The annual Petco wiener dog races, the final activity of family fun day at the races, takes place Sunday afternoon (August 26) at Batavia Downs Casino.

Post time for the first of 12 exciting harness races is 1:15 p.m. Family fun day activities begin at 2:00 p.m. and the hilarious Petco wiener dog races begin shortly after the last harness race, approximately 4:20 p.m.

One year ago, the championship final was declared a dead-heat after an online video appeared to show that the final results, between two time defending champion 'Jake Arnold' and the robust newcomer 'Gordon' may not have been correct.

The following day after reviewing video and photographs of the final heat the results were overturned and a dead-heat was declared.

"We have a full field of 80 signed up and ready to go,” said Todd Haight, the track's general manager of live racing. “The dogs should begin arriving at 3:00 p.m. through the main entrance to be registered.”

"The prize structure for the top three finishers in the championship final will be $200 in casino free play for the winner, $100 in free play for the second place finisher and $50 in free play to the third place finisher," said the track's director of marketing, Ryan Hasenauer.

"New this year, all elimination heat winners are guaranteed $20 in casino free play while everyone that enters a dog will receive $10 in free play," Hasenauer added.

Family fun day activities include free pony rides, sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Batavia and special appearances by Mr. Scribbles and Pringles the Clown.

A live radio remote by Kiss 98.5 FM will be held featuring DJ Nicholas Picholas.

Paddock room food specials include $1 Sahlen’s hot dogs and soda from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

(Batavia)