Editor’s note: The finals for the Ellis Park Dachshund Derby have been rescheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, July 30, due to an excessive heat warning for the original date.
Horseracing can be electrifying, but the race slated this weekend at Ellis Park is likely to tickle your funny bone — and raise funds for a good cause.
The field is set for qualifying races on July 22 for the annual Ellis Park Dachshund Derby. Presented by Reditus Property Holdings LLC and Taylor’s Body Shop, the event kicks off following the day’s last post. More than 90 dogs are registered, and the field will be narrowed to the 10-12 that will advance to the finals at 4 p.m. July 30.
The event is about more than just the cute races — it’s about giving exposure to the animal groups, as well as finding good homes for animals, says sponsor Brian Buxton. He says the goal is to raise $7,000-$10,000 at this year’s Ellis Park Dachshund Derby.
“Shelters and rescues are important because they provide animals with food, water, and medical care; protection from the elements; relief from suffering; and a caring human presence,” Buxton says. “Without the rescues and their staff and volunteers, these animals would have nowhere else to find help and no-one else to care. Rescues and shelters also help protect animals from dangerous situations that often involve cruelty and abuse.”
At the finals, five animal shelters and rescue organizations — Feline Fix, New Hope Animal Rescue, P.A.A.W.S. No-Kill Animal Rescue, Paw Street Inc., and Warrick Animal Guardians — will bring animals available for adoption to Ellis Park. A percentage of proceeds from Ellis Park Dachshund Derby T-shirts sold in the Ellis Park gift shop will benefit the animal organizations.
Spectators are encouraged to bring donations to the races. Organizers are collecting cat litter, paper towels, bed sheets, bath towels, gas cards, pet supplies, wet and dry pet food, and more for the five participating shelters.
Ellis Park Racing & Gaming’s summer horseracing season began July 7 and runs through Aug. 27. Free parking is available at the racetrack at 3300 U.S. 41 N. in Henderson.
