Top dog! Pooches race in Chester’s first dachshund derby, winner bags champagne

Seven dachshunds took to the turf at Chester Racecourse on Saturday for the venue’s first-ever dachshund derby, a 50-metre sprint that offered a bottle of champagne as the prize for the winner. Nellie, a five-year-old standard, wire-haired dachshund, crossed the line first to claim the title of top dog.

The racers brought a canine twist to the course’s Oktoberfest-themed end-of-season celebrations. The seven competitors wore numbered shirts as they dashed through windy, rainy conditions, with Nellie prevailing on the compact straightaway. In addition to the champagne bottle, the winner’s prize included pretzel dog treats, while Nellie’s owner and trainer, Melanie Ashley of Chester, collected a fizz-filled nod to the win for her pet.

"Nellie is incredibly lively and feisty, and absolutely loves being outdoors. We have another dog at home but she’s certainly the boss. We’re super proud of Nellie today and looking forward to next year," Ashley said after the race, reflecting on the moment that capped a day of family-friendly festivities.

The event was part of a broader Oktoberfest-themed program at the course designed to mark the season’s close. The field of seven included Boo, Ted, Otis, Dave, Teddy and Winston, who were introduced to racegoers in a pre-race parade before lining up for the sprint.

Chester Racecourse chief executive Louise Stewart hailed the derby as a real crowd-pleaser, calling it a memorable debut that highlighted the venue’s playful side.

Social media posts ahead of the event teased the race with lighthearted language about fast sausages strutting into the Parade Ring and racing for glory, with Paw-secco and pretzel treats up for grabs. The online reaction was largely warm, with many commenters expressing support for a potential return of the dachshund derby in future years.

In addition to Nellie’s win, Ralph, a five-year-old dachshund, was named best turned out, receiving a special hamper of treats. The exhibition added a lighter note to a sport that often centers on betting and competition, underscoring the venue’s aim of hosting pet-friendly programming that appeals to families and dog lovers alike.

The dachshund derby reflects a broader trend of incorporating pet-friendly events into racing venues in the United Kingdom, offering an approachable entry point for new audiences while showcasing the bond between owners and their dogs. For many spectators, the lighthearted race offered a festive interlude as the season draws to a close, with the potential for similar novelty events in the years ahead.