There was a full parking lot, a packed house and 30 wiener dogs on the racetrack for Grand River Raceway’s first annual Wiener Dog Race during the horse races on August 28.
The Elora, Ont. racetrack conducted three 10-dog heats in the middle of the horse racing card. The winner of each 20-metre heat advanced to the final race-off.
The first heat featured 10 Dachshunds between the ages of five and 13. Leaving from post eight, five-year-old Lilly was the winner for owner Rob Swiech.
Junebug took the next heat for local owner Shawn McFalls. Bred in West Virginia, Junebug is four and weighs in at seven pounds.
The final heat went to the freshman two-year-old, Alley. Owned by harness driver Billy Davis Jr. and his partner Amy McNair, the 14-pound pooch has reportedly been training with the two-year-old horses at the Gregg McNair Stable in Guelph.
Lilly, Junebug and Alley advanced to the race-off where all three made a wholehearted dash to the finish, but it was Junebug that prevailed at the wire to win the $100 grand prize. Lilly and Alley received $50 apiece.
Each contestant received a participatory prize compliments of event sponsors Loyall Pet Food and Legendary Canine.
Grand River Raceway continues to race Monday and Wednesday nights until September 30, but next Friday (September 4) marks the final Fun & Frivolity Friday race night of the season. The tiny-animal theme continues then with a miniature horse race. The Wanna Drive program will also be on-tap, giving fans the chance to drive a racehorse (accompanied by a pro) between the races.
(Grand River Raceway)