Keith Dillon

From an early beginning, you seemed destined to be a major force in the greyhound industry.

Your first time “out of the slip” at the 1938 fall coursing meet, in Abilene, produced a winner for you with Samco. That was the beginning. From there you went to Tampa, for Zene Freeman, at $7 a week to learn how to be a trainer.

The next year you had your own booking. Many men would have been happy and satisfied with that, but you kept striving for a more complete operation.

In 1940 you won your first track stake race, the Tampa Juvenile, with My Judy. From there it seemed as though you could go no higher, but as many know that wasn’t true.

In 1950 you introduced the “Miracle Litter” to the fans in Colorado at Mile High Kennel Club. 8 dogs and 8 grade A’s. Once again it seemed as though a lifetime goal had been reached; once again you continued to grow.

In 1959 you moved your family to Olathe, Kansas, and began building a greyhound farm. One that today has not only·become a showplace but an example for other greyhound owners and breeders to follow. An ordinary man would have settled down with this complete greyhound racing and training operation; however, you didn’t. You went on to contribute to other aspects of the industry. In 1972 you became president of the National Greyhound Association and served two terms as an enthusiastic president. During that time you also spearheaded the development of the building program for the Greyhound Hall of Fame, making it possible for it to occupy its present modern facility.

At the time of your induction, in 1983, you were still involved with the improvement of the industry by serving on the Greyhound· Welfare Committee for improved relations with the U.S. Humane Society; you actively support the Greyhound Hall of Fame, where you continue to serve as president; and you still continue to produce champion greyhounds.

You have owned and trained 3 All-Americans, countless Derby masters and· an extrodinary number of  exceptional,·greyhounds,amoung these Indurall, Understood, North American, Prime Factor, Dillard. The list of greyhounds could go on as could the list of your accomplishments.

For these and your unselfish giving of yourself to many aspects of the greyhound industry we are proud to induct you into the Greyhound Hall of Fame.