The first-ever Corgi Cup will take place at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment on Saturday, Sept. 6 starting at 6 p.m., followed by harness racing at 6:20 p.m.
Admission and parking are free. Only canines registered to participate are allowed at the track. No canine “viewers.” There are 80 corgis registered to compete and the list is currently maxed. To get on the waiting list, email raryan@playmeadowlands.com.
What’s at Stake
There will be up to 10 qualifiers, with the top dog in each qualifier moving on to the Finals, where the final eight Corgis will compete. Prize money totals $1,500.
Qualifiers earn a $100 betting voucher; 1st place in the Final wins a $500 betting voucher.Qualifiers will be run in between the live harness races. The Final will be held once all Qualifiers are complete.
Approximate Corgi Cup Post Times:
🐕6 p.m.
🐕 6:15 p.m.
🐕6:32 p.m.
🐕6:52 p.m.
🐕7:30 p.m.
🐕8:00 p.m.
🐕8:25 p.m.
🐕8:50 p.m.
🐕9:15 p.m.
🐕9:40 p.m.
🐕Final: 10 p.m.
What is a Corgi Race?
Corgi racing involves Pembroke Welsh Corgis competing in short races, typically 40-50 yards long. The recreational events are sometimes fundraising-focused and often done in conjunction with other events, like horse racing.
The first annual Corgi race event took place at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington on Aug. 6, 2017. It showcased the breed’s surprising speed and agility, despite their short stature, according to the American Kennel Club.
The Saratoga Race Course Corgi Cup debuted on Aug. 10, along with several in California. CorgiCon, founded in 2014, is on Sept. 27 in San Francisco.
Queen Elizabeth II’s fondness for corgis gave the breed elevated popularity, with one or more always by her side. Her mother was a lover of the breed as well. The Musselburgh Racecourse Corgi Derby in Scotland launched in 2022 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and her love for the breed.