LONDON (AP) — Scotland’s annual Corgi Derby brought together some of the speediest—and shortest—competitors in the canine world, as pint-sized pups dashed for victory in a race dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved breed.
The Musselburgh Racecourse Corgi Derby, first held in 2022 to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, honored her lifelong devotion to corgis. Over her 70-year reign, Elizabeth owned nearly 30 Pembroke Welsh corgis, along with a few playful “dorgis” (a corgi-dachshund mix).
This year’s race saw 16 sweater-clad corgis sprinting 230 feet (70 meters) outside Edinburgh. In a thrilling finish, four-year-old Juno overtook last year’s champion, Rodney, securing her place as the fastest pup of the day. Her proud owners, Alisdair Tew and Fran Brandon, accepted a trophy and a stash of dog treats from Judy Murray—tennis star Andy Murray’s mother and the event’s special presenter.
Tew humorously revealed their unconventional training strategy: “Last year, we tried proper training, but this time we just let her chase seagulls on Portobello Beach. Juno’s always up for snacks—that’s probably her secret!”
The Queen’s affection for corgis began in 1933 when her father, King George VI, brought home a pup named Dookie. For decades, the breed was her constant companion—joining her on royal tours, residing in their own Buckingham Palace quarters, and even playfully (or not-so-playfully) nipping at the heels of guests and family members.
Corgis also stole the spotlight in pop culture, famously appearing alongside Her Majesty in the 2012 London Olympics opener, where they trotted into a helicopter with James Bond (or at least, Daniel Craig).
Though Elizabeth passed in September 2022, events like the Corgi Derby keep her legacy—and her love for these spirited little dogs—running strong.
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