Calgary chihuahuas assemble for Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races

Chihuahuas from across the Calgary region will be having quite the fiesta this Friday.

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino is once again holding the Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races.

Marketing and guest services manager Karen Franco says Century Downs has hosted the event several times before and that it’s always popular.

“It’s something that we’ve seen done before at other racetracks believe it or not, and it just seemed like something fun that we could do,” she says.

After the success of the first race a few years ago, organizers decided to bring the event back and link it up with the May 5 Mexican celebration.

“We will have a full card of racing, so probably nine or 10 horse races will take place, and then we'll also have themed food options all night,” Franco says.

“We usually have some margaritas, either sampling or on special. In the past, we've done tequila tastings, we have a mariachi band, and then we have the pups racing to wrap up the evening.”

Call out for speedy chihuahuas

Chihuahua owners must pre-register their pets for the race first by emailing [email protected].

This way organizers can get some details about the dogs, manage the numbers, and accommodate as many pooches as possible.

While there are prizes for the fastest chihuahuas, Franco says the event is more about fun and connecting with other dog owners.

“They all just want to get their pooches in and share their photos with us. I think pride of being the winner seems to be high on people's minds,” she says.

Each year, the Chihuahua Races attract between 70 and 100 participants who are divided into different heats based on weight.

“It's not as much of an issue with the chihuahuas, they tend to be in the under-10-pound range, but if we end up with a lot of under-fives, we'll try to keep them all together,” Franco says.

“We usually end up with a pretty decent turnout and I think it's just sort of a testament to the fact that everyone loves to bring their pups out.”

Dog-friendly racetrack

The event also highlights the fact that the Century Downs outdoor racetrack is dog friendly.

“[Guests] can come back with their pooch during the summer and enjoy a little bit of racing and not feel like they have to leave their four-legged friend at home,” Franco says.

The annual Cinco de Mayo Chihuahua Races are just as popular with spectators as they are with competitors.

“We've had people phone up [who] are familiar with the event and they've already made their reservations to have a window seat in the restaurant so they can watch it following the horse races,” Franco says.

“It's fun and it's definitely something that's catching on.”

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino also hosts a Running of the Bull(dogs) event in the fall.