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Century Downs to bring back annual Chihuahua racing this Saturday

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino is bringing back it's popular Chihuahua racing event this weekend.

After a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino in Balzac is bringing back its popular Chihuahua racing event on May 7. 

The day's festivities will pair together pup racing hosted by Calgary radio station 98.5 VIRGIN Radio FM, with Cinco de Mayo celebrations and live footage of the Kentucky Derby broadcast on the big screen. 

"The [Kentucky Derby] is one of the biggest races in North America," said Karen Franco, marketing and guest service manager at Century Downs. "It's always a fan favourite – and of course with Cinco de Mayo, we sort of smooshed them together... to celebrate [both]."

The casino and horse-racing venue has dubbed the day "Cinco de Derby," and is encouraging guests to don their finest duds in honour of Derby day.

"It's really great to be able to celebrate Kentucky Derby Day and also a belated Cinco de Mayo," Franco said. "We will be celebrating all day."

Franco added 105 of the pre-registered Chihuahua participants will hit the track after live harness racing begins at 1:15 p.m, with the first set of heats kicking off following Race 6 and the second after Race 8.

"We're going to do heats in between the horse races – the live racing – and then we will run our final heats when the live races end at about 4 p.m.," Franco explained.

She added the venue will display the Kentucky Derby live on their infield screen and then they will run the final of the Chihuahua races shortly thereafter.

"I think the dog owners and the dogs themselves have a lot of fun on the day and everyone who comes just to watch has a lot of fun," Franco said, adding in the past, some dog owners have come wearing extravagant costumes. "They've all got wonderful personalities and spirit, so there's plenty of excitement and activity going on all over the track."

In addition to the racing on display, the casino and racetrack will host a Mexican-themed menu inside and outside of the venue, as well as a variety of special beverages and tequila sampling for the adult attendees. 

"[There will be] lots of fun and lots of things for folks to get involved with," Franco said.

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