This Saturday, August 11 is the 18th Annual John Morrell Wiener Dog Summer Nationals at River Downs, co-sponsored by Pet Wow to benefit the Stray Animal Adoption Program (S.A.A.P.). 100 Wiener dogs are scheduled to compete in 10 separate heats with a final run off in the Championship Heat to determine the “Top Dog in Cincinnati!” Admission and parking to both horse and dog racing is free and open to all ages.
The Wiener Dog races take place following live thoroughbred racing, approximately at 5:45 p.m. There are prizes for each heat winner and additional prizes for the top three finishers in the final race. The event, which draws thousands of spectators each year, is for entertainment purposes only - there is no wagering. This year for the first time, River Downs is enhancing the event with a free concert by the Tempted Souls Band – a popular local group that will be the opening act for Delbert McClinton at Riverbend Music Center on September 8.
Dogs are allowed at the track during live racing which has a starting post time of 1:30 p.m. Dogs are restricted to the east end of the lower level grandstand during horse racing for the safety of horses and their riders. Registration and heat assignments will take place in the Tent Pavilion at the east end of the grandstand starting at 3:00 p.m.
There are still a few openings available for participation in the races this Saturday. Registration forms are available in the link to the left. For more information you may contact Shannon Fink at 513-354-8246.