Corgis will race to the finish on Saturday, Oct.18 when Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford, New Jersey holds its inaugural Corgi Cup.
Some 80 Corgis will be ready to run at 6 p.m. (full schedule below), and scheduled in between harness racing, which begins at 6:20 p.m. There is no charge for admisson and parking is free. Backyard doors open at 5 p.m.
These photos show just a handful of the short-legged speed pups vying for the Meadowlands first Corgi Cup. Known as a very athletic breed, owners report a corgi simply can’t get too much exercise. These pups are also known as being extremely intelligent, but like most all dogs (and cats, people, rodents, birds) they are absolutely motivated by food and treats.
The Corgi Cup at the Meadowlands
A family-friendly event, the race features 80 Corgis competing in eight heats beginning at 6 p.m. The Corgi Cup Final takes the track at 9:25 p.m. Each heat features 10 dogs racing, or frolicking, to the finish line. The eight heat winners move on to the final, which takes place on the actual racetrack.
The winner of the 2025 Meadowlands Racetrack Corgi Cup will receive a $500 betting voucher. In addition, winners of the qualifying heats will receive a $100 betting voucher.
Fun, Perks, and More
Pet wellness brand Spot & Tango is providing all contestants with complimentary food samples of UnKibble, as well as free poop bags.
Fans can dance and sing with DJ Alx and indulge in great food and cocktails from the track’s Backyard BBQ & Grill. There is homemade ice cream from Clyde’s, visit the Doggieroadtrippin booth, and grab some dog treats from Groomington Eats — known as among the best dog treat food truck around.
Here are some details and what’s at stake:
- Total prize money: A total of $1,500 in prize money
- Finalists: The top corgi from each of the eight qualifying heats will advance to the final race.
- Qualifying prize: The winner of each qualifier receives a $100 betting voucher.
- Final prize: The winner of the final race is awarded the $500 betting voucher.
- Other benefits: Winners and participants often receive merchandise and samples from event sponsors.
Approximate Corgi Cup Post Times:
🐶6 p.m. (before Race 1)
🐶6:08 p.m. (before Race 1)
🐶6:17 p.m. (before Race 1)
🐶6:40 p.m. (after Race 1)
🐶7 p.m. (after Race 2)
🐶7:25 p.m. (after Race 3)
🐶7:50 p.m. (after Race 4)
🐶8:45 p.m. (after Race 6)
🐶Final: 9:25 p.m. (after Race 8)
Is Your Corgi Born To Run?
The race is open to the first 80 entrants and slots fill up fast. There will be up to eight qualifiers and the top dog in each head to the Finals.
Online registration must be completed and the latest rabies vaccination certificate, photo, and town license attached. All participating dogs must be up to date on all vaccinatons.
Only corgi entrants are admitted on the track; there are no canine “viewers” allowed. For more information email Rachel Ryan, raryan@playmeadowlands.com. More information: playmeadowlands.com.
