CALLING ALL SAUSAGE DOGS: CHESTER RACECOURSE IS SEEKING ENTRIES FOR RETURNING DACHSHUND DERBY

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1 Sep 2026

Chester Racecourse is calling out to the dog owners of Cheshire and the North West to take part in its dachshund derby race, which is set to return for the second year.

In 2025, the racecourse hosted its first ever ‘dachshund derby race’, whereby 12 dachshunds sprinted down the final furlong. By popular demand, the fixture will return this year at the Virgin Bet Autumn Festival on 12^th September.

In order to select the final declarations, Chester Racecourse is asking pet owners to nominate their sausage dog by tagging @chesterraces on an Instagram grid post on a picture of their four-legged friend or comment a picture on the dedicated Facebook post. The racecourse will shortlist and reshare the images, and whoever gets the highest votes from followers will be selected to run on 12^th September.

The event will play out just like a traditional horse race, complete with a lap of the Parade Ring beforehand, and a ‘Best Turned Out’ competition, where the best-groomed runner will receive recognition for being beautifully presented.

The selected 12 dogs will win their owners entry to the Virgin Bet Autumn Festival, and the fastest pup will win a champagne bottle plush toy.

Sam Martin, head of marketing and communications at Chester Race Company, commented: “The dachshund derby was a big hit last year, people absolutely loved it, so we had to bring it back for another year. It adds an extra bit of fun for guests and brings a whole new meaning to ‘small victories’.

“The two-day festival is all about welcoming in Autumn in style, and although summer may be on its way out, a raceday at Chester still promises bags of excitement and spectacle. Sprinting sausage dogs aside, guests can expect an amazing hospitality, thrilling racing and an unmatched atmosphere.”

Entries for the dachshund derby opens on 25^th August and close on 1^st September, and the final 12 will be revealed on 2^nd September. People should follow @chesterraces on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.

“The dachshund derby was a big hit last year, people absolutely loved it, so we had to bring it back for another year. It adds an extra bit of fun for guests and brings a whole new meaning to ‘small victories’.”