Dachshunds to dash in Victorian first

IN ITS debut in Victoria, dachshunds will join horses on the track for the first annual Dachshund Dash at the Geelong Harness Racing Club on Sunday (January 22).

Gaining inspiration from events held around the world, and one hosted in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, the event will mark the first time a racing club in Victoria has hosted dachshund races on the same event bill as horses and pony trots.

More than 30 dachshunds are registered for this weekend’s race, which consists of three separate heats in between horse races on the 20m straight of the racetrack.

“This type of race has never happened in Victoria on an actual racing track and in conjunction with horse racing,” Geelong Harness Racing Club General Manager Joe Fiala said.

“The dogs will be racing along the 20m straight of the track and people will have a great view of it all from our fantastic grandstands.

“We are expecting plenty of people to come and are thrilled to be partnering with the Inverleigh Dachshund Club who are helping us run the event.

“We are really excited and rapt to be having it, and hopefully if it’s a success then we will run it every year!”

A host of prizes are on offer in both the racing component and the dachshund “fashion on the field” best dressed competition.

Dachshund racing will begin at about 6pm.

Cost for race and entry into the best dressed event is $20.

For more information, head to geelonghrc.org.au