Seagull-chasing dog swoops to victory in Corgi Derby

Seagull-chasing dog swoops to victory in Corgi Derby

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PA Media Juno, in Army green colours, saw off a determined challenge from pervious champ Rodney, number 8, to claim victory

A dog whose training regime included chasing Edinburgh's seagulls has claimed victory in this year's Corgi Derby. Sixteen runners were flagged off by official starter, tennis coach Judy Murray, at the Easter Saturday event at Musselburgh racecourse in East Lothian. Four-year-old Juno from Edinburgh's Portobello pipped the 2023 champion Rodney with a final sprint at the race, held over a third of a furlong or 70m (230ft). Her owners said chasing the gulls on "Porty Beach" had helped in her preparation, although the prospect of a treat at the end may also have spurred her to victory.

The annual Corgi Derby has proved a popular Easter family event at the racecourse since it was first introduced in 2022. This year's race attracted one entrant - named Chester Barkington - from as far afield as Yorkshire.

Juno seemed impressed by her winnings, presented by tennis coach Judy Murray

Juno's proud owners, Frances Brandon and Alasdair Tew, said she was unplaced in last year's race - but a new training regime had paid dividends. In the Parade Ring, Mr Tew explained: "We trained her for this last year but this year we just resorted to just letting her chasing things, particularly seagulls on Porty Beach and that has paid off." Holding some treats, he added: "Juno is always ready for treats – that is probably why she won. We would love to come back next year."

PA Media Some of the runners were showing some competitive spirit

In a hotly-contested race, teeth were occasionally bared and there was some jostling for position in the closing sprint. In the end, however, Juno came from behind and pipped 2023 champion Rodney while third place was taken by a corgi named Daisy. Judy Murray, who as mother to tennis stars Andy and Jamie is no stranger to champions, presented the winnings which included various dog toys and treats.

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