SEAGULL-CHASING DOG SWOOPS TO VICTORY IN CORGI DERBY

A seagull-chasing Corgi from Edinburgh has sprinted her way to glory in this year’s Corgi Derby.

Held on Easter Saturday at Musselburgh Racecourse in East Lothian, the race featured 16 enthusiastic runners, officially kicked off by tennis coach Judy Murray.

Four-year-old Juno, hailing from Portobello, edged out last year’s champion, Rodney, with a burst of speed in the final stretch of the 70-meter (230-foot) dash—roughly a third of a furlong.

According to her owners, Juno’s training routine of chasing gulls along Porty Beach gave her a competitive edge—though the promise of a post-race treat might’ve sealed the deal.

The annual Corgi Derby has proved a popular Easter family event at the racecourse since it was first introduced in 2022.

This year’s race attracted one entrant – named Chester Barkington – from as far afield as Yorkshire.

Juno’s proud owners, Frances Brandon and Alasdair Tew, said she came ninth out of 12 in last year’s race – but a new training regime had paid dividends.

In the Parade Ring, Mr Tew explained: “We trained her for this last year but this year we just resorted to just letting her chasing things, particularly seagulls on Porty Beach and that has paid off.”

Holding some treats, he added: “Juno is always ready for treats – that is probably why she won. We would love to come back next year.”

In a fiercely competitive dash, the Corgis brought both chaos and charm—teeth were bared, there was plenty of jostling, and the final sprint was anything but calm.

But it was Juno who stole the show, charging from behind to edge out 2023’s reigning champ, Rodney. Daisy trotted in to claim third place.

The prize ceremony was led by Judy Murray, familiar with champions herself as the mother of tennis stars Andy and Jamie. Presenting a selection of dog toys and treats, Murray shared her delight at returning as the event’s official starter.

“Some of them run straight, some won’t move at all, and some take off in completely the wrong direction—or even have a nip at each other,” she laughed. “It’s total carnage, but that’s what makes it such fun.”

First held in 2022 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and honor her beloved breed, the Corgi Derby has since become a cherished tradition.

Aisling Johnston, head of marketing at Musselburgh Racecourse, noted the event’s growing popularity. “It was a hard-fought race and a fantastic win for the lovely Juno,” she said. “Huge congratulations to all the Corgis and their proud owners who made it such a memorable day.”