Oct 18, 2022
BATAVIA — Once again Louie defended his crown in the annual Weiner Dog Races.
Louie bested 47 other dogs in a tightly contested competition on Sunday afternoon at Batavia Downs. Following two hours of family related activities including face painting, balloon art, pumpkin decorating, carriage rides, and pony rides, the assembled crowd of more than 2,000 people watched six heats of eight dogs.
The tradition started in 2005 and has grown every year with 10 other race tracks across the country picking up what started at the Batavia Downs. Crowds flocked to the track on Sunday to cheer for the dachshunds who participated in the Weiner Dog Races.
The course itself was about 40 feet long with the start and finish lines being drawn in the dirt. On one side were the dogs, being held back by different family members while at the end of the track were their handlers, each trying to attract their beloved dog’s attention with bribery of chew toys and food as rewards as they loudly called their names.
And for some, this would work as they raced toward the finish line and cross it. For others, the dachshunds would either not run at all, deciding to stay at the starting line or run in the complete opposite direction.
Louie and his owners received a Hotel and Restaurant Stay and Play at Batavia Downs along with a gift basket from Genesee Feeds. Second place Piper and third place Ted also received a Hotel and Restaurant Stay and Play. Each “heat” winner received a Free Play prize.
Louie of Pittsford had previously won the race last year and in 2018.
