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< Back LESTER RAINES WINS THIRD STRAIGHT WHEELING KENNEL CHAMPIONSHIP Stan Pawloski Jan 24, 2023 Three-peat. Lester Raines raced to the top of the kennel standings at Wheeling Island early in 2022 and never looked back in winning its third straight championship. The Joel Roden-trained greyhounds won 567 races last year, including 311 victories in a second half surge. The kennel easily outdistanced runner up Blanchard (516) and Charter (442). This marked Roden’s fifth championship with the Lester Raines Kennel – following up crowns in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021. The kennel previously won Wheeling titles in 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996. The competition at Wheeling fuels Roden and his team. “It’s always special to win a kennel championship and to do it three years in a row shows our system is working. Our whole team works for the same goal – take care of the greyhounds the best we can because they’re the ones who make us successful,” Roden said. “All our hard work paid off. Winning brings confidence to the whole team. It’s a lot more fun and easier to do this job when you’re doing well.” Lester Raines echoed Roden’s sentiments. “Wheeling is a tough racetrack so winning the kennel championship three straight years is very special. It means a lot to me and our team who I have complete confidence in,” Raines said. “I’m a sports-minded guy and love this business and the competitiveness. After 36 years in the greyhound industry, I still have the enthusiasm.” Raines’ success hasn’t been limited only to Wheeling. He’s had bookings at 11 different racetracks, compiling 58 kennel championships and 39 runner-up finishes during his career. Roden doesn’t take anything for granted even though Lester Raines has captured five out of the last seven kennel championships. “I’ve been at Wheeling for 21 years (since 2002) and I remember ZEZ, Charter, Gable and Ward winning all those kennel championships,” Roden said. “We were competitive but never won championships. Once you’re on top, it’s tough staying there. You have your down years.” Next in line for wins in the final 2022 standings behind Lester Raines (567), Blanchard (516) and Charter (442) were Imark (371), Jacobs Racing (350), Steve Sarras (341), Code Red (333), Brad Boeckenstedt (331), Patriot/Taplin (297), Wayne Ward (291 each), Xtrem Hess Racing (285), Rangel (267) and A Ray (265). Pacing the Lester Raines’ attack last year were SNL Sir Liam with 15 victories and JS Slush Fund and JS Makeitsnappy with 14 wins each. SNL Ramey posted 13 victories while RS Big D registered 12. Other double-digit winners were JS Movinwitgrave, JS Oakietwister and SNL Sir Luke with 11 wins each; and JS Mismarymackin, LK’s Simone, O Ya Simon Sez and Teaser’s Twirl with 10 victories each. “We didn’t have a lot of superstars or greyhounds at the top of the win leader board last year, but we had a big group of consistent greyhounds who had a good shot of winning each time they went to the starting box,” Roden said. “It may have been our most consistent year ever. We had a lot of youngsters come in during the year and do well and a number of our older greyhounds had nice years.” Checking in with nine victories apiece were Craigie Daughtry, JS Cash Out, JS Countrykisses and Teaser’s Tickle. Recording eight wins each were DD Making Time, JS On A Mission, JS Saltythursday, O Ya Fame, O Ya Thunder Boy and RS Analyze This. One big moment for Roden and his team in 2022 was RS Big D’s chase of Casual Casey’s track record of 16 wins in a row. The middle-distance star rolled to 13 straight victories, tying Stage Door Ace for the longest winning streak by a 3/8th greyhound in Wheeling racing history. “At first, after a few wins, we didn’t give it much thought. As Big D’s streak got longer, the pressure started to build,” Roden said. “It was exciting and totally unexpected. We had no idea how good he was going to be in 3/8ths.” Roden credited his Wheeling team – Julie Roden, Amanda McCardle, Jaylynn McCardle, Scott Robinette, Sheri Weaver and Dana Burroughs – for playing a key role in the kennel’s success in 2022. “We got a total combined effort from our whole team – the crew, Lester Raines, the greyhounds and all our lease customers,” Roden said. “I can’t thank Lester and our group of leased customers enough. They all played a hand in our success.” In addition to having the most wins in 2022, Lester Raines’ 441 seconds were just under Charter’s leading 452. Blanchard logged the most thirds (496) and fourths (464). Lester Raines was the leader in win percentage with 18 percent followed by Blanchard and Charter with 15 percent each. Lester Raines led all kennels with a 45 percent trifecta mark. Charter was next with 44 percent while Blanchard followed with 42 percent. RS Big D gets some love from Lester Raines Kennel helper Jaylynn McCardle. In 2022, the middle-distance ace won 13 straight races, tying Stage Door Ace for the longest winning streak by a 3/8 greyhound in Wheeling racing history. Previous Next

< Back CET DIRTY DAN WINS WVGOBA PANHANDLE CHAMPIONSHIP Stan Pawloski Oct 18, 2022 Association Panhandle Championship Friday afternoon, Oct. 21, at Wheeling Island. Racing out of the Steve Sarras Kennel and trained by Jay Falcone, CET Dirty Dan rushed to an early lead from the seven box in the final – opening up a 3-length lead on RS’s Dark Night (Lester Raines Kennel) down the backstretch. Coming home, RS’s Dark Night narrowed the gap, but CET Dirty Dan had enough in the tank to take the stakes crown by a neck in 29.81. CET Marlin (Imark Kennel) closed in the stretch to take third place as CET Barracuda (Imark Kennel) settled for fourth. Completing the order of finish were CET Tiger Boy (Steve Sarras Kennel), fifth; CET Fernando (Imark Kennel), sixth; RS’s Railhauler (Lester Raines Kennel), seventh; and RS’s Dunkindylan (Lester Raines Kennel), eighth. CET Dirty Dan, a December 2018 greyhound out of SH Avatar-CET Dirty Nicki, is owned by Carl Tomblin II. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of February 15, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Feb 15, 2021 Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s AD Black Falcon has four straight 3/8 wins (TAA, AA) for trainer Jill Spicer. Kennel-mate Proud Soul has four wins and four seconds in his last eight Grade AA races. Blanchard Kennel’s Arkans PC Venice (C, B, A, AA) and JW Jamaica (M, D, C, B) have captured four out of their last five starts for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mate Easi Lil Charlie has back-to-back victories (A, AA). Jacobs Racing Kennel’s JSK Crockett has back-to-back Grade AA victories for trainer Alisha Nichols. Kennel-mate Slatex Stark has captured three out of his last four trips (C, B, A). Charter Kennel’s Racine has two straight Grade AA wins for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mate Barts Pepperjack has won three out of his last four outings (M, C, B). Imark Kennel’s Imark Boog has captured three out of his last four starts (B, A, AA) for trainer Dian Derr. Lester Raines Kennel’s JS Saltythursday has won three out of his last four outings (C, B, A) for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Aunt Patty Cake has back-to-back 3/8 wins (B, A). Abrahamson Kennel’s TR’s Hunter has captured three out of his last four trips (C, B, A) for trainer Tom Engle. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s TNT Free Falling has back-to-back victories (B, A) for trainer Joe Otto. A Ray Kennel’s AMF Weird Way has won three out of his last four races (D, C, B) for trainer Joe Palmer. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of March 22, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Mar 22, 2021 Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Proud Soul has five victories, two second and a third in his last eight Grade AA races for trainer Cheyney Kuriata. Kennel-mate AD Black Falcon has four wins and a second in his last five Grade AA 3/8 starts. Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR Jaded has won four out of her last five Grade AA trips for trainer Frank Pellittere. Charter Kennel’s Barts Sundayhalo has captured three out of her last four outings (A, AA) for trainer James Campbell. Kennel-mate Barts Readyornot has two wins and a second in her last three Grade AA races. Rangel Kennel’s JS In The Money (A, AA) and Pat C Inferno (C, B, A) have won three out of their last four starts for trainer Scott Robinette. Lester Raines Kennel’s Manzano Jeremy B has back-to-back Grade TAA 3/8 victories for trainer Joel Roden. Blanchard Kennel’s JW Montego has three straight wins (B, A, AA) for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Boise has won three out of her last four 3/16 races (TB, TA, AA) for trainer Joe Otto. Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Firey Canbe Bott has two victories and a second in her last three outings (A, AA) for trainer Alisha Nichols. Steve Sarras Kennel’s LK’s Molinari has back-to-back 3/8 wins (B, TA) for trainer Barb Long. Previous Next

< Back The $65,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Open Distance Stakes at Tristate P. Saul May 13, 2024 The $65,000 West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association Open Distance Stakes got underway, Saturday, May 11, at Tri State on the 677 yard course. A total of 32 qualifying sprinters were entered. After first round of races, CET Kennels posted three wins with Cet Electrify, Cet Dirty Skinny and Cetmark Zippy. Also Abrahamson Kennel sprinter, Gls Finleysfilly, secured a win. Winning racers accumulate 12 points. The greyhounds return for the second round on Friday, May 16. The quarter-finals will be Tuesday, May 21, followed by the semi-finals on Saturday, May 25. The Open Sprint Stakes championship is scheduled for Friday, May 31. Accumulated points after the first round: 12 points: CET Kennels (Cet Electrify, Cet Dirty Skinny, Cetmark Zippy), JS Kennels (Gls Finleysfilly) 9 points: Abrahamson Kennel (Cg’s Miss Muffet), CET Kennels (Cet Dirty Toodls), RS Racing (Raise The Wind, Coal Powered) 7 points: Abrahamson (Cg’s Apocalypse, Cg’s Maggi, Cg’s Musician, Cg’s Mustardseed) 5 points: CET Kennels (Ts Dustin Lynch), Heather Lomax Kennel (Jas Strait Aces) JS Kennels (Gls Lady Jupiter) RS Racing (Eagle Rare) 3 points: Double G Racing (Coach Mondrell, Coach Hatfield, Coach Phillips, Coach Doodles) 2 points: CET Kennels (Cet Static) Heather Lomax (Hlo’s Grumpy Gus, Jas Silver Queen) JS Kennels (Gls Crystal Rose) 1 point: Double G Racing (Coach Heath, Coach Mc Grew) Heather Lomax (Jas A King Wins) RS Racing (Worlds Collide) 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 Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of April 12, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Apr 12, 2021 Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Abbi’s Gusta Win has three wins and three seconds in his last six Grade AA starts for trainer Alisha Nichols. Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR Jared has won three out of her last four Grade AA races for trainer Frank Pellittere. Kennel-mate BGR Bigfoot has three straight 3/8 victories (TA, AA). Steve Sarras Kennel’s Kells Xterra has two wins and two seconds in his last four Grade AA trips for trainer Barb Long. Charter Kennel’s Barts Fire Away has two victories and two seconds in his last four Grade AA outings for trainer James Campbell. Abrahamson Kennel’s Atascocita Birma has two wins and two seconds in her last four Grade AA starts for trainer Tom Engle. Wayne Ward Kennel’s WW Little Lies has two victories and a second in her last three Grade AA races for trainer Ron Otto. Lester Raines Kennel’s JS Slush Fund (AA), O Ya Sniper (B, A 3/8) and CTW Empress Elie (B, A) have back-to-back wins for trainer Joel Roden. Blanchard Kennel’s Frappe has two straight Grade AA victories for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Previous Next

< Back KAIAS ALEX IS MR. CONSISTENT ​ Oct 5, 2020 Consistency: Unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time. The Google definition doesn’t mention Kaias Alex. Perhaps it should. Turn the calendar back to Dec. 14, 2019. On that Saturday night performance, Kaias Alex broke slowly in Race 9, got bumped on the first turn, and finished fifth – 9-1/2-lengths behind BD Wells in a Grade A 550-yard sprint. Something changed after that for the Floyd kennel athlete. “He’s matured,’’ kennel operator and trainer Randy Floyd said. “He’s just gotten better. I thought he was pretty good, but not this good.’’ Twenty-three races and more than nine months later, Kaias Alex has added consistency to his resume. Not one effort worse than third place, a remarkable streak among the best Grade A sprinters that Derby Lane has to offer. Owned by George ‘’Dick’’ Adler of Lecanto, Fla., Kaias Alex has 13 wins, nine seconds, and one third since Dec. 20. Not even a coronavirus pandemic that sidelined all Derby Lane dogs for seven weeks has stopped his momentum. “He’s just a happy and friendly dog,’’ Floyd said. “The whole litter is that way. I told Dick this whole litter is just a pleasure to handle. They just want some attention.’’ Kaias Alex has never been better. In September, he recorded a career-high six-race win streak, beating rivals by a total of 28 lengths. The streak ended this past Tuesday with a second-place effort, but he returned to the winner’s circle on Saturday with a box-to-wire 7-length triumph. The 39-month-old son of Djays Octane and Ethereal Elation has won 24 of 60 races overall since starting his career in February 2019, raising his in-the-money percentage to 80 percent that represents a top-four finish in a race. His versatility is reflected with 14 wins by leading at every race call, and 10 by coming from off the pace. “He breaks decent and he’s got a good rush to the turn,’’ Floyd said. “And then he wants to get out wide and on the outside, and get going. It’s been a while since anybody’s run him down.’’ The last time Kaias Alex gave up a lead was Dec. 27, when Super C Casino rallied from a 3-length deficit to defeat the 73-pound dog by a nose. Kaias Alex’s best time at 550 yards is 30.30 seconds on Jan. 15. Although Kaias Alex didn’t advance to Derby Lane’s top Grade A level until his 20th start, Floyd entered him in three stakes races in 2019: (third in the $20,000 Gold Trophy Juvenile; fifth in the $10,000 Thanksgiving; and unplaced in the $10,000 Howl-O-Ween). “I’m pleasantly surprised (at his success),’’ Floyd said. “I knew he could run. . . . It’s a matter if you get a chance to run. “There are so many good dogs (at Derby Lane), you’ve got to be lucky to get out of the box and get around the turn. That’s the name of the game.’’ Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs ( as of June 21, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted ) Stan Pawloski Jun 21, 2021 Jacobs Racing Kennel’s Abbi’s Gusta Win (AA), Abbi’s Frontman (AA) and Slatex Sinner (TAA 3/16) have captured three out of their last four starts for trainer Alisha Nichols. Kennel-mate Fit The Battle has back-to-back wins (B, A). Lester Raines Kennel’s O Ya Trisha has won seven out of her last eight 3/16 races (TD, TC, B, TA, TAA) for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates RS’s Dark Night has captured four out of his last five outings (M, D, C, B) while JS Kickinupmudd (B, A) and B Ashley Morgan (B, A) have back-to-back victories. Blanchard Kennel’s BO’s Robert has won four out of his last five trips (B, A, AA) for trainer Sarah Blanchard. Kennel-mate JS Rob Stone has captured five out of his last six races (D, C, B, A, AA). Steve Sarras Kennel’s LK’s Sheridan has won three out of his last four 3/8 starts (TA, TAA) for trainer Barb Long. Kennel-mates Kells Xterra (AA) and Tuscany Italian (B, A) have back-to-back wins while Cuddles N Bubbls has three straight 3/8 victories (C, B, A). Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR Wise Cracker has back-to-back 3/8 wins (A, TAA) for trainer Frank Pellittere. Rangel Kennel’s RPG Get You Back has back-to-back victories (B, A) for trainer Scott Robinette. Previous Next

< Back Wheeling Hot Dogs (as October 31, all races 5/16 unless otherwise noted) Stan Pawloski Oct 31, 2022 Steve Sarras Kennel’s CET Dirty Dan has four wins and a second in his last five starts (SAA, AA) for trainer Jay Falcone. Kennel-mate Florentine has two victories and three seconds in his last five Grade AA trips. Lester Raines Kennel’s RS’s Dark Night has four wins and a second in his last five races (SAA, AA) for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mates O Ya Thunder Boy has two victories and a second in his last three outings (A, AA) while JS Run Bubba Run has back-to-back wins (B, A). Code Red Kennel’s O Ya Paws has three victories and two seconds in his last five Grade AA starts for trainer Tom Engle. Charter Kennel’s Oshkosh Edward has three wins, a second and a third in his last five Grade AA trips for trainer James Campbell. Imark Kennel’s Imark Spot has three straight Grade AA victories for trainer DiAnn Derr. Rangel Kennel’s JS Sugar Rush (TAA 3/8) and Pat C Dog Patch (B, A) have back-to-back wins for trainer Alex Hall. Brad Boeckenstedt Kennel’s BGR Boogie Man has two straight 3/8 victories (TA, TAA) for trainer Frank Pellittere. Patriot/Taplin Kennel’s Fly Panama Blue has back-to-back wins (B, A) for trainer Joe Otto. Previous Next

< Back 2023 HALL OF FAME AUCTION ​ Jul 31, 2023 The Greyhound Hall of Fame museum preserves and presents the history of the racing greyhound in America from its inception to today. Two resident greyhound greeters are onsite to greet the visitors. Located in Abilene, Kansas, the greyhound capital of the US, the museum provides an in depth look at greyhounds from birth through adoption, and has been doing so for over 50 years. The Hall, like many museums, is always in need of funding so we are asking that you please help us out and join us for our 2023 Auction to Support the Greyhound Hall of Fame on Facebook! This auction will help raise needed funds for the ongoing operating costs of the facility. The Hall of Fame needs EVERYONE'S help to continue to represent our Industry. The auction will run from August 7 to August 19, 2023 at 8:00 pm, but first we need everyone to spread the word about the auction and we need donations for the auction to happen. We really want to make this a super successful fun auction but it can't happen without our greyhound community. We also encourage you to share this information so we can get the word out. Your help in this is greatly appreciated. The official site on Facebook is: "2023 Auction to Support the Greyhound Hall of Fame" Special thanks to Mike and Lisa Muchler for hosting this big event. Previous Next