Among a field of approximately 100 dogs, several local pups will be looking to claim this year’s title of “Fastest Wiener in the West” at the 26th Annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals on Saturday at Los Alamitos Race Course. The annual event will again benefit the Seal Beach Animal Care Center.
Los Alamitos resident Jennifer Davenport and her young racer, Tony, will be among the field of racers. Tony, a seven-month-old dachshund is making his first appearance in the race. Like many of the competitors, Tony has some speed, but as a young pup, will be challenged to stay focused as he barrels down the track with about seven other dogs in his heat.
Davenport said they have practiced a little and they were on hand for a practice session on Monday at the race course. For the most part, Davenport said they are just going to “wing it.” Tony will have plenty of support, Davenport said, as Tony has a lot of friends and family planning to attend.
“He will have a full section of fans,” Davenport said.
The event has racers from all over Southern California, as far away as places like Bakersfield, Moreno Valley and Ventura. Also scheduled to be among the field will be Burr, who lives in Cypress with his human Ariana Gonzalez and Buddy of La Palma, who lives with Michelle Almazan.
Two Seal Beach dogs are also slated to participate; George (with CJ and Emmy Jacobs) and Sisi (with Jason Ghareebo and Kiley Majeski). Sisi is among the older dogs racing at 12 years of age. Another 12-year-old racer is also from Seal Beach. Wheezy a rescue dog who had overcome a severe weight gain but was able to get back down to a healthy weight and ran last year as an 11-year old. Wheezy will be returning this year.
The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals will get underway at 6:30 p.m. The dogs compete in 50-yard dashes over the racetrack at Los Alamitos, the same one where the horses run. The field will be whittled down to a championship field that is scheduled to run at 9:15 p.m.
The winner takes home a $1,000 prize, a trophy and a custom doghouse shaped like a Wienerschnitzel restaurant.
Live horse racing will also be held in addition to the dachshund races. VIP seating to enjoy the event is available by calling 714-820-2681. General Admission tickets on the day of the event at Los Alamitos are $3 per person. Children 17 and under are admitted free. Los Alamitos Race Course features free general parking.