Corgi Wins Easter Derby at Scottish Track, Fueled by Hot Dogs

When hot dogs are on the line, even the sleepiest corgi becomes a champion sprinter.

Three-year-old Islay, a Pembroke Welsh corgi born in New Zealand, claimed victory at the annual Easter Corgi Derby at Musselburgh Racecourse in Scotland. The pint-sized athlete beat competitors from across the globe, proving that the right motivation makes all the difference.

Owner Carolyne Ricardo, a vet at the University of Glasgow, was thrilled by the surprise win. She only learned two weeks before the race that Islay had been accepted to compete.

"She likes a nap and is a slow starter in the morning," Ricardo explained. The New York native added that her sleepy pup transforms into a speed demon when something catches her interest, especially squirrels.

The international competition drew corgis from remarkable distances. Sadie traveled all the way from Newquay, Cornwall, while Naomi came from Glasgow but was originally born in China. The global gathering showcased just how beloved these short-legged dogs have become worldwide.

Now in its fifth year, the race was created in 2022 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee. The late Queen's famous love for Pembroke Welsh corgis inspired the tradition, which has grown into a beloved annual event.

Sunny's Take

The corgi derby does more than just entertain crowds at the racecourse. While the main event features high-quality horse racing with over £300,000 in prizes, these little four-legged friends consistently steal the show, according to Aisling Johnston, the racecourse's head of marketing.

The race brings pure joy to spectators who gather each Easter to watch the stubby-legged competitors waddle, sprint, and sometimes get hilariously distracted on their way to the finish line. It's a reminder that the simplest pleasures—watching happy dogs chase treats—can bring entire communities together in laughter and celebration.

Islay's hot dog-fueled victory proves that champions come in all sizes, and sometimes the best rewards are the simplest ones.