Hot Dog!
• Wheeling Island racetrack hosting Wiener NationalsBy STAN PAWLOSKI, Times Leader Wire Editor
Article Photos
And they're off.
Watch those wiener dogs strut their stuff.
World class greyhounds will share the spotlight on Sunday, Oct. 19, when the Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack hosts its inaugural Wiener Dog Nationals.
A total of $500 in cash prizes will be up for grabs, with the winning dachshund receiving $250. The second and third place finishers will earn $150 and $100.
There is no entry fee.
"Anyone owning a wiener dog (dachshund) and interested in participating are asked to call right away to have their pets entered," Ben Travis, Director of Racing, said. "It should be a fun day for kids as well as adults and racing fans."
One of the first wiener dogs to enter was 5-year-old Coco Beara, owned by Mike and Sheri Hardy of Wheeling.
"Coco is a family loving dog who wants to be with humans all the time," Sheri Hardy said. "He chases deer, rabbits and any forest creature that moves."
Coco's favorite pasttime is "chillin' and sleeping on his blanket," Hardy said.
It's a good bet Coco won't be snoozing come race day.
The Wiener Dog Nationals will consist of afternoon qualifying rounds beginning at approximately 3 p.m. The final will be held at 7 p.m.
The dachshunds will race over a 30-yard course with the top eight advancing to the championship. Similar events have proved very popular at other racetracks around the country.
Derby Lane racetrack in Florida has hosted wiener dog races in the past.
"We had them once at Derby Lane and it was a blast," Vera Filipelli, Director of Media Relations, said. "I did an official draw and printed a wiener dog program."
Fans attending the Wheeling races will be offered free hotdogs as well as Wiener Nationals T-shirts.
Area residents interested in entering their dachshund pets in the Wiener Dog Nationals are urged to call Travis at the racetrack at 1-304-231-1812 or 1-304-232-5050.
For more information, visit www.wheelingisland.com for complete rules and registration information.
