For the third year in a row, the Century Downs Racetrack and Casino will be hosting its annual Chihuahua Races.
Chihuahua owners from across southern Alberta are invited to bring their furry friends to the Balzac racetrack on May 5 – Cinco de Mayo.
“It’s definitely one of our highlights, for sure. We love to have the dogs out – it’s such a treat,” said Karen Franco, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino marketing manager. “There’s going to be a new audience of people interested in the Chihuahua races, but it’s great for them to come out, see the facility and get a sense of what’s going on the rest of the year at the racetrack.”
Since its inception in 2016, Franco said the event has seen a steady growth, adding the field doubled in its second year with more than 100 dogs taking part.
“We’ll see if we can keep that upward trend going, for sure,” Franco said. “With any luck at all, I think people are eager to get out with the sun shining after the long winter we’ve had.”
According to Franco, the preliminary heats will happen late in the afternoon, between the final two harness races, and will continue until a final heat determines the winner.
The afternoon will start with its first harness race at 1:15 p.m. and the races will continue until the Chihuahuas take to the track towards the end of the afternoon, around 4:30 p.m.
“We’ll stagger it based on our racing,” Franco said. “Then we’ll continue on after the horse racing is done.”
In addition to the Chihuahua racing, the racetrack will take on a Mexican vibe for Cinco de Mayo with food and drink specials, including tortilla chips and dips, margaritas and tequila tasting.
The afternoon is free to attend and there is no cost to register a Chihuahua to race.
Racers must be at least 10 pounds, and the fastest pooch will win its owners an all-inclusive trip to Cancun, Mexico.
Visit iheartradio.ca/virginradio/calgary to register, click on the “Contests” tabs and select the Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races.
