A NEW four-legged champion was crowned for the Corgi Derby during the Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Racegoers went wild for the 12 competing Pembroke Welsh corgis dashing down the 70-metre course in what was the biggest race to date.
In a thrilling photo finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats, it was four-year-old Beckett who nosed ahead of the pack to capture the coveted title of fastest corgi of 2024.
The chestnut, black and white pup, from Edinburgh, edged out ahead of the competition, beating year one winner Georgie by a nose, taking his claim as the new king of the racetrack.
ITV racing presenter Oli Bell had the honour of officiating the third edition of the event and presenting Beckett and his owner Heather Sliman with his winner's trophy and treats.
The Corgi Derby, first launched in 2022 for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, has quickly become "one of the most anticipated and beloved traditions" at Musselburgh's Easter Saturday festivities – which was rescheduled this year due to bad weather.
Aisling Johnston, head of marketing and business development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: "The Corgi Derby is such a unique and fun tradition that keeps growing every year, attracting media attention from across the globe.
"We're thrilled that the Corgi Derby could be rescheduled. Kicking off a day of high-quality racing with these adorable corgis always provides an unbeatable atmosphere."
Following the Corgi Derby, the event transitioned to a seven-card of top horse racing action broadcast on ITV 4. With £225,200 prize money up for grabs, this is one of the richest race days at Musselburgh, with the feature race of the day, the Sky Bet Acca Freeze Handicap Stakes, worth £75,000.
The next raceday at Musselburgh will be "one of the most prestigious days of the Scottish summer racing calendar". The Edinburgh Cup Raceday, sponsored by Edinburgh Gin, takes place on Saturday, June 1, with a day full of entertainment, music, food and horse racing.
To find out more about the Edinburgh Cup, visit musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/sensational-7-highlights/highlight/the-edinburgh-cup-raceday
Visit musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk for more information and to book tickets for other racedays at Musselburgh Racecourse.
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