 51-24-7-8 Black. M. July ’12. Kelsos Fusileer-Kiowa Kay Tipton. 2015 AMF SLEEKSTRANGR 39-26-9-0 White Ticked Bk. M. Nov. ’12. Djays Octane-Super C Alexis. 2016 VAROOM ESME 48-23-11-3 Brindle. F. July ’13. Kiowa Mon Manny-Flying Bassey. 2017 KB’S BAYMAX 62-23-4-4 White & Black. F. March ’15. Rhythmless-Miss Adelaide. 2018 L’S GRIZ 53-23-7-7 Brindle. M. April ’16. KC And All-L’s Rovi. 2019 GF LA DUENA 49-32-7-4 Brindle. F. June ’16. KC And All-GF Sister Karen. 2020 WW SLICK SIMON 47-17-8-5 Blue Brindle. M. April ’17. Kiowa Producer-WW Polished. 2021 AD BLACK FALCON 51-20-8-5 Black. M. July ’18. SH Avatar-Hey Hey Mamma. 2022 FLORENTINE 56-22-9-1 Black. F. Feb. ’20. Rob Gronkowski-PJ Sour Diesel. 2023 ARTEX PUMBAA 51-22-8-6 Red. M. May ’20. Flying Hydrogen-Arkans Cancer. JSP RAYZENDACASH 55-22-4-9 Red Fawn. M. Aug. ’20. Superior Panama-Gonz Mani. 2024 DD FLORENCE 61-23-9-8 Red. F. Jan. ’22. Oya Stan The Man-LK’s Alexis. 2025 FF VESPA 61-28-13-6 Black. M. April ’22. Atascocita Gray-FF Biscayne. (Win leader information compiled by local greyhound historian Robin Reed). Previous Next