In his bio, 15 pound Dashpig was described as “brave as a wolf dog.” The mighty Dachshund churned that courage into victory, holding on to win the fourth annual Ren’s Pets Wiener Dog Races at Grand River Raceway on July 6.

The four-year-old nosed out defending champion Mustard and a quick charging Jerry in the field of nine. Dashpig is owned by Katie Sudds and Brian Hardy of Tavistock, Ont. They won a custom designed trophy (of a golden wiener dog), $100 in gift cards from Ren’s Pets, and a gift basket valued at $200 compliments of Elements Casino Grand River.

The finalists earned their spots in the championship by finishing in the top three of three elimination races. In all, 30 wiener dogs delighted an enthusiastic crowd which packed the Elora, Ont. track.

While Finnegan didn’t make the cut for the race final, he did clean up in the Costume Contest. “Maui Wowie” was the theme of his tropical getup, landing owner Robbin Pinkney an inflatable trophy, $100 in gift cards from Ren’s Pets, and a gift basket valued at $200 compliments of Elements Casino Grand River.

Bella (dressed as an angel) and Lola (dressed as a bride) rounded out the top three, winning gift baskets compliments of Legendary Canine.

Live horse racing continues most Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at Grand River Raceway through September.

(Grand River Raceway)