One week after the Corgi Cup, dog lovers will be returning to Meadowlands Racetrack for the eighth annual Wiener Dog Derby.
Admission and parking are free for the family friendly event on Saturday, June 6 at The Big M. It’s a fun night out, watching the cute Dachshunds go up against each other with one competitor at the end of the night walking away with the $500 USD first prize for being the top dog. Kids and adults alike will love watching the races up close in The Backyard, which is located in mid-stretch, where fans cannot only catch the dog races, but all of the harness action as well.
“With top-notch harness racing, simulcast racing and the FanDuel Sportsbook, naturally, we want our customers to come enjoy a night of wagering on both the horses and professional sports,” said Jason Settlemoir, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “But we are Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. Offering the Corgi races last week and the Wiener Dogs this week gives us a chance to have parents bring their young children to the track and enjoy a night of big fun.
“We had a huge crowd last week and are expecting another one this Saturday. We encourage kids of all ages to enjoy a night of fun watching the little dogs race. Plenty of great food will be available on what forecasters are saying will be a great night of summer weather. Patrons should always check out our website (playmeadowlands.com) to see what events our promotions department are offering during the next several months.”
The first Wiener Dog Derby dash takes place at 6 p.m. The opening harness race heads to the gate at 6:35 p.m.
There is $1,700 USD in total prize money as the winners of each qualifier (races one through 10) will get a $100 USD betting voucher and a doggie goodie bag. The winner of the final will take home a $500 USD betting voucher and goodie bag.
There will be 100 dogs vying for the title, with 10 dogs in the 10 qualifiers, which will be run both before and in between the live harness races.
The only dogs permitted in the track and in each race are Dachshunds, and all must be currently licensed and up to date on all shots, including rabies vaccination. Only canines registered to participate are allowed at the track. No canine “viewers” allowed.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)