PAUL PORTELLI

PROFILE: Paul Portelli was born November 13, 1909 on the island of Malta in Europe. His greyhound career began in the 1930’s and continues today. He has been a member of the National Greyhound Association for over 50 years.

HISTORY: Portelli began racing greyhounds under the name of John Portelli in California. Although the sport was banned in that state in 1939, he continues promoting greyhound racing legislation there. He has written numerous articles for greyhound industry magazines and was a charter member of the Greyhound Writers of America, serving as vice president in 1954. He also had served as secretary-treasurer of the now disbanded California Golden State Coursing Club for over 20 years. Portelli organized the California Greyhound association in 1967 and served as president.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In partnership with Joe Brown of the Miami Herald newspaper, the idea of the Greyhound Writers presenting awards for the outstanding greyhounds and owners of the year was developed. These awards were the forerunner of the All-America selections and the Rural Rube and Flashy Sir awards of today. His greyhound, JEAN AGRICOLA, was the winner of the $1,500 Exposition Elimination Stake in 1937 in El Cerrito, CA. Other greyhounds included TIP AGRICOLA, TAP AGRICOLA and PAUL’S PICK.