Release the hounds.
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino is gearing up to host its annual Chihuahua Races for the fourth year on May 5, coinciding with the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo. The event invites Chihuahua owners in Rocky View County, Calgary, and the surrounding region to bring their tiny furry friends to the Balzac racetrack for a fun and friendly day at the races.
Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate the impending warm weather than with music and a fun-filled family barbecue, which is exactly what organizers of this year’s annual Chihuahua Races have in store for attendees.
Karen Franco, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino marketing manager, said the event has grown steadily since its inception in 2016, with more than 100 tiny dogs participating in the day of races every year.
Franco is optimistic about this year's turnout as well, and believes people are eager to get outside with their pooches after a long, cold winter.
“They were really well received and it seem like a great opportunity to have some fun and invite more people to the track,” said Franco.
The preliminary heats will take place in the late afternoon and will continue until a final heat determines the overall winner. The chihuahua races will take place following the track’s weekly horse races. Chihuahua owners must register in advance to participate.
“It’s meant to be fun, It’s not competitive in any way. We do have some prizes but again they are fun prizes,” said Franco.
The event is free to attend, and there is no cost to register a Chihuahua to race. However, the dogs must weigh less than 10 pounds in order to be eligible to compete.
When asked about the growing popularity of Century Downs' Chihuahua races, Franco commented on the increasing love and appreciation people have for their pets as one of the reasons why the event has caught on over the years.
“I think people more than ever love their animals; they love to show them off,” Franco said. “We get a lot of people that come and their animals are in costumes. They just take great joy at it.”
In addition to the Chihuahua racing on display, the casino will have a Mexican theme for Cinco de Mayo with food and drink specials.
“We will have a barbecue set up, some tastings going on with some beverages and themed snacks and other fun activities for the kids and the families to get involved in,” Franco said.
For more information and to request registration forms, reach out to Century Downs by emailing [email protected].
Editor's note: A previous version of this article suggested a grand prize for the family of the fastest Chihuahua was a paid trip to Cancun, Mexico. Century Downs has informed us that is not the case. The City View apologizes for this oversight.
