Wiener Dog Races return to Colonial Downs, with special appearance of Oscar Mayer Wienermobile

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Hot dog! Wiener Dog Races will be held at Colonial Downs Saturday afternoon, with 64 dogs competing, and a special appearance of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

The 2nd annual Wiener Dog Races will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Colonial Downs. Sixty-four wiener dogs will run down the track and the winning wiener and their human will take home a $1,000 cash prize.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will also make a special appearance at Colonial Downs, one of many stops throughout Central Virginia.

Organizers said only dogs participating in the event will be allowed on-site and must be kept on a leash when racing.

General admission tickets are $5, with children ages 5 and under free. Reserved, covered, and indoor seats are also available online. Gates open at 11 a.m., thoroughbred racing begins at 12:30 p.m. and the winning wiener will be crowned around 3:15 p.m.

Attendees can also enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides and face painting.

“We’re really proud of the world-class thoroughbred racing program we’re building at Colonial Downs, but there’s nothing quite like seeing a whole pack of Wiener Dogs barreling down the track,” said Frank Hopf, senior operator of racing operations. “This is always a family-friendly day at the track and a whole lot of fun for all of us at Colonial Downs. We’re expecting a few thousand fans so get your tickets today!”

In addition to Wiener Dog Races, Colonial Downs will also feature thoroughbred horse racing every Wednesday through Saturday until Sept. 13, with a special Labor Day race card on Monday, Sept. 1.

Colonial Downs said the season’s final Premium Racing Event will be Old Dominion Derby Day on Saturday, Sept. 6, highlighted by the Grade 3 Old Dominion Derby.

For more information and to grab your tickets, visit Colonial Downs’ website.