HorseRacing Central July 17, 2009

WIENER DOG RACES HIT HASTINGS SATURDAY

Okay, enough of the “wiener jokes”. Forget all the cute little phrases like “wiener’s circle” and “wiener take all”.

It’s time get down to some serious business. History will be made at Hastings Racecourse tomorrow – Saturday, July 18 – with the first-ever running of Wiener Dog Races.

Co-sponsored by Schneiders, there will be $900 in total purse money with 32 entries competing in four heats to determine the Final Four in what’s become known as a championship “Dash of the Dachshunds”.

The winner from each heat will receive $100 with the overall champion being awarded $500 and a glistening Top Dog 2009 trophy.

Wiener Dog owners from throughout the Lower Mainland as well as Victoria have filed entries. One owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, says: “Our little guy has been in training for two weeks. He’s lean and ready to go. I plan on taking the family out for dinner with our winnings!”

The approximate starting times of the four trial heats are 2:02 p.m., 2:33 p.m., 3:04 p.m. and 3:35 p.m. The Final is set for approximately 4:37 p.m.

Track announcer Dan Jukich and myself arm-wrestled to see which one of us would be doing the play-by-play of the Wiener Races. I won … meaning Dan will be doing the call, the hot dog that he is!