Pat Collins was just a boy in Nebraska when he was first awestruck by the speed of the greyhounds on his uncle’s farm. Years later, he purchased his own racing greyhounds and through hard work and dedication became one of the most successful Colorado breeders in history while also operating a large racing kennel for several decades.

On his greyhound farm in Longmont, Colo., Collins built a successful bloodline of racers easily identified by the Pat C prefix. His greyhounds not only dominated stake races on the Colorado circuit, but often competed against each other, such as in 1982 when Pat C Misfire, Pat C Howard and Pat C Littleman finished first, second and third respectively in the Timberline Stake at Mile High Greyhound Park. Collins embarked on his own racing kennel operation in 1987, building a dynasty that won kennel championships, track titles and stake races in several states.

In 1994, Pat C Rendezvous became the only greyhound in history to earn in the same year the North American win title with 52 victories, the National Greyhound Association’s Flashy Sir Award as the country’s best distance greyhound, and the title of captain of the All-America team. Pat C Rendezvous also set a world 3/8 record at Palm Beach Kennel Club with 36 consecutive wins.

Three other greyhounds also were named All-Americas, including Pat C Raymond in 1985, Pat C Montecarlo alongside Pat C Rendezvous in 1994, and Pat C Anguish in both 1995 and 1996.

Collins volunteered two of his stake racers to represent the United States at the 1997 International Greyhound Racing Australian Carnival. That same year, he was the honoree at the National Greyhound Association Spring Meet Banquet and went on to serve on the NGA Board of Directors from 1998 until 2002.