Description
A late entrant propelled other pups over the finish line when Musselburgh Racecourse hosted its second annual corgi derby Over a dozen Pembroke Welsh Corgis swooped down the grassy field, Rodney besting his rivals in a photo finish. However, a nine-year-old corgi believed to be a distant relative of one of Queen's deceased dogs had a tougher day with one last post.
Judy Murray, mother of tennis star Andy Murray, waved the flag to kick off the event before presenting the winning dog with a trophy and treats.
The derby was part of East Lothian Racecourse's Easter Saturday family events, which also included a race for young children.
Wearing a purple bib, three-and-a-half-year-old Rodney was the first to cross the line ahead of 13 other corgis.
His owners, Matt Kendall and Nicole Whiteside, of Fife, did not expect Rodney to run and only invaded him on Saturday morning when other dogs withdrew and a gap opened up on the map.
Mr Kendall said he "didn't think Rodney would win at all", adding: "It's great to compete with all the other corgi owners."
Last year's inaugural corgi derby was held as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and was won by Georgie Rumbles of Wales, owned by Alison Rumbles, but the dog was not quite successful in claiming victory. in the 2023 event.
Paddy, a dog believed to be a distant relative of one of the late Queen's beloved corgis, participated wearing a dark green bib.
The nine-year-old is related to dogs owned by breeder Mary Davies, who provided the royal house with a corgi stud.
After her last place finish, Paddy's owner Claudia Breen, who is also nine, confirmed that this would be her last race.
Before the derby, he said: "Paddy is a friendly little dog who likes to be at fun events, but it's time he started to relax.
"We grew up together and we will both celebrate our 10th anniversary next month."
She added: "Paddy's mother, father, grandfather and grandmother were all Mary Davies corgis."
Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis during her reign and was known for her love of the breed.
PA wire
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