Today was the first of two days of qualifying for our annual Wiener-Dog Derby. The top four from each of two trials today and Aug. 11 advance to the Aug. 25 semifinals. The top four in each of the semis will come back the same day to determine who is top dog.
Our first heat today was, well, interesting, as the entire field dwelt at the gate. Finally Daphne Short, owned by Matt Short of Madisonville, Ky., made her way across the finish line. Also advancing to the semifinals were second-place Atticus Atwell, Ariadne and Henry. The second heat was the heck of a dog race, with Cooper Born, a rescue dog owned by Chris and Jill Born of Evansville, leading the pack, getting headed late, and coming back on to win. Finishing second was Itty Bitty Jo Hayes, Ellie Sparkles and Hershey.
