Corgis off and running at Emerald Downs!

Corgi Racing Returns to Emerald Downs Sunday, July 14, 2024

AUBURN, Wash. (July 11, 2024) – Over 100 Corgis and their owners from eight different states will be at Emerald Downs Racetrack Sunday July 14th for the annual Corgi Races. The Corgis will compete between horse races throughout the afternoon. Corgi Races have been a fan favorite at Emerald Downs since 2017 and once again this year the races will be recorded for broadcast on ESPN2 in early August.

The race is presented by Amazon to benefit the Washington chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Two heats of the race will be devoted to the association and Amazon. The first features 12 corgis who raised the most funds for the association. The second – the Rufus Cup – features Amazon employees’ dogs.

Since the Corgi races first aired on ESPN in 2021 the sport has really taken off. It’s a popular halftime promotion at NFL games plus NBA, College Basketball and even Hockey.

Track Marketing Director Wes Petree looks forward to the day each year, “The dogs and their owners have such a great time and the fans love watching the Corgis.” As for qualifications, the guidance from the track is fairly simple. If a dog can run 10 seconds in their backyard they can do this race. Petree says many people now practice for the races, “The dogs that win are the ones who tend to run directly to their owner at the finish line. The races have been much faster and competitive through the years but ultimately, it’s all about having fun.”

Corgi Day Schedule:

GATES OPEN 11:30 AM

FIRST HORSE RACE 1:30 PM

After Horse Race 1 – The Parade of the Corgis! All Corgis will parade from the Park to the Finish Line.

After Horse Race 2 – Five Corgi Races.

After Horse Race 3 – Four Corgi Races

After Horse Race 5 – Corgi Championship (All heat winners plus last year’s champ).

Emerald Downs is located right off Highway 167 in Auburn. The 2024 season runs through September 15. More information is available at www.emeralddowns.com

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