By the end of this year, there will be only two greyhound race tracks in the U.S., both in West Virginia. Increased concerns about how the dogs are treated and an explosion of gambling options have nearly killed the sport, which boomed in the 1980s. | AP

Hell Bent's fast start earns spot in Wheeling history. Heading into the 2023 racing season at Wheeling Island, 29 greyhounds had climbed the ladder straight to Grade AA after winning their Maiden debut. Now there’s 30. The latest to accomplish the feat in the 47-year history of Wheeling Downs/Island is Xtrem Hess Racing Kennel’s Hell Bent. The youngster won his first Maiden race in early June before capturing Grades D, C, B and A in successive starts. An August 2021 greyhound out of Konomi-Liz C