Greyhound Racing News from around the U.S.A. Greyhound Racing, Handicapping, Free Picks, Free Tip Sheets, Results, Video Replays and more.



Monday, May 24, 2010

This Week in Greyhound Racing May 24 - May 31 (Extended Holiday Edition)

Monday May 24:              Southland $25,000 Razorback Classic Round 4.
                                       First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                       Official Southland Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack16
                                       Watch Southland LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/ye63

                                       Orange Park (Jacksonville) JGR Puppy Stakes Round 2.
                                       First Post Time 7:45pm ET.

                                       Official Orange Park Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acv02
                                       FREE Orange Park Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/vz63
                                       Watch Orange Park LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/wl07

Wednesday May 26:       Tri State $65,000 WVGOBA Open Sprint Stakes Round 3.
                                      First Post Time 7:30pm ET.

                                      Official Tri State Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/abe80
                                      Watch Tri State LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/abw04

Thursday May 27:           LIVE Thursday evening racing returns to Daytona Beach.
                                       First Post Time 7:30pm ET.

                                       Official Daytona Beach Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acx72
                                       Watch Daytona Beach LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/acx73

Friday May 28:                Orange Park (Jacksonville) JGR Puppy Stakes Round 3.
                                       First Post Time 7:45pm ET.

                                       Official Orange Park Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acv02
                                       FREE Orange Park Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/vz63
                                       Watch Orange Park LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/wl07

Saturday May 29:            Wheeling $15,000 Pan Handle Classic Round 1.
                                       First Post Time 12:30pm ET.

                                       Official Wheeling Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/abe80
                                       Watch Wheeling LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/vz69

                                       Bluff's Run $60,000 3/8 Mile Derby Stakes Final.
                                       First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                       Official Bluff's Run Programs and Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/acn46
                                       Watch Bluff's Run LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/wf37

                                        Ebro Marathon Championship Stakes Final.
                                        First Post Time 7:30pm ET.

                                        Official Ebro Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack93
                                        No LIVE Racing Feed Available.

Monday May 31:              Orange Park (Jacksonville) JGR Puppy Stakes Round 4.
                                        First Post Time 12:35pm ET.   

                                        Official Orange Park Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acv02
                                        FREE Orange Park Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/vz63
                                        Watch Orange Park LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/wl07

                                        Dubuque $2,000 Memorial Sprint.
                                        First Post Time 2pm ET.

                                        Official Dubuque Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acx75

                                        Southland $25,000 Razorback Classic Final.
                                        First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                        Official Southland Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack16
                                        Watch Southland LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/ye63

Friday, May 21, 2010

10 Questions with Renie Hippler, President and CEO of Track Data Systems


Click the video to see Renie speak about Track Data Systems plans to promote racing online.

Click the logo to see the NEW TrackInfo.com!

Please tell us a about Track Data Systems and your role with the company.
TrackData is a family run business. We were founded in 1981 by two brothers Dave & Glenn Hobson. Their father Pres Hobson worked various jobs throughout the racing industry – one of which being the Editor of the National Greyhound Update – for those of you who were around when it was published! Pres was working in the print shop and had a brainstorm that with the advent of the personal computer the production of a greyhound racing program was an ideal project for automation. And from there TrackData was born and went on to pioneer the computerization of the Greyhound Racing Office.

Dave Hobson was at the helm of the company until his passing in April of 2008. Dave hired me as TrackData's first employee in May of 1987. I have done everything including answer the phones, accounting, client installs, programming, customer service, operations – and now at the request of Dave and his family have taken on the role of President and CEO.

Over the last two years we have streamlined our operation, improved the efficiency of our products and now we are launching our new full featured website. The new generation of TrackData will integrate the younger generation of Hobson's by utilizing their areas of expertise in the internet and social media.

Track Data Systems recently launched a new and improved website. What can race fans expect to find at TrackInfo.com?
We are hoping for full integration of greyhound data - current, historical, replays, wagering, social media hub - from track specific to national in scope. What we would like to call a one stop shop. We will also have comparable thoroughbred and harness data just not as large in scope.

How long was the new website in development, and what were the biggest challenges?
The site has been in development for about a year now. Our old site had morphed over the years so analysis and reorganization was complicated. From a business stand point the biggest challenge was to incorporate all of our existing content in a manner that our current users could easily find. But we also wanted to improve the layout, functionality and content to draw in a new set of end users. From a personal end delegating the project out and having to depend on others to produce the vision – I'm definitely a hands on A Type personality so that has been very difficult.

How long does it take a track employee to create a typical race program and how does this compare to the program creation process from 20 years ago?
Before the advent of computer technology at the race track and print shop, producing a racing program was an overnight project. The race track would type a list of entries and send them to the print shop to compile a proof copy. After checking this proof for errors the track would then give the ok to print and the next day printed programs would be available. Today the process is streamlined and we can get a printed program out in less than an hour – from draw to program stand.

In your opinion, what is the best service Track Data Systems offers racing fans?
We offer the racing fans the largest, most complete and accurate source of Greyhound historical data. For many years the greyhound public has asked for a national Greyhound Data Base and we are able to answer that request with our Greymatter Data Base. There are still a few tracks who choose not to make their data available which is unfortunate.

Most race fans probably associate Track Data Systems with racing programs and results. What other types of products do you offer tracks that are "behind the scenes"?
The perception is that TrackData only handles greyhound data. Trackdata has a complete record keeping system that resides at the racetrack and that allows them to produce everything from the racing program, statistics and weekly purse earning checks for greyhound owners and the federal government. TrackData also has a branch of the company that supplies simulcast information on thoroughbreds, harness and greyhound racing. We have clients all over the United States as well as internationally.

What are Track Data Systems plans for promoting and creating new products to help the greyhound racing industry going forward?
The industry is struggling and the many untruths that the AR people are circulating and their campaigns to shut down live racing are having considerable success and the industry has done little in the way of a counter attack. We need to fill the airways with as much positive information as possible on all aspects of greyhound racing. Social Media can be a huge help. Now that the website is ready to launch, TrackData is in the unique position to be able to handle this on a national level. We need to focus on the greyhound athletes, the success of the adoption programs and the families and individuals who have devoted their lives to this sport and the athletes. The tracks need to look to their sport for survival not to other gaming ventures.

Along with promoting the sport the new site will also implement useful real-time data geared to the greyhound gambler. As the year progresses look for TrackData to unveil new and innovative products to enhance your enjoyment and profitability of greyhound racing.

How many content providers does Track Data Systems work with, and how does that process work?
We have 3 major content providers outside of the greyhound tracks themselves. Our 3 major content providers send their information to our servers as soon as the information is available – results are instantly available from the tote company. Entry information comes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours ahead of time. For any greyhound track that has TrackData Systems racing office software the information is automatically sent to us – other greyhound tracks that wish to make their information available provide it to us in a variety of methods. Once the information is on site we run it through quality control to confirm that there are no errors in the file and then we produce product and feed the website.

What makes Track Data Systems products stand above the competition?
Besides the accuracy of our data - one word that comes to mind is customer support. At the track level we know it is a real time situation and we gear our support to resolve any problems in the period between races which generally give us only twenty minutes so we have to be prepared, competent and on call and ready to respond. Not all issues can be corrected in a twenty minute time frame but never the less that is our goal.

A typical day in the life of Renie Hippler is...?
Crazy, hectic, exhausting and full of laughter and stress from juggling! – I have a 2 year old!

I am one of those insane women who has a full time job and a little one at home. 2 years ago my life changed on two fronts – we as an industry lost one of the good guys – Dave Hobson whom I had worked with 5 days a week for 21 years and a week later my daughter was born. Two extremely emotional events and two full time jobs collided!

Thank god I am blessed with a husband who took to parenting like a duck takes to water. I couldn't do it without him. He is a fireman so his schedule is ideal for being the primary parent and I have flexible hours and the ability to telecommute when he is at work.

I live by lists – some days they get thrown out the window and sometimes things fall through the cracks but overall all fronts seem to be on an even keel.

Many thanks to Renie for taking time out of her busy schedule to give us such informative answers! It is great to see Track Data Systems taking the initiative to help promote our great sport. If you haven't already done so, make sure to check out the NEW TrackInfo.com and give them your feedback.

Monday, May 17, 2010

This Week in Greyhound Racing May 17 - May 23

Wednesday May 19:                 Bluff's Run $60,000 3/8 Mile Derby Round 3.
                                                First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                                Official Bluff's Run Programs and Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/acn46
                                                Watch Bluff's Run LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/wf37

                                                Tri State $65,000 WVGOBA Open Sprint Stakes Round 1.
                                                First Post Time 7:30pm ET.

                                                Official Tri State Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/abe80
                                                Watch Tri State LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/abw04

Thursday May 20:                    Southland $25,000 Razorback Classic Stakes Round 3.
                                                First Post Time 8:15pm ET.

                                                Official Southland Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack16
                                                Watch Southland LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/ye63

                                                Gulf $50,000 TGA Round Up Sprint Championship Round 1.
                                                First Post Time 8pm ET. POSTPONED

                                                Official Gulf Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acs93
                                                Watch Gulf Greyhound LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/acs94

Friday May 21:                         Orange Park JGR Puppy Stakes Round 1.
                                                First Post Time 7:45pm ET.

                                                Official Orange Park Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acv02
                                                FREE Orange Park Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/vz63
                                                Watch Orange Park LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/wl07

Saturday May 22:                     Bluff's Run $60,000 3/8 Mile Derby Semi-Finals.
                                                First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                                Official Bluff's Run Programs and Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/acn46
                                                Watch Bluff's Run LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/wf37

                                                Tri State $65,000 WVGOBA Open Sprint Stakes Round 2.
                                                First Post Time 7:30pm ET.

                                                 Official Tri State Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/abe80
                                                 Watch Tri State LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/abw04

Sunday May23:                        Gulf $50,000 TGA Round Up Sprint Championship Round 2.
                                                First Post Time 2:30pm ET. POSTPONED

                                                Official Gulf Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acs93
                                                Watch Gulf Greyhound LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/acs94

Friday, May 14, 2010

More Bang For Your Bark. Join Your Local Player's Club To Earn Rewards!


Do you frequent your local greyhound track on a regular basis, looking for a return or your wagering investment? If so,  join the "Player's Club" to earn FREE food, drinks, merchandise, betting vouchers, programs & more! Below is a list of tracks that currently offer freebies for members.

Mardi Gras Racetrack and Casino: It's a winning bet with the card. Earn points for betting on greyhounds, thoroughbreds, harness, and jai-alai then redeem those points for wagering vouchers, programs and dining. Double points currently offered for wagers on Mardi Gras & Tri State Greyhound Racing. Come to Mardi Gras every Wednesday (Eve) and Saturday (Matinee) to win your share of $1,600 in the Greyhound Cash Dash. 2nd floor simulcast area.
                                        http://www.playmardigras.com/parimutuels.shtml

Daytona Beach Kennel Club: The Players Card Rewards Program is designed to reward the poker player and race fan with food and beverage coupons, restaurant gift certificates, souvenir coupons, betting vouchers as well as many other exclusive offers.
                                        http://www.daytonagreyhound.com/playerrewards/playerrewards_about.html

Palm Beach Kennel Club: Just visit PBKC and sign up. The self-service Players Club Rewards Kiosks are  located at South End of lst & 2nd Floor, in The Paddock Restaurant, or at the Information Centers during live racing. Your points will be credited by the next morning.
                                       http://www.pbkennelclub.com/About_PlayersClub.asp

Wheeling Island Casino Players Club: Everyone who joins the Wheeling Island Players Club ends up a winner. Regardless of whether you choose to hit the slots, try your luck at our numerous table games or wager on live racing, you’ll earn points through the players club for same-day cash back, food discounts, concert tickets, hotel rooms and more. Also, Players Club members receive exclusive access to promotions and exclusive bonus offers related to Wheeling Island events.
                                        http://www.wheelingisland.com/Players-Club.aspx

Tri State: Get the EDGE! Join the Racer's Edge Club and earn points toward other race wagers, merchandise, food and beverage, hotel stays, members only events and special promotions. Use one of our many Racer's Edge kiosks and watch the points add up each time you wager. Every dollar earns a point. It's EASY and FREE!
                                        http://www.tristateracetrack.com/players_club/default.aspx

Ebro Greyhound Track: Earn points for prizes and privileges, receive exclusive mailings, promos and special offers and get triple points when using self service wagering.
                                        http://www.ebrogreyhoundpark.com/index.php?pagename=ClubEbroHome.htm

Southland Park Gaming and Racing: Exclusive Club Benefits and Rewards, direct mail offers, comps and discounts.
                                        http://www.southlandgreyhound.com/player_rewards.html

Dubuque Greyhound Park (Mystique): Earn 5X Points on ALL Racing Wagers every Friday & Sunday in May.
                                        http://www.mystiquedbq.com/index.php?option=com_allureclub_signup&Itemid=170&page_template=T1

Flagler Dog Track at Magic City Casino: Sign up for the Players Club today  and earn points while you play! Turn those points into CASH!  It’s fast, free and easy to join. Just stop by the Players Club desk for more details. (Editor's Note) Please visit the second floor simulcast area to sign up for greyhound, horse & harness Players Club, this is seperate from the casino Player's Club.
                                        http://www.flaglerdogs.com/playersclub.html








Monday, May 10, 2010

This Week in Greyhound Racing May 10 - May 16

Monday May 10:                 Southland $25,000 Razorback Classic Stakes Round 1.
                                          First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                          Official Southland Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack16
                                          Watch Southland LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/ye63

Wednesday May 12:            Bluff's Run $60,000 3/8 Mile Derby Round 1.
                                           First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                           Official Bluff's Run Programs and Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/acn46
                                           Watch Bluff's Run LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/acn45

                                           Derby Lane $20,000 Gold Trophy Juvenile Stakes Semi Finals.
                                           First Post Time 7:30pm ET.

                                           Official Derby Lane Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack19
                                           Watch Derby Lane LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/zz81
                                           Official Derby Lane Updates in Vera's News: http://hotshorturl.com/vz14

Saturday May 15:                Bluff's Run $60,000 3/8 Mile Derby Round 2.
                                           First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                           Official Bluff's Run Programs and Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/acn46
                                           Watch Bluff's Run LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/acn45

                                           Derby Lane $20,000 Gold Trophy Juvenile Stakes Final.
                                           First Post Time 7:30pm ET.

                                           Official Derby Lane Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack19
                                           Watch Derby Lane LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/zz81
                                           Official Derby Lane Updates in Vera's News: http://hotshorturl.com/vz14

                                           Gulf Greyhound $50,000 Texas Round Up Sprint Championship Round 1
                                           First Post Time 8pm ET.

                                           Official Gulf Greyhound Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/acs93
                                           Watch Gulf Greyhound LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/acs94
                                       
                                           Southland $25,000 Razorback Classic Stakes Round 2.
                                           First Post Time 8:15pm ET.

                                           Official Southland Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack16
                                           Watch Southland LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/ye63

Thursday, May 6, 2010

10 Questions with Jim Peake, the "Voice of Derby Lane"


Click the video to see Jim Peake in action at Derby Lane!



First, tell us a little about yourself.
I am 52 years old, born in Charleroi, PA (30 south of Pittsburgh) and a graduate of Charleroi High School (1976). Followed my father's footsteps and went to work in the steel mills of Pennsylvania (Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel) until 1985. Came to Florida in 1986 and got a job at World Jai Alai in Tampa until 1995. I have been calling races at Derby Lane since 1995. Married, been with my wife and best friend for the last 11 years.

How did you become a track announcer, and what brought you to Derby Lane?
Worked with the Voice Of Tampa Jai Alai and one of the best ever, Mark Beiro (also known for his Boxing and Battle Bots fame). He told me that I should try it and would be a natural. I did, and began to call Jai Alai there for 6 years from 1989-1995. Then as Jai Alai was beginning to falter in Tampa, was led across the bay to greyhound racing in St. Petersburg, fell in love with it and the rest is history. Have been the Voice of Derby Lane since 1995 and have called over 65,000 races there.

What is the strangest thing you have seen happen during a race?
It was during a schooling race years back. As the dogs were coming past the first time, one of them stopped right at the escape turn and decided to make a hard left and into the infield. He went running across the infield and towards the lake that is on the other end of the track and (I can’t remember his name, but the last part of it was Diver) you can just figure what happens next. He jumped the rowboat that is there and wow, what a leap. Of course everyone rushed to the lake and there he was, old Diver swimming along doggy style. He swam to the edge and they pulled him out.

You have called tens of thousands of races. Who is the greatest racer you have ever witnessed?
I think the best that I have ever called was Talentedmrripley. He was a great dual distance runner with stakes victories in both distances. He is the king of all greyhounds, currently living right in the Greyhound Hall Of Fame in Kansas as host greyhound. You can see him every day there. They say he loves to be king.

What advice would you give a new racing fan coming to play the greyhounds for the first time?
Come to the track and enjoy yourself. At Derby Lane, you can relax in the grandstand, have a great meal in the Derby Club, go trackside and enjoy watching the talented greyhounds zoom around the track. As far as wagering for the first time players, play win, place and show. You my not win a ton of money, but you will cash more tickets and that’s always more fun!!!

What is your favorite stakes series that Derby Lane hosts each year?
I like the $100,000 Distance Classic. It’s the second big stakes of the spring season and by that time you have a pretty good idea who the top stars are. Also, in some of the past classic's we have had some of the best dogs in the country come south and try to take on our derby dogs. I think it’s the toughest and most exciting tournament of the year.

Excluding yourself, who would you choose to call a big race?
I like Joe Ross, a guy who has been in the business for a while and is very good at what he does. He is very clear and calm as he calls a great race. I was in Arizona when I first met him, he now calls races at Orange Park Kennel Club (Jacksonville). A good caller and a good guy!!

In your opinion, what is one thing the industry could do to create more interest in the sport?
We need a “Big Day”, a Breeders’ Cup type of event, an end of the year championship. Have all the great greyhounds from the year battle it out for top awards and cash. I would love to see that happen at our track once a year. It would be something to point to and very exciting for fans all over the country.

As the world's oldest continuously operating greyhound track, what makes Derby Lane special?
Derby Lane is special because of the people that work here. Many have been here for a long time and enjoy the sport. They enjoy working with our fans to make it a great day/night of fun and excitement. Derby Lane is the “Home of the Greyhound Racing” and our people make it that way. Having fun is our goal.

On a day off, Jim Peake likes to...?
Well, there is not that many of them (ha, ha). When I do get some time, I love to work around the house, have a nice dinner with my great wife, relax and enjoy everything that this great area has to offer.

GreyhoundNews would like to sincerely thank Jim Peake for taking the time to answer our questions. We hope you enjoyed his answers as much as we did. If you are a greyhound racing fan make sure to plan a trip to Derby Lane, you won't be disappointed. You can also hear Jim call the races live on your computer 6 days a week.

Official Derby Lane Web Site: http://www.derbylane.com/
Watch Derby Lane LIVE: http://www.derbylane.com/live.asp
Follow Jim Peake on Twitter: http://twitter.com/voiceofdl

Monday, May 3, 2010

This Week in Greyhound Racing May 3 - May 9

Wednesday May 5:               Derby Lane $20,000 Gold Trophy Juvenile Stakes Round 2.
                                            First Post Time 7:30pm ET.

                                            Official Derby Lane Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack19
                                            Watch Derby Lane LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/zz81
                                            Official Derby Lane Updates in Vera's News: http://hotshorturl.com/vz14

Friday May 7:                       Southland $10,000 Spring Futurity Stakes Final.
                                            First Post Time 8:15pm ET.

                                            Official Southland Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack16
                                            Watch Southland LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/ye63

Saturday May 8:                   Bluff's Run $60,000 Kennel Championship Round 5.
                                            First Post Time 5pm ET.

                                            Official Bluff's Run Programs and Tip Sheets: http://hotshorturl.com/acn46
                                            Watch Bluff's Run LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/acn45

                                            Derby Lane $20,000 Gold Trophy Juvenile Stakes Round 3.

                                            Official Derby Lane Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/ack19
                                            Watch Derby Lane LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/zz81
                                            Official Derby Lane Updates in Vera's News: http://hotshorturl.com/vz14

                                            $30,000 Hollywoodian Stakes Final at Mardi Gras.

                                            Official Mardi Gras Programs: http://hotshorturl.com/abe80
                                            Watch Mardi Gras LIVE: http://hotshorturl.com/zw97

Sunday, May 2, 2010

GreyhoundNews "Daily Double" Road Trip Set For May 29, 2010

GreyhoundNews will be making its "Daily Double" Road Trip May 29th
visiting Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club (matinee) and Daytona Beach Kennel Club (evening)

During the trip, we will be posting track updates, race selections and photos from one of the oldest, and the newest greyhound racing venues via Twitter (http://www.Twitter.com/GreyhoundNews) to give our followers a virtual feel of a day at the track. Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club has been the home to championship greyhound racing for over 70 years, having its inaugural season in 1935. Offering live racing year round, SOKC is a great tourist destination for anyone visiting the greater Orlando area. Daytona Beach Kennel Club also offers year round live racing. Established in the summer of 1948,  Daytona Beach Kennel Club has been a mainstay in the Daytona Beach entertainment landscape. In May 2008, greyhounds moved into their new $30 million state of the art facility.

Daytona Beach Kennel Club Official Web Site: http://www.daytonagreyhound.com/
 Sanford-Orlando Kennel Club Official Web Site: http://www.sanfordorlandokc.com/