Wiener Dog Races are Friday, July 4
**Competitor spots are FULL!**
The cutest event of the season! Featuring 30 Dachshunds in a race to determine TOP DOG. Showcased on the racetrack, between the horse races, the Wiener Dogs will race in 3 qualifying heats with the 3 top dogs from each heat competing in the final race.
Presenting sponsor is our wonderful neighbours:
Join us for a FREE night of entertainment with horses and dogs galore!
VIP TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE
Get a VIP seat in the Captain’s Quarters! Your VIP Ticket Includes:
- A prime view of the races!
- A full buffet meal (see menu below) provided by The GrandWay Events Centre
- Access to a beverage station that includes soft drinks, coffee, and tea (no additional charge)
- Reserved indoor (air-conditioned) seating from 5:30 pm-10:00 pm (Enter through Elements Casino main building and head upstairs!)
- A Grand River Raceway harness horse racing program
- Access to a cash bar
- Free Parking
Click here to get VIP tickets!
With only 30 race spots to compete, it is essential to pre-register for this event.
Registration is NOW FULL.
Please contact Louise at lfrost@grandriverag.com to be placed on the waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration for the Wiener Dog Races opens 1-2 months prior to the event date. Once open, there will be a button on the top of this web page linking to the Registration Page.
No. All registrations must be registered and paid online prior to the event.
$35 (includes HST and online booking fee) per dog. There are 30 dogs max able to compete.
Yes, we require all dogs to have proof that they are all up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations upon check-in. Dogs who are not current, will not be permitted to participate.
Yes! There are many tactics you can review with your dog. You should be getting him/her ready to run once you release them. Grab a partner and send them 20 metres away from you while you hold your dog, then release the dog and teach him/her to run to your partner.
Bring toys, treats, or other engaging things to the races to entice your pup!
Yes, we will provide a colour coordinated line-up of bandanas and/or sweaters per each dog. These bandanas will go around their collar, however they won’t be long, and they won’t drag – they shouldn’t hinder their ability to run or cause them to freeze-up like some wieners do when they’re wearing a costume. During your training, tie a bandana around their neck to help familiarize your pooch with the bandana.
The race will be approximately 20 metres.
The dogs will be introduced on the TV race broadcast (between the horse races) starting at 6:20 pm.
Showcased on the racetrack, between the horse races, the Wiener Dog Races will be contested in three (3) qualifying heats starting at 7:35 pm (after horse race #4). The Final will be at 8:20 pm (after horse race #6). The trophy presentations will be at 8:35 pm (after horse race #7).
Check-in will be in “No Man’s Land” which is the grassy area between The GrandWay Events Centre building and the Elements building. You can access it from the parking lot. Arrive between 5:30 pm and 6:20 pm on the race night.
Sorry, there are no refunds for this event. If you or your dog are unable to compete, you will forfeit your spot.
Showcased on the racetrack, between the horse races, the Wiener Dog Races will be contested in three (3) qualifying heats running consecutively starting at 7:35 pm. There will be 10 dogs max/heat. The top three (3) finishers from each heat will compete in the Final at 8:20 pm. All races are 20 meters in distance.
We will do our best to keep dogs of a similar age grouped together in the qualifying heats.
The lineup for the races will be announced during the week leading up to the races. They will also be listed in that night’s race program.
No, each pooch must remain on its leash until the start of the race. It is a VERY busy race night and a lot of people will be coming to watch the races this evening, so when you walk out to the track you will need to carry your pup in your arms. Make sure they are comfortable with this!
No, only guide dogs are permitted inside the grandstand or inside any of our restaurants – health and safety rules pertaining to food and beverage areas deny access of animals.
The Wiener Dog Race will run rain or shine. However, if there are EXTREME weather conditions and the horse races are cancelled or in jeopardy of being cancelled, we will make the call to reschedule by 3:00 pm on race day. If that is the case, we will contact everyone individually to let them know.
Aside from guide dogs, we ask that you refrain from bringing your dog unless it is competing in the races.
Yes. The dog races will be shown on our live streaming video. Go here to watch — under the LIVE tab. THE STREAMING VIDEO CANNOT BE ACCESSED UNTIL 6:00 P.M. The Wiener Dog Races will be contested in three qualifying heats starting after Horse Race #4 (approx 7:35 pm). The Final (top 3 dogs from each heat) will be after Horse Race #6 (approx. 8:20 pm). The trophy presentations will be after Horse Race #7 (approx. 8:35 pm).
Winning Wieners!
Check out some of our past contestants that have strived for top prizes in the race and costume categories.
