The fun race at Musselburgh was run at noon with sixteen runners on their wee short legs.
The winner was four-year-old Juno from Portobello who is photographed with owner Alisdair Tew in an almost photo finish between three dogs. Coming close behind was number 8 Rodney the 2023 winner and third was number 3 Daisy.
Judy Murray was on hand with the starter’s flag. She said after the race: “That was great fun. There were a lot more corgis than there were the last time. Some know exactly what they’re doing and some who just want to bite the butt off some other dog. It’s a bit of carnage but a lot of fun. I am a dog person but more of a big dog person like a Golden Retriever.”
Alisdair’s fiancée Fran Brandon set the pup running towards him and despite some attacking behaviour from the other runners, Juno won the day – and a lot of treats to take home.
In Army Green colours, Juno – in Roman mythology the Queen of Gods – proved she was in fact the Queen of Dogs as she took royal command of the race which is run over 70 metres, roughly one-third of a furlong.
In the Parade Ring as Juno savoured her victory, owner Alisdair said: “We trained her for this last year but this year we just resorted to just letting her chasing things, particularly seagulls on Porty Beach and that has paid off.”
Holding some treats, he added: “Juno is always ready for treats – that is probably why she won. We would love to come back next year.”
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “This amazing race just grows in popularity each year. What started off as a bit of fun and what we thought would be a one-off is becoming a huge attraction and something of an institution.
“It was an extremely competitive race and a well-deserved victory by lovely Juno but congratulation to all owners and their corgis who took part.”
All photos Alan Simpson
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
