Wiener Dog Races: Ruby runs away with Downs’ Dachshund Dash

Ruby, a 3-year-old dachshund making her first lifetime stared defeated nine other wiener dogs on Sunday during the annual race at Batavia Downs.

Ruby took the lead early in the final heat and cruised to victory.

“She stays fit by swimming,” said her owner, Patrick Gorman of Hamburg. “She loves to fetch so that’s why we entered her.”

First-time entrants don’t historically do as well as dogs that have previously raced. But Ruby served notice with an electrifying heat victory believed to be the fastest win ever at Batavia Downs, according to Director of Marketing Ryan Hasenauer.

In winning, Gorman received $135 in Batavia Downs Gaming Free Play and two clubhouse buffets.

Finishing second was Maximum, owned by Carrie Marseglia, and in third was Martin, owned by Christine Baker.

A crowd favorite was former champion, Rudy, who was unbeatable in 2005 and 2006. Rudy, now 14, made this year’s final, but was unplaced.

The 2017 Batavia Downs Dachshund Dash, sponsored by Genesee Feeds of Batavia, was the culmination of the Downs’ annual Family Fun Day, which is among the track’s best-attended days. Track officials estimated the live crowd to be 3,500.

The dog races followed the day’s harness racing contests.

Activities also included pony rides, face painting, sand art and appearances by Pringles the Clown, Jason the Juggler and Mr. Scribbles.