Track History

Sarasota Kennel Club has been open since 1929. The Collins family has been operating the tracks since 1944.

Jerry Collins was an amazing man who had lived a full and adventurous life. He was not only a successful dog track owner; he’s spent time as a policeman, a state legislature, and a motorcycle stunt man. He’s owned several circus’, saved lives, sold cars, and was successful in all business ventures.

Greyhound racing, began with Owen Patrick Smith’s invention of a mechanical lure around 1912; this made racing around a track possible.

The first circular track opened in 1919 in Emeryville, CA. This was just the beginning of what is now the 5th most popular spectator sport.