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Corgi who was promised a hot dog sprints to victory at Musselburgh derby

Reuters A corgi sitting beside a silver trophy - which is about the same height as the dog. Behind the trophy is a basket of dog treats. The backdrop is black and reads "Musselburgh racecourse".Reuters
Pembroke Welsh corgi Islay won the 2026 Corgi Derby in Musselburgh

A hungry pup has sprinted to victory in Musselburgh's annual Corgi Derby, spurred on by the promise of a hot dog at the finish line.

Three-year-old Islay, who was born in New Zealand, took first place in the race on Saturday afternoon.

The victory came as a particular surprise for Islay and delighted owner Carolyne Ricardo, as they had only learned they had been accepted into the race two weeks ago.

Carolyne, originally from New York and now a vet at the University of Glasgow, said of Islay: "She likes a nap and is a slow starter in the morning but if she comes across a squirrel it's a goner."

The annual Corgi Derby has proved a popular Easter family event at the racecourse since it was first introduced in 2022.

Now in its fifth year, it was created in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee in 2022, honouring her favourite breed.

Aisling Johnston, Musselburgh Racecourse head of marketing and business development, said: "It's no exaggeration to say our little four-legged friends do their best to steal the show."

PA Media A row of corgis on leads next to their owners, wearing different coloured racing vests. One corgi in the background being held by a man. The crowd looks happy and celebratory - one girl wears a red tartan kilt and a boy holds a set of bagpipes.PA Media
The event kicked off in high spirits as racers sized up the competition
PA Media A very fluffy and happy looking corgi wearing a red harness and vest - a person off camera holds one of its front paw.PA Media
Though some were simply pleased to be taking part
Reuters A happy looking corgi wearing a royal blue racing vest being led down a pathReuters
Happy pups promenade towards the starting line
PA Media Three corgis on leads beside their owners - all wearing different coloured racing vests, all with their tongues hanging out.PA Media
It's important to maintain a steely poker face in corgi racing
PA Media A happy looking corgi wearing a yellow racing vest standing on a green in front of a white fence. A crowd of people watch from behind the fence.PA Media
Fans gathered to watch one of the most exciting events in the corgi calendar
PA Media Four corgis running towards the camera on a green - the two front runners are so fast that grass is flying up into the air from beneath their feetPA Media
And they're off!
PA Media Two corgis running towards the camera on a green - both have their mouths hanging openPA Media
Months of training boil down to one frenetic display of athleticism
Reuters A gleeful looking corgi runs across a green wearing a pink racing vestReuters
Complete focus, no distractions... where is the finish line again?
Reuters A corgi wearing a sky blue racing vest being held by its owner - a young woman with wavy brown hair and glasses. Members of the media crowd round the dog taking pictures and one person holds a microphone towards it.Reuters
A media scrum at the finish line, and a very happy looking Islay