Dachshund Dash: Race that puts the nation on ‘paws’

If the Melbourne Cup is the race that stops the nation, the “Dachshund Dash” is the one that puts it on paws.

If the Melbourne Cup is the race that stops the nation, the “Dachshund Dash” is the one that puts it on paws.

Saturday was the second annual dachshund race, the drool in the crown for this year’s BrookieFest.

The lines were lengthy as pet owners queued to register their fur babies in the event.

As the hordes of hounds raced through the heats, it was clear this year’s competition was fierce.

Action from the Bucketty's Brewing Co Dachshund Races, part of Brookie Fest. Picture: Richard Dobson

Four-legged fun in the Bucketty's Brewing Co Dachshund Races. Picture: Richard Dobson

Paige Collison with Maple who won the second annual Bucketty's Brewing Co Dachshund Races. Picture: Richard Dobson

One of the doggy entrants competing in the Bucketty's Brewing Co Dachshund Races. Picture: Richard Dobson

The final was thought to be a two-dog race between Frank “The Tank” and Ziggy, who both won their heats decisively.

But Maple came bounding through the middle of the pack and crossed the line first after a slow-motion video review.

Owners Paige Collison and Harmony Johnson said they may have found Maple’s new calling.

“My heart was beating out of my chest,” said Ms Collison. “I didn’t think it was going to be that serious but in that moment it was my whole life.”

Originally published as Dachshund Dash: Race that puts the nation on ‘paws’