‘Mustard’ won’t share the racetrack with any racehorses this Friday night (July 6) at Grand River Raceway, but he sure will share the spotlight.
Mustard, the 2017 champion of Grand River’s Ren’s Pets Wiener Dog Races, will defend his title against 29 Dachshunds during the fourth edition of the fan-favourite event, which will take place on July 6.
In all, the night will offer 10 horse races and four wiener dog races. Post time for the first horse race is 6:30 p.m.
Mustard will start from Post 6 in the second of three heats, which will be contested after horse Race 5 (approximately 8:00 p.m.). Tank, the 2016 champion, finished second to Mustard in last year’s final. Tank, who is owned by harness driver James MacDonald and his wife Jenna, will race against Mustard in the same heat from Post 9.
The top three finishers from each 10-dog dash will advance to the championship after horse Race 7 (approximately 8:45 p.m.) All races are 20 metres in length.
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2017 crowd at Ren’s Pets Wiener Dog Races at Grand River Raceway (Iron Horse Photo)
The event is supported by title sponsor Ren’s Pets, Elements Casino Grand River, Big Country Raw and Legendary Canine. Prizes for the top dogs total more than $500.
The dog action will kick off with an all-breeds Costume Contest after horse Race 3 (approximately 7:15 p.m.).
The event attracts one of the largest crowds of the racing season at Grand River Raceway. Organizers have ramped up dining options, adding three food trucks and a licensed BBQ patio to its existing three restaurants and Tarmac BBQ area.
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2017 race champ Mustard (lead), runner-up Tank and third-place finisher Tank-A-Roo-Boo (Iron Horse Photo)
A new 10’ x 18’ video screen in the infield will also enhance the racing experience for guests.
Regular Friday race night activities include The NEIGHbourhood, which runs free for kids under the Tarmac Tent from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and includes horse-related crafts, a photo with the winning horse of a race, and a barn tour. 107.5 DAVE ROCKS will broadcast live from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Parking and admission are always free for the races at Grand River Raceway.
Wiener lovers who can’t make it to the track can catch the live streaming video of the broadcast beginning at 6:00 p.m.
See the Grand River Raceway website for complete event details, including photos and bios of each dog competing in the races.
2017 Ren's Pets Depot Wiener Dog Races at Grand River Raceway
(Grand River Raceway)