Despite rain and thunder, a huge crowd gathered at Grand River Raceway to watch 30 of the toughest Dachshunds in the province duke-it-out in the second annual Ren’s Pets Depot Wiener Dog Races on July 8.

Tank, owned by harness racing driver James MacDonald and his wife Jenna, of Guelph, was a winner by open lengths in the nine-dog Final. Jenna and her mother, Lynn MacDonell, raced the two-year-old, 14-pound champ. Tank received more than $500 in prizes, including a hand-carved trophy, $100 gift card from Ren’s Pets Depot, deluxe gift bag from Loyall Premium Pet Food and a gift basket from OLG Slots At Grand River Raceway.

A full house at Grand River, despite the rain. (Wayne Simpson Photo)

Junebug was the returning champ, and captured the first of three elimination heats. He finished second in the final, followed by Lady, the winner of the second heat. Lucy Try was the third heat winner leading up to the final. Rounding out the field of Doxies in the Final were: Lilly Swiech, Wally, Dash, Emma, and Tank-A-Roo-Boo.

The evening also offered 10 horse races and an agility course hosted by Diamonds In The Ruff.

The event is title-sponsored by Ren’s Pets Depot, and is also supported by Loyall Premium Pet Food and the OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway.

Jenna MacDonald with Tank and Ren’s Pets Depot managers (l to r): Laura McFadden, Sarah Burden, and Cassie Mitchell. (Wayne Simpson Photo)

All participating dogs received a swag bag compliments of the event sponsors. All winners of the qualifying heats received a large bag of dog food, compliments of Loyall. The runner-up and third-place finisher in the race final received a $50 gift card for Ren’s Pets Depot.

Bios and photos of the 30 competitors are available on the Grand River Raceway website. More photos from the event are available on Grand River's facebook page.

Tank heads for home in the race final with runner-up Junebug hot on his trail. (Iron Horse Photo)

(with files from Grand River Raceway)