Edward Keelan III

“Mr. Innovator”–that would be an apt title for you, Eddie Keelan; You, who have been one of the principal shakers and movers in the greyhound business for the last two decades. Your reputation as a promoter of the sport and an innovator is legendary.

Your colorful career in greyhound racing began in the 1940’s, when you parked cars at Wonderland Park. Soon after, the late Russ Murray, general manager at Raynham, gave you a job in the mutuel department. You would eventually become general manager at Raynham.

It was primarily through your efforts that greyhound racing was adopted in the states of Connecticut and New Hampshire in the l 970’s. At the time of your induction to the Greyhound Hall of Fame, you were still overseeing the operation of your tracks at Seabrook and Plainfield.

As an industry leader, you’ve served as president of the American Greyhound Track Operators Association, as well as the World of Greyhound Racing Federation. Long a supporter of major stake racing, you initiated the then-biggest stake race in America at Seabrook in 1978. The Great Greyhound Race, with its $50,000 win purse, remains as one of the sport’s premier stake events each year. You also played a major role in the creation of the Hollywood World Classic, another national stake.

Never one to quickly excuse new ideas, you’ve been widely applauded for your innovative promotions at your tracks. Perhaps your idea for a midnight racing program, tried at Seabrook several years back, best underscores your ingenuity and imagination.

It has been these qualities that have thrust you to the forefront of greyhound racing time and time again.