PROFILE: born on January 19, 1924 Gene Vale was the second son of William and CassaAnn Vale, who operated a service station and café in Phoenix, Arizona. At the age of 12, Gene earned money delivering two different newspapers, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Vale also helped with the family business until he entered the greyhound industry. He served in the United States Navy during World War II.

HISTORY: Vale began working as a cool out for Al Norton in 1937 when the Phoenix Racing Association built a greyhound track across the street from the Vale family business. After only a month, the promoter left town without paying the purses; and, as payment for Vale’s work, Norton gave Vale a greyhound which Vale raced. After returning from World War II, Vale joined his family racing greyhounds in Portland, Oregon, and then got his own booking in Phoenix. For over five decades, he raced greyhounds in Tucson, Caliente, Sodrac, Mile High and Derby Lane before retiring in the 1990’s.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In 1957 and 1958, Vale won the kennel championships at Derby Lane. Outstanding greyhounds include OKLAHOMA RANDY who dominated Phoenix racing in the late 1970’s, MARIE MONTEZ, a good sprinter who became an outstanding brood matron, and START SUMPIN, winner of the Christmas Stakes and the New Years Day Special at Western Greyhound Park. VEGAS GAMBLER won the Phoenix Greyhound Park Puppy Derby, AMBUSHED won the Festival of Stakes at Derby Lane. DOUBLE INDEMNITY won the Phoenix Derby.