‘Most adorable race of the season’ set for Friday at Grand River

Grand River Raceway (GRR) is excited to bring back their most popular race night of the year – Wiener Dog Races!

Also referred to as “the most adorable race of the season”, on Friday, July 12, 30 dachshunds will race in three heats of 10 dogs in between the harness racing. The three winners from each heat move on to the final race consisting of 9 dogs who will (hopefully) dash to the finish line to take home the title of top dog!

Dreamland Pet, GRR’s friendly neighbours, joined the fun for the first time as Presenting Sponsor. They have provided each wiener dog competitor a fun prize pack. Top dogs (top 3 winners) will get an extra special treat! Dreamland Pet will be on-site with a booth and are excited to be a part of this fun event.

“We are so excited to be able to be involved with such an iconic event in our community,” says Tori Hadfield, Team Leader, Dreamland Pet. “It’s amazing how watching racing weenies can really bring people together. We can’t wait to cheer on all the competitors and look forward to seeing who gets crowned champion. We also look forward to seeing all of your friendly faces at our retail booth where you can pick up essentials for your pet champion!”

“This is a race the whole community gets excited about,” says Louise Frost, Marketing Coordinator, Grand River Raceway. “People come from far and wide to see these adorable pups attempt to cross the finish line, making it our most attended and busiest race night. We can’t wait to see the crowd cheering on all the wieners…wait, I mean winners!”

This is a FREE family-friendly event with several options for food, entertainment, and seating. Get schedule, details, and program at this link.

• Free entry to all! Feel free to find seating on the tarmac, grandstands, and The GrandWay Patio.
• Buy a Wiener Dog Hat to start or add to your GRR swag collection. On sale for $25 (including tax) Limited quantity available, so grab yours before they run out. Cash, credit, and debit accepted.
• Come for dinner!
• Food Trucks – There will be three food trucks on-site to enjoy. At the East Gate we will have Endless Inspiration and MegaCone Creamery!
• The GrandWay Lounge and GrandWay Patio BBQ will be open for dinner. A BBQ combo will be featured – with a burger or hotdog and kettle chips for $10 (tax incl.)
• We Maverick Distillery selling beverages on The GrandWay Patio.
• VIP Tickets in the Captain’s Quarters are SOLD OUT!
  Contact bookings@thegrandway.com to get on the list to be contacted first when tickets go on sale next year.
• Vote for your favourite wiener! – The People’s Choice Awards are at this link.
  Brought to you by Dreamland Pet, voting closes at 8pm on Friday, July 12.

Last year a crowd of around 3,000 people attended the event! It is recommended you come early, doors open at 5:30 pm. GRR asks that you respect all guests and staff and allow everyone an opportunity to see the dogs race.

New to horse racing? A list of frequently asked questions regarding GRR race nights can also be found on the “Wiener Dog Race” webpage. GRR live racing is scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights at 6:30 pm.

by Louise Frost, for Grand River Raceway