Stake Races

JACKSONVILLE 

GREYHOUND RACING

HISTORY

85 YEARS ON THE OVAL'S

Jacksonville Kennel Club & Orange Park Kennel Club

In the beginning

The Seminole Kennel Club 

 It's well known that the first circular greyhound track to open in America was in 1919 in Emeryville, California. Of all the greyhound racing grounds built in the 1920s there are only two left today that are still racing on the same grounds in which they were started.  The St. Petersburg Kennel Club (the oldest) which opened in 1925, and the racing grounds of the Orange Park Kennel Club. The Hialeah Kennel Club in Miami was the first track built in the State of Florida in 1922.

     Over the course of time there has been 100’s of tracks opened through out United States, and especially in the early days (1925 -1930, about 70 tracks were opened) and when a track closes down they never reopen, the racing grounds simply become memories. The racing grounds at Orange Park not only closed down, but closed down twice (1926 & 1936) and greyhound racing is still enjoyed there today.

In the Spring of 1926, a group of investors, probably the most renowned and flamboyant bunch that has ever opened a greyhound track choose a beautiful sleepy tract of land, a stones throw away from the St. Johns River in Clay County, Florida, namely in the town of Orange Park. This group included Col. Jacob Ruppert; owner of the New York Yankees Judge Emil Fuchs; former New York City judge and then owner of the Boston Braves, world famous golfer Walter Hagen; Robert Meyer Guggenheim, legendary copper magnate; and local retired publisher of the Florida Metropolis newspaper W.R. Carter. The Seminole Kennel Club would be the first of four tracks planned by the American Greyhound Association, which they had a large part in organizing.

     On May 22, 1926 the hallow grounds of the present day Orange Park Kennel Club saw it’s very first official greyhound racing, when the Seminole Kennel Club opened  with a Saturday matinee and night card. Most of the kennels came from either Hialeah or St. Petersburg.  A large crowd of 5,000 showed up to witness the fleeting hounds. No Foolin' owned by Mrs. John Miles won the evening Inaugural, also in the race were the recent winners of the St. Petersburg Derby (Waukeeny) and Consolation Derby (Alamo), it was a success.

     With such a group, a long prosperous history would certainly abound, but seeing that gambling was illegal in Florida, they decided to offer the public shares as in issuing certificates at betting booths. Other dog tracks in Florida operated strictly thru bookies as a way to allow the public to gamble without the track themselves being served notice of breaking any state laws, the perception was, the tracks were simply running exhibition races. The Seminole Kennel Club ownership overlooked one thing in their strategy, where was the “fix” with local law enforcement or with state officials?

     Judge Fuchs, owner of the Boston Braves traveling back to New York after being at opening day to see off Walter Hagen, who was set to sail to England for the British Open. Upon arriving in New York, he told Mr. Hagen that the track was a success and Mr. Hagen was said to have exclaimed, that upon his return to America, that he would come to the Seminole Kennel Club and present a solid gold cup, the likes that had never been race for before to the Derby Champ.

     Well, on Sunday the following day of the opening of the Seminole Kennel Club, while trainers and greyhounds spent the day relaxing and playing, and not a few had their swim in the St. Johns River and their usual drying off sprint along the sandy banks.  State Attorney Charles M. Durrance was fuming over the fact that local Sheriff Elam Weeks hadn’t arrested anyone in violation of state laws. Durrance was going to issue a probe against Sheriff Elam and bring state charges against him for the failure of arrests. Durrance also stated he would go before a grand jury the following day and demand the races be stopped.

     On the following day, during the Monday night card, the Sheriff arrested every employee, including all officials (pres. W.R. Carter too) of the Seminole Kennel Club (about 70 people) and would ask a grand jury for indictments charging conspiracy to violate the state laws against gambling. After a hearing date was established and evidence was provided, the Seminole Kennel Club was forced to close its doors, thus ending greyhound racing in Orange Park the first time.

       Considering that the ownership really was trying to do the right thing at the time, not using bookies like other tracks in Florida, instead choosing to handle the aspect of gambling with the use of issuing certificates, while eliminating the element of the middle-man, in the end was deemed criminal, but if they had actually been criminal and used bookies, the state would allow it.

     Not until November of 1931, after the State of Florida had already legalized gambling that a new group of investors tried there hand at the racing grounds of Orange Park.  Myer Goldberg, St. Louis Attorney representing purchasers of the Orange Park racing grounds, which were wealthy St. Louis sportsmen. Mr. Goldberg's assistant was Dr. A.S. Spindler, a dentist from Chicago Heights, Ill. The newly refurbished racing grounds, now called the Clay County Kennel Club opened on December 3, 1931. The Inaugural was won by Galway Ranger. Myer Goldberg stated the track would not be associated with the I.G.R.A., but would operate under strict regulations of the National Coursing Association, even though not a member and all dogs would be registered. Myer Goldberg was the attorney that wrote the charter for the I.G.R.A. The Clay County Kennel Club was a complete success; many memorable feats were witnessed by the public, by a remarkable group of greyhounds that set foot on the oval. The Clay County Kennel Club entered into its fifth season (1935/36), when the Chicago Group came to Jacksonville, already established in Miami Beach & Tampa by now, they opened the state-of-art Jacksonville Kennel Club, and after five weeks of running head to head, the Clay County Kennel Club was quietly closed, never no mentioned as to why? It’s assumed the Chicago group made them an offer that they couldn’t refuse.

Not until after World War II, in March of 1946, that the Chicago group reopened (at a cost of $250,000) the newly refurbished racing grounds at Orange Park, and its been opened ever since. The Inaugural was won by Time Summer. Racing officials included HOF William H. Johnston, James Patton, Clint Dewhurst and Robert J. Hart, Sr.  Ironically, that the racing grounds of Orange Park, that on several occasions, had been forced to cease racing, is now left as the only live track in North Florida today.

If you build it, they will come

The Clay County Kennel Club

 Legalized Greyhound Racing in North Florida arrived in 1931, at the present site of the Orange Park Kennel Club. The "Clay County Kennel Club" as it was known then, formally opened it's doors on December 3rd 1931. Myer Goldberg managing director of the plant, welcomed racing officials of the State of Florida & Patrons. Around 300 dogs, the track's capacity, are in the kennel and will provide plenty of competition during the 90 days of racing. 

Despite inclement weather, 1000 fans came out for the opening, well below expectations. Only one hitch occurred in the proceedings. The mechanical rabbit did not choose to run the last part of the fifth race and was overtaken by the pack. Consequently all bets were called off on that event. The Inaugural highlighted the evening, won by Galway Ranger of the Gallant Kennel.

Galway Ranger was the star during the 1931-32 season, large crowds of 4000 and 5000 came out to watch this fleet greyhound. 

Galway Ranger drew thousands to the Orange Park greyhound track last night and then put on a performance of scampering speed for them, as he flashed over the five-sixteenths distance to badly whip the seven others in the race. He hung up a new track record when he did it, being clocked at 33 3-5 seconds, four fifths of a second, or twenty dog lengths under the former best time." "He's the best dog in America today", Frank Paisley, one of his owners, exclaimed when the race ended. And it was the first time that Paisley had employed such superlative language. Out of 11 starts, Ranger has won 10.

Galway Ranger capped off the meet by not only beating the great My Laddie once, but twice, in inter-city match races. On the first match race, two Orange Park dogs (Galway Ranger & Ring Officer) traveled down to West Flagler to meet with My Laddie & The Cardinal, in a four dog match race. Two nights before the race, during a schooling race, Galway Ranger ripped two toe nails. Only after some persistence on the part of the West Flagler officials did the owner agree to go on with the race. Galway Ranger won, equaling the track record. Four weeks later, My Laddie & War Cry traveled up to Orange Park to face off with Galway Ranger & Kantor in a re-match. Galway Ranger went box to wire, thus laying claims to being the best greyhound in Florida in 1932, with a bad foot! My Laddie would go on to a Hall of Fame (1965) career, as a racer and as a sire. As a side note, the owners of Galway Ranger were offered an alluring sum to keep him in Miami and race, but they declined, preferring to return the fast mover to his home kennels here so that he would receive the best of treatment and be ready for the return match at the Orange Park oval.

The first match race:

Tonight, Galway Ranger returned from his showing at Miami, will be paraded between the eight and ninth races, and presented by Myer Goldberg, president of the kennel club with a blanket of roses in appreciation of the Ranger capturing the Florida greyhound championship at the Magic City Thursday evening. Sad news came to Jacksonville with the Ranger's return. He will be unable to appear in the race match set for Thursday night at the track because of his injured foot. It will be held later when he is nursed back into racing condition. Before the Miami race was run, a veterinarian injected one full once of Novocain into the Ranger's foot because of two ripped toenails. A telegram reaching Mr. Goldberg yesterday from Carson Bradford, manager of the West Flagler track at Miami where the match was staged read: "Thank you for a record night, suggest you see Paisley upon his return and advise me immediately about return race account Ranger's injury. Must say Paisly is a real sport and he owns a wonderful dog. He won and we have no alibis."

The return match race:

Any doubts that Galway Ranger is the fastest living greyhound were entirely dispelled at the Orange Park dog oval last night when this pride of North Florida and the Paisley Brothers kennels defeated two of the country's leading greyhounds entries from Miami by a full length in a race over the futurity distance.

More than a score of Miamians, some of them en route to other greyhound tracks of the country following the close of the Miami Beach oval the first of the week, were in the throng, the largest turnout of the meeting. They saw Galway Ranger breakfast and thereby establish a lead which he held to the finish line. The greatest threat was from, War Cry, premier Miami greyhound who finished a length behind the winner. My Laddie who had two recent wins over War Cry was third, with Kantor another local dog finishing fourth. Many got itchy fingers when Kantor was posted at odds of 10 to one, and went to him, recalling his fine performance Wednesday when the Ranger barely beat him. But these failed to remember that the Paisleys are too smart of dog men to start the star of their kennel unless they know him to be in A-1 racing order.

 Some of the racers that also raced the 1931-32 meet:

Not So Bad, a nice racer, that in time would sire a nice litter, that would also make their mark at Jacksonville when it opens in a few years.

Alexander Rock, once was rated one of the greatest living greyhounds, but at this meet, he's noted as being nearly six years old, and still able to win races. Rock had been around so long, he had offspring's running on the same card as himself.

Brindle Judy, a fine racer that would go down in history as a producer of a good line of brood matrons. A littermate to War Cry (The Edward G. Robinson movie, "Dark Hazard," was based on the life of War Cry. He defeated the great Traffic Court 9 times in 13 starts in 1932).

Kansas Goldie, winner of the first Clay County Derby

Announcement that two dogs have been ruled off the track for fighting during a race was made by J. J. "Turks" Harris racing secretary. The dogs are all muzzled during a race and can do no harm beyond slowing up other contenders. The offenders ruled off are Miller's Sam and Master Bill. They must school a required number of races without fighting before they will be permitted to run again in an official race. To break dogs from fighting, tacks are placed in their muzzles to train them not to turn their heads while running. The cause of fighting was ascribed to the fact that a dog running behind cannot on account of the pack ahead of him see the rabbit. The dog thinks therefore that the dog right ahead of him has caught the rabbit and commences to fight.

Closing night of the Clay County Kennel Club

Jacksonville and North Florida last night spoke a hearty and friendly "good-bye" to greyhound racing here until next Fall when the largest crowd of the 90-day meeting was on hand at the Orange Park plant for the closing performance. It was one of the biggest outdoor event of similar nature in this part of the State. 

Kansas Goldie added laurels to her record and that of her youthful owner-trainer Pete Sandon, when the racer, who is less than two years old, covered the grueling three-eights mile course to win the first annual derby of the Clay County Kennel Club. A two-foot high silver loving cup plus the handsome Derby win money was rewarded of the Sandon kennels.

Last night was as perfectly a successful evening as any closing night of a greyhound track could be. All that was lacking was the appearance of Galway Ranger, 1932 greyhound champion of the country and pride of the Pasley Brothers Kennels as well as of the track. But the program was too full to allow the dog being paraded.

Attention of the scores of thousands of persons who are lovers of the canine racing sport has been focused on Jacksonville for the past 90 days. Naturally the greatest achievement of the plant besides establishing the sport firmly in this section was the development here of the champion dog of the year- the Ranger.

Galway Ranger

1932-33 Season

Greyhound racing received welcome on the return to North Florida last night. The Clay County Kennel Club threw open its doors for the 1932-33 season and the response was greatest the Orange Park oval ever has know. The feature race, eight on the card went to Black Silver. Afterwards, Mayor John T. Alsop Jr. of Jacksonville, presented the owner, C. R. Thompson with a floral horseshoe, emblematic of victory in the Inaugural Handicap. Black Silver broke last and ran a great race over the futurity distance to beat Gun Load, the favorite by a length.

Several events highlighted the 1932-33 season at Orange Park, the first was the appearance of the Monkey Jockeys.  

The famous Monkey Jockeys

Casey Jones     Ready To Go     No Foolin

The Fax      Detour      You Bet

The monkeys paraded onto the track for their race, which was the eleventh, an added event, didn't disappoint. They each wore oilskin capes over their silk riding suits and Monkey-Jockey You Bet riding Greyhound Happy Doone provided the laugh of the act. Coming into the home stretch, his mount was next to last with Jockey Detour on Greyhound Happy Joe bringing his racer by. But You Bet just couldn't stand to see his "horse" passed. He stuck out one arm and grabbed the blanket of his competitor. Of course Happy Joe and his rider finished ahead at the wire, but You Bet still had his grip when it was passed and he didn't let go until the curtain was reached. The monkeys appear to take especial pleasure if their greyhound wins and often become angry, striking their dog if he loses. The race drew the fans from the covered grandstand into the rain to get a better glimpse.

The Famous Monkey-Jockeys riding trained greyhound mounts, made numerous appearances at most of the tracks of the time. Owned and trained by Rennie Renfro, who also owned "Buster", his $75,000 insured bulldog of the M.G.M. Barkies, made a last stop at Orange Park, en-route to the Pacific coast. 

Rennie Renfro, owner-trainer of the monkey-greyhound act stopped off at Orange Park last night to take in the card. The result was the making of arrangements for Monday night's appearance. Buster will do a series of tricks for the crowd during Saturday night's program. He also will lead out the entrants for Monday night's feature.

Tonight's program will record names of the greyhounds and their monkey riders, the miniature men in their riding silks each having a moniker. The monkey feature was put on at Orange Park in mid-season and proved such an attraction that it was brought back three times for the fans. Nobody appears to have become tired of the attending spectacle yet, as some new tricks of the jockeys come to light with every race and a healthy turnout tonight is expected by plant officials to open up the closing week.

Hurdle Races appear at Orange Park

Tonight, one of the week's two Ladies night is carded and a program climaxed by a hurdle race. The three futurities which wind up the card-the steeplechase is for that distance-are the best portion of the schedule. A new jumper, a greyhound named Spanky, is making his debut in the evening's hurdle. He schooled at such a fast pace and showed such adaptability to the jumps that he was placed in tonight's hurdle, with such veteran jumpers as K. C., Jimmie Rodgers, Red Boy, Curragous Man, John Showman and others.

Unlike the year before, when Glaway Ranger dominated all others, the 1932-33 meet had an evenly matched force of good racers.

Blue Son, Gun Load, Traffic Clown, Riff Raffs, Ring Officer, Black Silver, Fearless Yale, Altcar Dress.

1932-33 Closing night and the Clay County Derby

Greyhound racing honors for North Florida will be at stake tonight at the Orange Park plant, which is winding up it's 90-day meeting there with the season's Derby. Two of the greyhounds running tonight, Fearless Yale and Altcar Dress, are tied with Black Silver for winning the largest number of races this season. Each has won 11. Riff Raffs and Beaded Pitts, are sons of Playgoer, famous breeding sire and winner years ago of the $3000 Madison Derby at St. Louis. Riff Raffs, the largest greyhound at the track, weighing 76 pounds, looks like a small pony and when he hit his stride, always in the stretch, has to date always outran any greyhound of the kennels, but his continual late application of his speed and his puppy-like antics of not taken advantage of racing breaks have cost him many a race. Fearless Yale, the favorite is one of the tops of the Yale kennels of M. J. Mehl, of Homewood, Ill. Mehl's father came here from that city to see the greyhound run in the Derby tonight.

Fearless Yale set herself up as 1933 champion of the Orange Park Kennel Club when last night before it's peak crowd of the year, she smartly raced to victory in it's closing Derby. Fearless Yale, in winning last night, set a new high record for individual wins by a racer at the dog plant this season. Blazon, an "outsider" opened as a longshot held for place. Riff Raffs, as handicappers had predicated, broke absolutely last, but finally applied his hidden speed finished third. Altcar Dress, the favorite, ran forth. She broke well and at one point lead by four lengths, but appeared to tire. 

Last night's program saw many favorites returned winner before what State officials said was the year's best crowd. Greyhound racing the past season saw steadily increasing crowds and duplicated the popularity of it's introduction, a year ago.   

1933-34 Season

The third season of dog racing at the Clay County Kennel Club gets under way tonight with a program of 10 races sponsored by the Jacksonville Junior League. All profits from sales of programs and concessions will be turned over to the Junior League for use in upkeep of its day nursery by Myer Goldberg, owner-manager of the track.

Officials at the track believe they are starting the most successful of their seasons. The best class of dogs, they state, that will be found at any Florida establishment are ready to compete and public interest in the pre-campaign schoolings has run high.

The track itself has been beautified and now presents a front pleasing to the most critical eye. The Clay County Kennel Club has been described as the most beautiful layout of it's kind in America. The natural beauty of the surroundings have been enhanced by much landscaping work.

There are two features on the opening bill tonight, with the Inaugural Handicap at 5-16 of a mile holding slight preference over the Junior League Handicap. The Inaugural brings into view such old favorites as Ring Officer, Gun Load and has as added attraction some highly regarded newcomers-Trueman, Castelmain, Dark Celt and others. 

  Castlemain wins Inaugural

Upwards to 5000 persons greeted last night's official return of greyhound racing to Orange Park, and saw Castlemain an Australian import, cleave four fifths of a second off Galway Ranger's 1931 track record for the five-sixteenths. Castlemain performed his feat in winning the Third Inaugural Handicap and Miss Agnes Towers, president of the Jacksonville Junior League, presented a loving cup to Dick Keebler, trainer for F. W. Fooshee's Dixie Kennels, owner of the new champion. High praise was paid by dogmen to Trainer Keebler and his charged Castlemain, who ascended the throne of track champion by his last evening's feat. Castlemain is one of four Australian born racers of the Fooshee Kennel. He ran at four California tracks the past summer, beating all the best competition that the Pacific coast had to offer.

Spanish Lad

Not since Galway Ranger, has a greyhound displayed such greatness, but a new star is about to take center stage away from Castlemain.

Tonight, the first serious attempt to destroy the 25 4-5 seconds record for the quarter mile that Galway Ranger made in 1931 will be attempted when a full field of eight, fast-sprinting greyhounds go to the post in the seventh race. The line-up of this event is: Castlemains, holder of the track's new 5/16; True Man, holder of the track's futurity record; Garry's Babe, Spanish Lad, the new star who beat the tops last race: Gunload, Altcar Dress, Mike Hall and Calidonia.

There is much speculation attached to this event, as Spanish Lad ran the quarter in 26 flat in a schooling race, duplicating the performance of two other starts. Spanish Lad, however, in a later race, in which he beat the tops, fell 3-5 short of equaling the time for the futurity distance which he ran, creating doubt that he may be the fasted dog that has even clawed the dirt at Orange Park. 

Tonight, Spanish Lad will shoot for his fourth successive win. This Lyle Beaty champion won his first three outs, each time beating the best. However, tonight in a quarter mile affair, he has drawn starting box post No. 8 and will have the disadvantage, if any, of running from the outside box over such a short course. He will either have to circle the field or hold back and slip into the rail. Spanish Lad is known in dog language as a "cheater", that is, he's smart enough to get the rail the first opportunity and hug it closely to save ground. There is much dispute weather he will add another to his victory string tonight.

Galway Ranger's track record was equaled last night. Spanish Lad, breaking from the eight box, came from dead last in his field to win his fourth straight in the dazzling time of 25 4-5 seconds.

Spanish Lad, Florida's wonder greyhound, won a special match race last night, against three others, as usual, he came from last to win.

Spanish Lad, scored his sixth consecutive victory last night, coming from last, and was rewarded with a tremendous ovation by one of the largest crowds that have turn out this year.

Undaunted by a slow track made heavy by hours of rain, Spanish Lad, again demonstrated his ability to win against the stiffest competition under any conditions, it was his eighth straight win.

Spanish Lad's streak would end at eight wins in a row 

1933-34 Clay County Derby

This is Derby Night at the Orange Park greyhound oval. The classic of the year will be ran over the full three-eights of a mile course as the last event of an all-star program which brings out practically all of the best hounds racing in North Florida. Those going into the starting boxes will be Sunny Sam, Trueman, Traffic Babe, Carmania, Gunload, Houdini, Gloomy Time and Spanish Lad.

There is little doubt that Spanish Lad will be made the post time favorite, but they always have to go around the track before the numbers are hung up and regardless of a dogs past performance there is always an element of chance that cannot be eliminated, so in order to win, Spanish Lad must do everything, make every move just right or there will be contention from each and every one of the dogs entered.

Spanish Lad Derby Victor

None of the splendor of a Derby Day crowd was lacking at Orange Park last night. Despite the inclement weather an immense and enthusiastic throng braved the elements and was on hand when the bugle called post time for the opening race. It was a great testimonial of the popularity of the "Sport of Queens" and proof conclusive that good greyhound racing is the demand of the Jacksonville populace.

The great classic, The Derby was won by Spanish Lad, the big red fawn dog from Lyle Beaty kennel who clinched his claim to championship by shattering two records. His time for the 3/8 mile was 40 seconds flat. That chipped a full second off the existing track record for the distance set by Fearless Yale when he won the Derby a year ago and was but one fifth of a second off the world's record on a one fourth track. It was his fourteenth victory at the meet, another record for most wins in a season at Orange Park.

The thousands in the grandstand and on the ramp, stood tense those few moments the dogs were in the box waiting for the lure. Then the mighty roar, "they're off". It was Trueman in the red blanket that showed first and set the pace the first time around. Traffic Babe was in closet attendance with Houdini third. Spanish Lad broke sixth moved up into fourth position and stayed there until close to the stretch turn where he moved up into third place. Then he put on the steam, "here he comes" was the cry as he put up as perfect a stretch drive as Earle Sande ever rode. He passed both Traffic Babe and Trueman and won easily by five lengths.

Owner Lyle Beaty received a beautiful cup from the hands of Mrs. Anderson amid a great ovation and the 1934 Orange Park Derby was history.

1934-35 Season

The fourth season for the Clay County Kennel Club would be it's last, one that would not even endure a full 90 card meet. With the announcement of a new oval (The Jacksonville Kennel Club) being built within the city limits of Jacksonville, under a different ownership, the Clay County Kennel Club ran a 53 card meet, then closed forever.

The new Jacksonville Kennel Club, which opened January 7th, 1935, competed head to head against the Clay County Kennel Club, this encounter lasted about 5 weeks, until the Clay County oval decided to close it's doors. Less than 20 miles apart, local greyhound enthusiasts were a bit divided, as to which track would they attend. The Jacksonville oval was built to impress, the ownership was financially strong, owning the Tampa & Miami Beach ovals. 

So on February 5, 1935, the Clay County Kennel Club quietly closed, the forerunner of North Florida greyhound racing. Their management had a great vision, and it didn't disappoint it's patrons, a story book beginning, an everlasting appeal. Thanks for the memories!

Last Time Around

Dog racing returns to Jacksonville and it's environs tonight at Orange Park where Myer Goldberg president and manager of the Clay County Club, presents an inaugural program of 10 races with the Fourth Annual Inaugural Cup race as the feature of the evening. 

Eve, trained and owned by Joe Fenner, seems to have reached her best form and many are tabbing this fine greyhound to run the rest of the field into the ground. Eve will have as contenders in this important event, such speed artists as Royal Buck, The Princess, Armed Officer, Out West, The Deer, Cheerful Menace and Prince Ruddy, each one of whom is rated as having an equal chance in taking first honors tonight.

Cheerful Menace Wins Inaugural

Cheerful Menace, trained and owned by Joe Lociero, thrilled a large opening nights throng at Orange Park last night by out footing a classy field in the Inaugural Cup race. Cheerful Menace turned the trick in a rather easy fashion, but Eve, and Out West battled the winner right to the tape.

The racing season at Orange Park, as in the past, provided thrilling racing till the end. 

Greyhound history was made at Orange Park last night before a huge throng, when Gracias, F. I. Smith's streak of lighting shattered a track record held by Galway Ranger and Spanish Lad, Gracias lowered the quarter mile mark. Another season's track record established recently by Eve for the futurity mile distance was equaled by Cheerful Menace in the 9th race of the night. It was one of the best racing nights in the history of the sport both from the angle of competition and thrills for the crowd.

Those that brought thrills

Gloomy Time, Eve, Cheerful Menace, Out West, Ben Officer, Royal Buck, Prince Ruddy, Gracias, Russian Dictator 

Then there were two

The Jacksonville Kennel Club

The longest continual sporting venture in Jacksonville arrived in 1934 with the building of the Jacksonville Kennel Club. Over the years, countless thrilling racing has graced North Florida, the 1935 season would set a standard, and this standard would encompass over 70 years of greatness.

A test of the electrical lure made yesterday afternoon at the Jacksonville Kennel Club's new Macduff Avenue plant revealed not only that the rabbit is in perfect working order but also proved the fine shape of the track, making ready for an expected opening next week.

After the race, Presiding Judge Benny Ewen, his associate, Eddie Rouleau, and Capt. A. N. Hayden, the racing secretary examined the feet of the racers. "There wasn't a scratch on any of the dog's feet," said Cap Hayden, "You know although the track is new, I can say it's the most wonderful running oval of any track I ever worked on. It must be the soil".

Efficiency of attaches of the plant was indicated yesterday when Tommy O'Brien took the Bertillion measurements of Sideswipe, a greyhound of the Boyle kennel. This greyhound is noted for being brindle on one side and fawn on the other. O'Brien took a Bertillion on the same dog at Canfield, Ohio, four months ago, and when he compared his local findings to the Ohio sheet it was discovered that 41 markings were exactly the same. Officials said that this close watch of details indicated the safety with which they will conduct their program.

Many kennels now are at the track awaiting the opening. Four kennels owned by the four largest breeders of America will race at the local track. They are those of John Pesek, the wrestler, who owns Just Andrew, the highest priced greyhound in the world; J. E. Miles, Indianapolis; Dennis Callaghan of Joliet, Ill; Mrs. K. A. Ward of St. Louis, Mo.

Official's at the track include; R. J. Hart, of the staff of the Miami Beach Kennel Club, who now is in charge of local operation; Willard Bacon, engineer; Cap Hayden, racing secretary; W. Fleming, the program man; Tommy O'Brien, paddock judge; B. Sherlock, scale clerk. Cap Hayden, is an import from the Pacific Coast. He has been at California tracks the past few years. He is one of the originals of the greyhound game. The lure operator, C. J. Argo, is a man who boasts experience at the Wimbledon track in London, worlds largest greyhound racing track. It has a seating capacity of 28,000.  J. Homer Ellis, of Tampa, and Chicago, will be asst. manager of the local track. He is the largest stockholder of the Tampa track and is interested financially in the Jacksonville enterprise. William Johnston is the General Manager.

Opening Night 

January 7, 1935

The opening of the Jacksonville Kennel Club may have had more fanfare if it wasn't for the fact it was completing against the Clay County oval on the same night. North Florida patrons were a bit confused as to which track they owed their allegiance to, and which would they attend. The Clay track had provided such memories, but the new Jacksonville track was state of the art of the time.

A crowd, estimated at 4,000 persons by track officials, turned out last night to attend the inaugural program of the Jacksonville Kennel Club at its handsome new $100,000 plant. General Manager W. H. Johnston said, "The opening night was a big success from every angle and we intend to do everything possible to maintain a high standard of greyhound racing for Jacksonville fans."

Sideswipe wins Inaugural

The Inaugural Handicap, ninth race of the evening, was won by Sideswipe, a red brindle from the stable of Barney Boyle. 

Some of the noted racers during the 1935 season

          Jan Bliss, class racer, most noted for being a foundation brood matron

          Extra, Melodrama & Sky, littermates sired by Not So Bad

          Hazard Laddie & My Daddy, littermates sired by My Laddie

Hazard Laddie

Seldom does a young pup break in at the track that has immediate impact, but when a special one does come around, they are what a greyhound enthusiast love, Hazard Laddie was such a pup.

Just what chance will Hazard Laddie have of winning the first annual championship derby Friday night. Some greyhound experts think Hazard Laddie will have an excellent chance. Born March 1933, of the famous champion My Laddie, raced his first official race at this track and to date has had 11 starts, winning seven. He holds the local track records for the quarter mile and the futurity.

All-Florida Derby

Invasion from the South

 The highlight of the 1935 season, was the announcement of the running of the All-Florida Derby. Invaders from South Florida would compete with Jacksonville locals for the title.

Miami's three premier greyhounds which will compete here Friday night in the first annual championship derby at the Jacksonville Kennel Club have arrived and will begin schooling immediately. The lower East Coast has sent its best aspirants here for the local classic, but they will find worthy competition from the best steppers Jacksonville has developed this winter. The invading trio consists of Frank Lonergan, Just A Peach and Reckless Tom. These three dogs have conquered the best greyhounds which have been running at Miami this winter.

The Field

                                                          1 - Sky (Jacksonville)

                                                          2 - Buddy Mahout (Jacksonville)

                                                          3 - Reckless Tom (Miami Beach)

                                                          4 - My Daddy (Jacksonville)

                                                          5 - Extra (Jacksonville)

                                                          6 - Hazard Laddie (Jacksonville)

                                                          7 - Frank Lonergan (Miami Beach)

                                                          8 - Just A Peach (Miami Beach)

The derby championship of 1935 at the Jacksonville Kennel Club belongs to a Miami greyhound, one of the three brought here for the classic. Frank Lonergan, belonging to Jess Bingham, displayed rare greyhound racing ability in breaking third, forging into the lead at the one eight pole to hold command with apparent ease right up to the wire.

Mayor John T. Alsop Jr., accompanied by Mrs. Alsop, carrying a handsome floral bouquet, made a brief speech in presenting the handsome silver loving cup to Owner Bingham. He congratulated the management of the track for the fine conduct of the racing meeting during its first season and commented upon the happy faces of the huge crowd which set a new attendance record. 

Sky was the only Jacksonville dog which gave challenge to the victor. It fought gamely to overhaul the flying pacemaker, but just could not do it. Sky took place while the show went to another Miami dog, Just A Peach, My Daddy was fourth. The winner traveled the 5/16 distance in 32 5/8, breaking My Daddy's record. Hazard Laddie ran last despite the fact he was the handicapper's first choice. He encountered trouble at the first turn and never recovered.

1936 Season

The Jacksonville Kennel Club North Florida's only greyhound racing plant, the equal of any and the superior of most greyhound homes in the country, opens its second meeting tonight. Sky, who finished second last Spring in the All-Florida Derby, is one of the starters in tonight's Inaugural and will probably go to the post as favorite. Extra, a full sister to Sky, will also be in the race. Chief opposition for the pair is expected to come from kennelmates Royal Earl and Royal Son, also in the race, are Woodbury, Past Flight, Carmania and Mr. Rafferty.

Probably the greatest improvement over the last year is the Bentley-Murray totalisator, commonly known as the "tote". This will be the first track where this "tote" will be in operation. Others to use it in the near future include the Miami Beach Kennel Club and horse racing tracks of Churchill Downs, Latonia, Lincoln Fields and Sportsman Park.

The "tote" is a mechanical, foolproof device, connected by cable with every seller's window which carry the same tickets and locking features in effect last year. It tells the public at all stages of the wagering just how much money has been bet on each dog in each race. An electrical board underneath the grandstand at one end of the wagering shed, in full view of bettors, flashes the total amount of money in the straight pool, etc. 

Sky wins Inaugural

Overcoming trouble as the field rounded the last turn, taking the outside and coming on with a great drive in the stretch, Sky, pride of Miss Freda Koontz kennel, last night copped the Inaugural Cup race, climax of the opening night of the Jacksonville Kennel Cub's 1936 season.

The track record breaking brothers, Hazard Laddie & My Daddy, that broke in last season at Jacksonville are not back this year, their owner is racing them at the Miami Beach Kennel Club instead. Though they are missing this year, there are numerous others taken their places.

        Major Jamestown, winner of 1937 Taunton Derby.

        Sky, Extra & Melodrama, as usual, this classy trio of littermates.

All-Florida Derby

2nd Annual

Two stars of the greyhound racing world who will perform in the All-Florida Derby, otherwise styled the Race of Champions at the Jacksonville Kennel Club next Saturday night are here schooling. Hazard Laddie and My Daddy, will carry the hope of the Miami Beach Kennel Club where they are regarded as among the best greyhounds in the world. Both raced at the local plant last season and were sensations. Their return for the big race next Saturday is being eagerly awaited by local race-lovers, who will be divided in their hopes for them  when pitted against Sky and Extra, present stars who will represent Jacksonville.

Jacksonville will have four representatives, Tampa two and Miami two in the All-Florida Derby, a race that promises a capacity crowd of race lovers and brings together the cream of the present season's crop of dog racing in the State. 

The Field

                                                     1- On The Way (Tampa)

                                                     2- Sky (Jacksonville)

                                                     3- Bad Sally (Tampa)

                                                     4- Extra (Jacksonville)

                                                     5- Double Traffic (Jacksonville)

                                                     6- My Daddy (Miami)

                                                     7- Hazard Laddie (Miami)

                                                     8- Major Jamestown (Jacksonville)

Hazard Laddie is the champion greyhound racer in Florida this season. The son of My Laddie, owned by John Highhouse, representing the Miami Beach Kennel Club, won that title last night at the Jacksonville Kennel Club before a record throng of more than 5000 wildly enthusiastic greyhound race patrons when he annexed the All-Florida Derby while setting a new track record over the 5/16. Bad Sally ran second, and her brother On The Way got third. My Daddy ran fourth, followed by Extra, Major Jamestown, Sky and Double Traffic last.

A handsome silver loving cup, emblematic of the championship of Florida, a floral blanket and sixty per cent of the purse went to Hazard Laddie. The cup was presented to John Highhouse at the judges stand immediately after the race by Mayor John T. Alsop. The happy owner accepted grinning from ear to ear. 

The Jacksonville Derby

The running of the first annual Jacksonville Derby ends a record breaking meet.

Delouise wins Derby

1937 Season

Kennel Club is all set for opening, crowd of 5,000 expected to see 90-day race meeting get under way. Never Fail, a My Laddie daughter who took the measure of Sky and Extra, last years stars in races at a Kentucky track the past summer, is one of the favorites for the classic tonight. Eve, racing under the banner of Eddie Sudderth, who was a sensation two years ago at the old Orange Park track is to carry the red blanket, breaking from the No. 1 hole. 

Since the last meeting the plant has had many improvements. One of these is the electric time clock, situated to the left of the Judges stand. This goes into operation the moment the starting boxes open and closes when the winning greyhound reaches the finish line.

Never Fail wins Inaugural

More than 5,000 fans from Jacksonville and North Florida enthusiastically welcomed the return of greyhound racing last night to the local track after an absence of nearly nine months and saw Never Fail, daughter of My Laddie and Lake's Becky, triumph in the inaugural handicap, feature event of the opening card.

Never Fail would go down in history as being the mother of the great racer and producer Never Roll, along with his brother, but not a littermate Never Happy, by Lucky Roll.

   All-Florida Derby

My Ted, brindle and white son of the renowned My Laddie, will be one of the three dogs to represent Jacksonville in the All-Florida Derby next Saturday. Big Angus, winner of the Jacksonville Futurity championship, along with Eve, will carry the hopes of Jacksonville and North Florida.

Four of the five from South Florida who will race in the Derby were schooled during the night races. Bull Hefner, winner of the Biscayne Derby last winter, made the best time. Just A Peach, winner of the Bristol Club Derby at Taunton last Spring; My Bugger, winner of the Sportsman's Park Derby last Spring, also at Taunton; Rather Frisky, outstanding greyhound at the recent Hollywood Kennel Club.

Seven of the eight great greyhounds have their "final prep" tonight in schooling races, all but Hazard Laddie, who had his second and final "prep" last night, will be schooled alone between races on tonight's card and will rest thereafter until the classic.

Never has a greyhound race in North Florida drawn so much interest as the All-Florida race Saturday. Daily arrivals from South Florida are swelling the number of fans who will be on hand from out-of-town. Owners of the five down-State dogs predict 500 racing lovers from that section will be here for the classic.

This is Derby Night at the dog track. Annually the big event of local greyhound racing season is the All-Florida Derby, which brings together the outstanding dogs on tracks in this State. The third such classic is to be run tonight at the Jacksonville Kennel Club. With five South Florida stars and three of the best available here providing the competition, the third All-Florida Derby promises to be the best held from a standpoint of racing and size of patronage.

                                                   The Field

                                                          1- Rather Frisky (Hollywood)

                                                          2- Big Angus (Jacksonville)

                                                          3- My Ted (Jacksonville)

                                                          4- Hazard Laddie (Miami Beach)

                                                          5- Bull Hefner (Biscayne)

                                                          6- Eve (Jacksonville)

                                                          7- My Bugger (Miami Beach)

                                                          8- Just A Peach (Biscayne)

With a roaring record crowd at more than 5000 racing fans cheering him on, Big Angus from Charlie Premorel's kennel, and a local pride, stepped out in front and lead all the way to capture the third annual All-Florida Derby last night at the Jacksonville Kennel Club. This is the first time this classic has been won by a Jacksonville track dog. 

Rather Frisky, star of the Hollywood Kennel Club and the red-hot favorite, chased Big Angus all the way and held for place honors, while My Bugger, the surprise of the race, next to the winner, saved the show end of the purse. Hazard Laddie was never a contender and finished last. The rest of the finish was Bill Hefner fourth, Eve fifth, Just A Peach sixth and My Ted seventh.

A gold loving cup was given to the owner of the winner as the record throng stood and cheered vigorously for fully five minutes when the three dogs in the money returned to the judges stand after the race.

The Jacksonville Derby

The final stake race of the meet, annually is the Jacksonville Derby. The best available dogs at the track are to compete in the Derby test, which will be 3/8th of a mile, the field of eight were determined after elimination races held Tuesday and Wednesday. Those that qualified in order of post are: Shy Major, Sir Peter, Big Angus, Eve, Touring Days, Jolly Company, Dickie and My Ted. The field is really high class and so well matched that past performance might easily be thrown in the ash can when one tries to dope out the winner. 

My Ted wins Derby

1938 Season

"They're Off" at the Jacksonville Greyhound Kennel Club tonight. North Florida's only racing establishment and rates with the best thoroughbred homes in the United States. When the bulge sounds the beginning of the first race, it'll inaugurate the fourth season.

Joe Micawber wins Inaugural

Dog-minded Jacksonville, 5000 to 6000 strong by far the largest crowd that has witnessed an opening night in the history of greyhound racing in Jacksonville and North Florida, cheered itself hoarse last night as the popular Sport of Queens returned to this vicinity at the Jacksonville Kennel Club.

A roaring enthusiastic throng saw Joe Micawber from Jim Williams kennel, capture the Inaugural Handicap in a driving sensational finish that had the fans standing on their collective ears. The contest was so close that the judges called for the Eye in the Sky to determine the winner, and when the photo was developed, Joe Micawber had scored not by a nose, but by a whisker over My Bugger, who came from far back in the stretch and was catching the winner with every stride.

Mayor George Blume, accompanied by Mrs. Blume and W. H. Johnson general manager of the Kennel Club formed the presentation party that went to the judges stand after the race to give the winning a floral blanket and trophy.    

All-Florida Derby

Sky, track champion two years ago, when he finished out of the money only once in 18 starts, will be a starter in the fourth annual All Florida Greyhound Derby. His selection also completes the group of five aces representing South Florida in the big event.

The other four are Polka Play, winner of the Biscayne Derby; Major Jamestown, from the same track, and heavy favorite in the Biscayne Derby, but had bad racing luck; Frank The Officer, second in the Hollywood Derby; Dutch Hollen, ace of the Miami Beach Kennel Club. Sky was second to Polka Play in the Biscayne Derby, beaten by a neck.

It's All-Florida Derby Night at the dog track. All roads lead to the local home of the aristocrats of the canine kingdom for the big night, where not only sports lovers, but leaders in the social, civic and official life of the city, county and State will be gathered.

No other single attraction compares with All-Florida Derby in attracting North Florida and South Georgia visitors to Jacksonville every winter season. The race is the fourth annual All-Florida Derby in the tracks history. It is being run one week later than usual and with fair and balmy weather prevailing, should be witnessed by the best assemblage of fans for all-time.

The Field

                                                          1- Dutch Hollen (Miami Beach)

                                                          2- Polka Play (Biscayne)

                                                          3- Frank The Officer (Hollywood)

                                                          4- Mountain Breeze (Jacksonville)

                                                          5- Carl Ed (Jacksonville)

                                                          6- My Bugger (Jacksonville)

                                                          7- Major Jamestown (Biscayne)

                                                          8- Sky (Biscayne)

Polka Play is the All-Florida derby greyhound champion of 1938. Jess Williams little 47 pound miss, trained by A. L. Smart, came from behind in a thrilling stretch run, to win the fourth annual classic last night at the Jacksonville Kennel Club, where a new record-smashing and intensely enthusiastic throng of race-goers cheered themselves hoarse.

Dutch Hollen, representing the Miami Beach Kennel Club and 2 to 1 favorite in the mutuels, saved the place award after breaking first and setting the pace all the way. Polka Play overtook Dutch Hollen just a light pole from the finish line and though winning "going away", had only a length margin at the payoff station. 

Carl Ed, local track champion, saved show portion of the purse. The rest of the finish was Sky, fourth, Major Jamestown, fifth, Frank The Officer, sixth, Mountain Breeze, seventh, and My Bugger, eighth.

The crowd witnessing last night's classic was the largest to see a greyhound race at the local plant in its four year history and the mutuel machines clicked correspondingly.

The Jacksonville Derby

Two of the track's representatives in the recent All-Florida, qualified for tonight's attraction. These are Carl Ed and Mountain Breeze. The first named was third to Polka Play and Dutch Hollen in the All-Florida, since then he has won two races and was second in another. In two of these one of the dogs he defeated was Polka Play. He is recognized track champion on the season.

Desert Wind will undoubtedly attract consideration, she won the Arkansas Derby last Summer, and in the Au Revoir here last season equaled the track record for a futurity. Others that will go to post are; Blue Kitty, Hilton Lodge, Tormented, My Profit and Scappoose Profit.

Carl Ed wins Derby

 1939 Season

More than 3000 racing lovers are expected to be on hand shortly after 8 o'clock tonight on McDuff Avenue as the Jacksonville Kennel Club inaugurates the fifth annual season of greyhound racing. A new driveway from MacDuff Avenue to the end of the parking lot, which can accommodate 5,000 cars, has been installed and landscaping experts have made the plant representing an investment of close to $200,000 a place of sheer beauty.

Eight of the finest greyhounds in Florida have been nominated as starters in the Inaugural Handicap, eighth event and feature of the opening night's program. The Eye in the Sky camera which is used to photograph and accurately designate the winning dogs in all races will again be in use, as will the big totalisator with the tall yellow blackboard and red lines indicating the total wagering on each starter in all contests. The "tote" is the invention of Tom Kirton, a Jacksonville man.

Mordaunt's Chum wins Inaugural

Mordaunt's Chum and Miramond, half-brothers, and owned by the Boyle brothers, James and John respectively, had the Inaugural Handicap all to themselves in the feature race last night. Mordaunt's Chum, slightly more than two years old and a son of the renowned Mordaunt, was well up with the lead from flag fall to finish, the victor was a heavily backed favorite, closing at 9 to 5.

Mrs. George Blume, Jacksonville's first lady, accompanied by her son, Jimmy Blume and William H. Johnston general manager of the kennel club, went to the judges stand after the feature and presented a silver loving cup and floral blanket to the winner.

The Jacksonville Derby

The eight stars who will try to add their name to the list of previous Jacksonville Derby winners won their right to compete in this event through two eliminations.

Marshall's Pride won the first elimination Tuesday, with Sweet Glory second, Singen Slide third and Mormaunt fourth. On Wednesday, Contract won, with Miramond second, Happy George third and Mordaunt's Chum fourth.

On their season records, Mordaunt's Chum will probably be post-time favorite. He has won 12 races this season, he also boasts an exceptional record for consistency, being in the money 21 times in 25 starts. Happy George is an eight-time winner; Contract has won seven times, while Sweet Glory has turned in six victories.

Mordaunt's Chum Wins Derby

Mordaunt's Chum is the Jacksonville Derby winner for 1939. The gallant brindle son of Mordaunt and Miss LMF, won the annual classic in a thrilling exhibition before a record-shattering throng of greyhound racing lovers last night.

Not until three or four light poles from the finish did the victor poke his nose in front, for until then Happy George had set an amazingly speedy pace and held on gamely when challenged in the final reckoning chase told the story, Sweet Glory was third.

 All-Florida Derby

Practically every star competing in the coming thriller will have a chance to display his or her worth at the track tonight, either in an official race or a schooling. Mordaunt's Chum, track champion, and Happy George are in the eighth and featured attraction. Four of the five South Florida entries are scheduled for public schoolings, which will be sandwiched between races. All will be schooled alone. This quartet are Ledmore, winner of the West Flagler Derby; Cavalcade Caress, June Breeze and Jerry Hicks, who finished in that order in the Tex Rickard Memorial last week at the Miami Beach track.

Three winners of annual track derbies in the State and three more in the runner-up class are included in the classy field of eight stars who will go post-ward in quest of the record purse and huge, gold loving cup, emblematic of the Florida championship for the 1938-39 season. Elite of the racing, social, civic, business and political realms will be on hand to see this attraction.

Jacksonville's chief hope for victory is Mordaunt's Chum, he has an exceptional record of finishing in the money 25 times in 29 starts, and only recently carried off the annual Jacksonville Derby. Ledmore, winner of the West Flagler Derby, seems the best rated of the South Florida aces competing.

The Field

                                         1- June Breeze (Miami Beach)

                                                       2- Uncle Ted (Hollywood)

                                                       3- Happy George (Jacksonville)

                                                       4- Mordaunt's Chum (Jacksonville)

                                                       5- Ledmore (West Flagler)

                                                       6- Jerry Hicks (Miami Beach)

                                                       7- Cavalcade Caress (Miami Beach)

                                                       8- Marshall's Pride (Jacksonville)

June Breeze representing the Miami Beach Kennel Club, with a sensational performance, won the fifth annual All Florida Derby, historic classic of greyhound racing at the Jacksonville Kennel Club last night. 

Mordaunt's Chum, local fandom's chief hope and 3 to 2 favorite in the wagering, was second, with Cavalcade Caress was third. The season's largest crowd and a record throng in "All" Florida Derby history witnessed the contest to determine the greyhound champion of the Winter season in Florida.

June Breeze was out of her starting box in cyclonic fashion, quickly took command and though never able to get far in front, was never headed at any stage of the race. In winning, the Miami Beach star, owned by the Silent Breeze Kennel and trained by Horace Drew, paid $15 to win. 

A handsome gold loving cup, emblematic of the championship, and a floral wreath, was presented to the groom by Mayor George Blume. 

Mordaunt's Chum, star of the 1939 season, sets single season record for most wins (15), wins Inaugural, wins Jacksonville Derby, and finishes 2nd in the All-Florida Derby.

1940 Season

A mighty shout of "They're Off" around 8:15 o'clock will usher in the sixth annual season of greyhound racing tonight at the Jacksonville Kennel Club. W. H. (Bill) Johnston general manager, and his corps of officials have in the past two weeks completed an extensive program of remodeling and the Macduff Avenue establishment is in tip-top condition for the season.

"The class of greyhounds we have here this season is the best I've seen booked at the local course in all it's history," says Clint Dewhurst, racing secretary. "Many of those here last year are greatly improved, a number of others who have raced brilliantly elsewhere, in addition to a promising host of youngsters, make me feel sure that Jacksonville fans are going to see the best racing since this track was built."

The Inaugural Handicap is the outstanding feature of the gala opening night's program. Four of the field competing in the Inaugural were high class performers here last season. They are Sweet Glory, Miramond, Dominoe and Noah Count. The others proved their greatness the past Summer and Fall on other racing strips. They are Rolando, probable post-time favorite, Take All, Bill's Secretary and Tallyup. 

Bill's Secretary wins Inaugural

Bill's Secretary, a new star here and backed heavily in the mutuels, justified the faith of his backers in nosing out a thrilling triumph in the Inaugural Handicap.

Bill's Secretary won his first nine races in a row

If Bill's Secretary runs to form, he'll come from behind to win. In all of his wins, he has never broken the starting boxes first, nor has he gone to the first turn in first place, but from that point on his record shows a string of firsts on the past performance charts.

His streak of nine wins was broken during a inter-city match race with Tampa

Bill's Secretary met his Waterloo in the inter-city championship last night at the Jacksonville Kennel Club as a record throng turned out to see two of the three Tampa dogs run one two over the local entries. Pleasant News, the winner of the classic, was bad news for Bill's Secretary and the host of admirers who had believed him unbeatable.

The Puppy Stakes

Spence Wins First Annual Puppy Stakes

Spence from J. R. Boyle's kennel is the Puppy Stakes champion for 1940. This solid black 20 month old son of Best Inspector and Javentine, came from behind to claim the annual classic and the richest purse of the season. Morstep, the pace-setter was second, with Morning Mall third.

The Jacksonville Derby

This is the fifth such classic in the tracks history and eight of the outstanding stars for the season will go post-ward in tonight's classic. Dominoe and Bill's Secretary are expected to favorites, others include Rolando, Fast Judgment, The Sexton, Class Play, Tallyup and Pap Fields.

Dominoe Wins Fifth Annual Derby Classic

Breaking on top in full stride and never menaced at any stage of the journey, Dominoe owned by Jim Williams, a Jacksonville man and trained by H. Dixon, captured the fifth annual Jacksonville Derby at the Kennel Club last night. Class Play, also a Jacksonville owned star and 20-1 in the mutuels, proved the big surprise of the contest in saving the place award while Dipper Boyle's Rolando was third. Bill's Secretary the favorite, was pinched back and finished sixth. 

 All-Florida Derby

The complete field for the sixth annual All-Florida greyhound racing derby next Monday, was announced last night. The three local stars are Dominoe, Jacksonville Derby winner, Bill's Secretary, and Rolando. The five visitors are Byron Nelson and Buy A Ticket, from Miami Beach. Dolly Green, Velma Starter and Tuffy Band, from Tampa. The latter trio finished in that order Wednesday when the Tampa track's eighth annual derby was presented.

Outstanding greyhound racing celebrities, all champions or near champions from Tampa, Miami Beach and Jacksonville, clash tonight in the sixth annual All-Florida Derby. Tampa will probably be better represented this time around than past years. That track has some of the best greyhounds in the State this winter and has won four inter-city match races against Jacksonville during the season. Tampa is confident that Dolly Green, Tuffy Band or Velma Starter will win the contest. Dolly Green was victorious in Tampa's Derby last Wednesday.

While little is known of the Miami Beach entries, they have been running against the best down there and F. B. (Happy) Stutz, who is handling the pair here, is particularly "high" on the chances of Byron Nelson. Happy says this is the best pup he's ever handled and predicts a great future for this son of My Laddie. Buy A Ticket, a full littermate of Byron Nelson, whose dam is Means By Andrew, but is from another kennel, is also here to represent Miami Beach.

The Jacksonville entries are at the peak of their form, Bill's Secretary will be the chief hope to win. This black and white chested star has won 13 races here this season, his first nine in a row, and is one of two greyhounds that have came close to equaling Hazard Laddie's track record. The next best local entry is Dominoe who won the annual Jacksonville Derby on Saturday. The other local dog is Rolando.

The Field

                                                       1- Rolando (Jacksonville)

                                                       2- Velma Starter (Tampa)

                                                       3- Buy A Ticket (Miami)

                                                       4- Dominoe (Jacksonville)

                                                       5- Tuffy Band (Tampa)

                                                       6- Bill's Secretary (Jacksonville)

                                                       7- Dolly Green (Tampa)

                                                       8- Byron Nelson (Miami)

Byron Nelson, a mere nineteen-months old youngster and son of the renowned My Laddie, captured the sixth annual All-Florida Derby, outstanding classic of the local greyhound racing season, at the Jacksonville Kennel Club last night. Dolly Green, the red-hot favorite placed, with Dominoe third.

Byron Nelson made every post a winning one. He broke sharply, got a break on the first turn where a slight jam enabled him to take the lead. Then the Miami Beach star opened up plenty of daylight and at one time was in front "Approximately"  six lengths. At the finish however, Dolly Green just missed, being beaten by only a half length. Tuffy Band was fourth, Bill's Secretary was fifth, Rolando sixth, Buy A Ticket seventh and Velma Starter last. 

1941 Season

The Inaugural

The Inaugural Handicap will feature the opening night's racing slate, eight of the outstanding greyhounds available have been hand-picked on the basis of their schooling performance for this test and a thrill-packed contest appears certain.

Bill's Secretary, winner of the Inaugural last year and track champion for that meeting, is one of the entries. In fact he is the only dog from last year's classic, who will compete this time. The other seven in this thriller are Barby Lee, Amache, My Coronet, Benedict's, Handcuff, Blanche D., Early Mail and Fast Judgement.

Blanche D. Wins Inaugural

Blanche D., a little black and white miss from Otto Wohlauf's kennel, turned in a smashing and thrilling triumph in annexing the Inaugural Handicap, the outstanding feature. Bill's Secretary, the favorite finished second with highly regarded Barby Lee saving the small end of the purse.

Jacksonville Puppy Stakes

The Puppy Stakes championship, richest of all stake races every greyhound season, promises to attract the largest crowd of the present meeting. The eliminations, four in number and two semi-finals were competed and the eight stars going post-ward in the classic are past the fooling stage, but racing for keeps.

There has been some exceptional juvenile or puppy talent this season. Outstanding in the classy field seeking this year's rich purse, is Last Down and three dogs whose names end in Caress, namely Carbon, Certain and Courser. 

Last Down has been the toast of racing fans for the past two weeks. This youngster was idle most of the early season, not from choice, but because of that dreaded of all canine illnesses, distemper. 

Carbon Caress wins 1941 Puppy Stakes

The Caress greyhounds captured top honors in the rich annual Puppy Stakes championship last night, before a roaring and large throng of racing lovers. Carbon Caress was the winner, with Courser Caress second, Last Down, the favorite and winner of his last five contests in a row, finished third.

The Caress dogs, despite their name are not litter mates and do not have the same breeding, but both are trained by Floyd Gilrie, a Jacksonville man, Carbon is owned by Ellen Rhodes and Courser's owner is C. A. Rhodes.

Carbon Caress won with some ease, he broke in lightning like fashion, took the lead from the outset and though hard pressed until the last stretch drive, was never headed and scored by a margin of three lengths.

All-Florida Derby

Considerable interests is being shown over the seventh annual All-Florida Derby, which will take place Saturday. Three Tampa stars, two Miami Beach and three local aces, will make up this field. 

Rock Springs, the Tampa champion and winner of an inter-city match race several weeks ago, is one of the invaders and already many fans are picking him to win the classic. At last reports Rock Springs had compiled the impressive record of 12 victories, two seconds and two thirds in only 16 starts. One of the other Tampa stars is Who's Boy and has twice succeeded in defeating Rock Springs, though the latter was a bang-up second in both cases. Scatterbrain is the third star from Tampa to compete in the race. 

Daily Record and Disputed Passage, Miami Beach Kennel Club representative, will claim the spotlight at the Jacksonville plant tonight. The down-State greyhounds will be schooled in between races on the regular program. In the six All-Florida Derbies so far, the Miami Beach track has enjoyed the most success by far, winning four of the classics. 

The track record for the 5/16ths of a mile was set by an All-Florida Derby winner, this being Hazard Laddie, who ran the route in 31 and 4/5 seconds. The next fastest time of 32 flat was made last year by Byron Nelson, also a Miami Beach star.

Rock Springs of Tampa, Daily Record from Miami Beach, and Bill's Secretary of the local track looms as favorites in the seventh annual All-Florida Greyhound Derby tonight at the Jacksonville Kennel Club. Tampa stars have never won an All-Florida Derby and the opportunity for Tampa to win was never better than tonight.

Bill's Secretary, one of the local trio, is the only dog racing tonight who participated in the event last year. Handcuff and Rochester, are the two others that complete the Jacksonville trio.

The Field

                                                       1- Who's Boy (Tampa)

                                                       2- Daily Record (Miami Beach)

                                                       3- Rochester (Jacksonville)

                                                       4- Handcuff (Jacksonville)

                                                       5- Scatterbrain (Tampa)

                                                       6- Rock Springs (Tampa)

                                                       7- Disputed Passage (Miami Beach)

                                                       8- Bill's Secretary (Jacksonville)

Scatterbrain and Rock Springs Cross Finish Line Together

Tampa waited a long time to win an All-Florida greyhound derby in Jacksonville, but when the Cigar City's representatives did come through, they produced not one winner, but two in the same event. In other words Tampa greyhounds not only won the seventh annual All-Florida at the local track last night before an enthusiastic and capacity throng, but two of them finished in a dead heat, thereby sharing equally in the purse distribution, gold loving cup and floral blanket.

Bill's Secretary pride of Jacksonville finished third while the two Miami Beach outfits were never factors, winding up fifth and seventh, Rochester was fourth.

The race began as if Jacksonville stars would make a show of things, Rochester surprised his warmest admirers by breaking on top and had a two lengths lead the first time past the judges stand. Bill's Secretary then moved up rapidly and forged into the lead in the middle of the back stretch. Then along came Scatterbrain and he had a full length lead entering the top of the home stretch. Rock Springs was fourth at the same stage, but pulled the throttle wide open and was truly flying in the final few yards.

The loving cup and floral presentation was made by Mrs. W. H. Johnston, wife of the Kennel Club's general manager. The crowd roared as the winners pranced around shying away from both the cup and the blanket. It was with some difficulty that the photographer was able to take a group picture.  

1942 Season

(The year of the youngster's)

Inaugural

The Inaugural Handicap is the outstanding feature of the gala opening night's program. Rochester, not only winner of last year's Jacksonville Derby, but a dog who has performed creditably the past Summer on the Pacific Coast, will be one of the favorites in the Inaugural. He is one of six in the race who have performed here in the past.

Of the two newcomers, Dixie Clipper will carry the most favoritism. This star won the Arkansas Derby last Summer in West Memphis. The other newcomer is Grand Son. The complete field in post position order with the racers owners will be; 1, Dixie Clipper, T. J. Daniels; 2, Dreyfus, Joe Boone; 3, Rochester, O. R. Wohlauf; 4, Grand Son, Blackwell Kennels; 5, Prefect Rhythm, John Prevatt; 6, Jerry Kay, Glen Garverick; 7, Last Down, L. E. Curtis, and No. 8, My Coronet, W. B. Nowlin.

Dixie Clipper Wins Inaugural 

In annexing the Inaugural, Dixie Clipper nosed out Last Down in a photo finish with Jerry Kay, a long shot, a fast finishing third. Dixie Clipper is trained by Sam Gerald, he is a brindle sired by Man At Arms with Donna Doreen as his dam.

When juveniles show great promise, they bring high hopes of good things. This season brings added hopes with the arrival of Old Man River, More Taxes and Discount. Each would shine in the spotlight in the coming years. Old Man River, not nearly as renowned as the other two, but still highly regarded. More Taxes prospered as a racer, and became a legend as a Sire. Discount would accomplish something that no local greyhound has ever equaled in a ninety day meet. 

The Puppy Stakes

Old Man River and More Taxes, outstanding favorites just now for the annual Puppy Stakes which will be run the first week of March, match strides in the ninth and featured race tonight. Old Man River is from Walter Smith's kennel, by Doubtful R out of Gambling Lady, while More Taxes is from Blackwell kennel and a brother, but not littermate of the highly regarded Grand Son. The sire of More Taxes was Par Ex and the dam Grancop.

Old Man River is a five-time winner while More Taxes has registered four triumphs. Both graduated recently to "hot box" classification, but showed they are not ready to keep up with the group just yet, so are being dropped back slightly in tonight's offering.

The third annual Puppy Stakes, one of three stake races but carrying the richest purse value of all contests every greyhound racing season, will be run at Jacksonville Kennel Club next Friday night. Thus far the three favorites among racing fans are Old Man River, More Taxes and Painted Beauty. The first of these is an eight-time winner, while More Taxes and Painted Beauty have accounted for six triumphs each. 

A greyhound champion will be crowned in the ninth race at the Jacksonville Kennel Club tonight. The field matching strides tonight is a better balanced one than in past seasons. Three of the entries will carry more support by the fans than the others. These are Old Man River, probable post-time favorite, despite his bad luck in drawing the No. 4 post position; More Taxes, with the "red blanket" or No. 1 starting box and Painted Beauty who breaks from the No. 7. 

Old Man River is the Puppy Stake champion for 1942 at the Jacksonville Kennel Club. This sterling youngster  whipped a great band of rivals in the juvenile championship last night before a near-capacity turnout of greyhound racing lovers. More Taxes second favorite placed, with Puck saving the show portion of the purse.

The Jacksonville Derby

The Derby field is made up of stars who have raced here all season and won their right to compete in the blue ribbon attraction through five elimination races. Last Down, figures to be post-time favorite in the star-studded test. His arch rivals or rather a pair who have been running in extra-ordinarily fine form recently and sure to attract more than passing interest are Ben Advertiser and Discount. Others are Perfect Rhythm, Texas Ben, Grand Son, Lila Lee and Scoby.

Grand Son wins Derby

In a brilliantly ran performance, Grand Son always in a contending position, came from behind in the home stretch drive last night to over take Last Down, the pacesetter and won by a length, Discount was third. 

All-Florida Derby

Derby winners at all three tracks are included in this field. They are Silver Zephyr, Scatterbrain and Grand Son. 

The Field

                                                           1- Silver Zephyr (Miami)

                                                           2- Discount (Jacksonville)

                                                           3- Who's Boy (Tampa)

                                                           4- Scatterbrain (Tampa)

                                                           5- Last Down (Jacksonville)

                                                           6- Grand Son (Jacksonville)

                                                           7- Guy David (Jacksonville)

                                                           8- Kilshannig Rover (Miami)

Discount, Jacksonville owned and trained and one of the local track's four representatives, captured the eighth annual All-Florida Greyhound Derby at the Jacksonville Kennel Club last night. A roaring enthusiastic and record setting throng of race lovers witnessed the triumph of the star from Johnny Prevatt's kennel, Scatterbrain, winner of the Tampa Derby last Friday night and who ran a dead heat in the same race last year, was second, Guy David, also a Jacksonville owned and trained star was third.

1943 Season

The Year of a Star: Discount

The Inaugural

Eight of the top greyhounds in training, including six who were sensational, as well as successful performers a  year ago, have been named as entries for the Inaugural Handicap. Top L to R, So Sweet, Last Down, Old Man River, El Contrabando. Bottom R to L, Discount, Chic Acosta, Court Quiz, Guy David.

Guy David, track champion of last season when he won 14 races, resumed his winning ways in capturing the colorful Inaugural Handicap. The big brindle and white son of Traffic Roll, broke sharply as usual, quickly stepped into a big lead and held on determinedly all the way to score by a two lengths margin. So Sweet saved the place award, while Court Quiz, a newcomer to this track was third.

The Puppy Stakes

Favorite's don't always win the Puppy Stakes events, but admirers of Flirty Marie are convinced she'll roll home as the favorite tonight. This fast finishing young daughter of Dancing Officer and Lucky Judy. She has won seven races, but the way in which she's triumphed, has gained her many friends. She comes from far behind with a blazing burst of home stretch  speed and that kind of racer is always popular. 

Jess Williams has three entries in the event, Gravy Master, Mister Jones and Dowdy.

Mister Jones wins Puppy Stakes    

Mister Jones is the Puppy Stakes champion for 1943 at the Jacksonville Kennel Club. The red and white son of Chinko and Jackie Nell, owned by Jess Williams, captured the richest of all race purses at the Jacksonville Kennel Club last night in a brilliant and convincing triumph, beating out Flirty Marie, the first choice, by two full lengths. Lucky Jack was third while Gravy Master, a full brother of Mister Jones, was fourth.

Mister Jones won the fourth annual classic simply by breaking ahead of the field and staying in front from box opening to finish line. Although Flirty Marie cut his advantage down from four lengths at one stage to two at the finish line.

The Jacksonville Derby

The eight annual Jacksonville Derby, last of the big greyhound racing classics for this season, will be the magnet drawing thousands of fans to the Jacksonville Kennel Club tonight.

Mighty Discount, unquestioned track champ, regardless of how he fares in the blue ribbon attraction, will be favored to win with Mike O looming as his most serious rival. Discount is the only dog in tonight's Derby to run in the same event last year. He was third then, being beaten by Grand Son and Last Down.

Discount was just reaching greatness when the 1942 Derby was run, for his greatest success came after that in the historic All-Florida Derby and then the Au Revoir Handicap. No greyhound in the history of this track has enjoyed so much success as has the noble son of Noah Count, out of Lady Goer, and Discount is tremendously popular, because he is the only home bred, home owned star to ever win the All-Florida Derby and became track champion as well. He won 10 times last season and has recorded 25 triumphs this year in 33 starts.

Discount wins Derby

Discount, the invincible track champion, is the 1943 Greyhound Derby Champion, at the Jacksonville Kennel Club. Du Hu, in closet pursuit all the way, held on tenaciously for the place, while Mike O was third. Discount's triumph was exceedingly popular with the capacity and record-establishing throng of racing lovers. A handsome gold trophy was Discount's reward, this was presented to Mr. & Mrs. (Reba) Prevatt. 

Note: Just a few weeks prior to this Derby, the Johnny Prevatt Kennel suffered a terrible blow. A fire ravaged the kennel, killing 18 dogs, Discount and three others were the only ones rescued.

Au Revoir

Discount scores his record setting 28th win in the Au Revoir, duplicated last year's win in the same event. 28 wins, within 90 day meet, has never been equaled in the 75 years of racing in North Florida.

No All-Florida Derby

Due  to the war

1944 Season

Inaugural

The cream of greyhounds in training and showing to best advantage in last weeks schoolings test, will go post-ward in this opening classic. Six of the eight entries are hold-over stars from last season, while the other two are newcomers, who are not only highly regarded, but have shown surprising speed and ability on a track entirely new to them. 

One of the hold-overs is Discount, the star who was track champion a year ago, when he set an all-time record of 28 triumphs in 36 starts. So Sweet, his full sister ran second in last years same event, the other four are Mike O., Ben's Duchess, Society Jane and Victory Parade. The two newcomers are New Time and Dr. Andrews.

So Sweet wins Inaugural

The Puppy Stakes

This year's event promises to be equally as good and probably much better than any other in the past. The eight dogs going to post, are some of the fastest youngsters that have ever raced at the local track. The contest is most unusual in that five of the entries are offspring's of Bill's Secretary.

Four of the youngsters are all littermates, whose dam is May Laddies, they are Bill John, Hudson, Red Bill and Dale. The other Bill's Secretary offspring is Summertime, whose dam is Royal Swift. Pre-racing dope favors Bill John to win, with Hudson and Summertime given an excellent chance to score if the favorite fails to justify the faith of his numerous supporters.

Hudson wins puppy stakes

Hudson, one of five sons of Bill's Secretary in the race is the 1944 Puppy Stakes champion at the Jacksonville Kennel Club. Before an enthusiastic and large throng of greyhound lovers, Hudson came through with a brilliant triumph in the annual classic last night. Red Hill, a littermate brother, saved the place award, while Side Bet, the pacemaker lasted long enough for the show portion of the purse.

Discount is still winning races, but not of the same form as last year

The night's program was topped off by the fifteenth success of Discount for the meet. The track champion paid $2.20, the smallest win price ever quoted on any greyhound in the plant's history. 

Ironically, on Discount's 28th start of the season, being in the money 47 consecutive times, over two season's at Jacksonville, with 44 wins, he dropped a muscle and was done for the meet. Discount's had 98 starts over three season's at Jacksonville, compiling a record of 54-20-12.

The Jacksonville Derby

Hudson, sensational son of Bill's Secretary, is not only the Puppy Stakes champion, but winner of the ninth annual Jacksonville Derby as well. The black and white youngster poked his nose in front just in time to win the Derby last night over Lucky Ben, who narrowly missed whipping him. Gold Idol, another crack pup was third.

A capacity crowd, probably the largest in the track's history, witnessed the running of the classic. Hudson, is the only Puppy Stakes winner to also annex the local Derby. The winner took the lead entering the back stretch, was outrun for a spell going to the far turn by Jim Barnes, but once in the home stretch, resumed command and succeeded in staving off the closing rush of Lucky Ben. The victory was also the tenth of the meeting for Hudson.

Four Greyhound Stars honored at the local track

Four great greyhounds of the past, no longer racing, but basking in the limelight as the proud sires and dams of stars even now pilling up purse money and prestige, will be on display at the Jacksonville Kennel Club Monday night. The four are Bill's Secretary, Extra, Melodrama and Chinko.

All but Chinko are favorably remembered by local greyhound racing lovers. Chinko, in his day, was recognized as one of the top sprinters in the country. He performed with meteoric success at the Miami Beach and Taunton race tracks a few years back.

The other three need no introduction to local fans, but Bill's Secretary is probably the most popular. Not only was this big fellow track champion two seasons in a row, winning 14 races at each meeting, but he set a record for consecutive victories-nine- that has never been broken. Bill's Sec., as the fans called him, was tremendously popular too because he was one of the smartest greyhounds to ever race here. There has been many greyhounds much faster, but Bill's Sec. won many a race by simply picking his holes and outsmarting fleeter rivals.

As for Extra and Melodrama, they are the oldest of the four returning to the scene of many former triumphs. They were shinning lights at the same time that Sky was track champion and were all littermates. They are about 11 years old.

Melodrama set and held the track's futurity record for the better part of two seasons and many of her pups have been very successful. Extra was recognized as the top female racer of her time and would undoubtedly have been track queen had she not been forced to race against Sky, her brother on almost every occasion. She too is the proud dam of many successful sons and daughters.

No All-Florida Derby

Due to the war