Almost 100 dachshunds made a mad dash for the finish line as the Port Fairy Winter Weekend kicked off in Victoria.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 3000 people turned out to watch the race on Sunday at Southcombe Park, almost 1000 more than last year.
The festivals PR and marketing manager Courtney Smith said the festival was now in its 12th year and the Dachshund Dash was the biggest event on the first weekend.
“Last year we had 70 dogs. This year we had almost 100,” she said.
“It’s growing. We’ve got maybe 3000 people watching. Last year it was 2000.”
The event started with fashions on the field on the Village Green with the winner donning a Carlton Football Club uniform.
The dogs then paraded down Sackville Street to Southcombe Park for all the racing action.
“We’ve had people travelling from all over Australia. I’ve spoken to people from New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Word is spreading,” Mrs Smith said.
While the dogs are only too keen to line up at the starting line, there is no guarantee they will make it straight to the finish line.
“That’s what makes it funny, that’s what make it unique,” Mrs Smith said.