Polytrack Puppy Party on closing day at Turfway Saturday benefits Boone County Animal Shelter

Horses won’t be the only four-legged runners hoping to enter the winner’s circle on Turfway Park’s closing day, Saturday, April 1. Wiener dogs and other small breeds will compete that day in the Northern Kentucky track’s fifth annual Polytrack Puppy Party. All proceeds benefit the Boone County Animal Shelter.

Speaking on behalf of the shelter, Laurie Delaney said, “The Boone County Animal Shelter would like to thank Turfway Park for sponsoring this event on our behalf. All the money made from the doggie races will go into our medical fund.”

To date the annual Polytrack Puppy Party event has generated close to $6,500 for the shelter’s work.

Saturday’s first dog race is scheduled to match all breeds 20 lbs. and under and break the gate at 5:30 p.m., 45 minutes before first post. Heats for wiener dogs are scheduled to run after the first two horse races, at 6:15 p.m. and 6:44 p.m., respectively. The top four from each heat will advance to the final canine race at 7:13 p.m., after the third horse race. The configuration of the fields is subject to change according to entries.

Registration is $15 per dog, and proof of current vaccinations is required. Check-in time is 4:30 p.m. Owners may register their dogs at the door but preference is given to those who pre-register. Pre-registration closes Wednesday, March 29.

The complete rules and the registration form are available at turfway.com.

Race fans can place “bets” on the dogs but it’s all in fun because every $2 (or greater) donation goes directly to the county shelter. Instead, backers of winning pups will be entered in prize drawings. The owners of winning canines also receive prizes, with the grand prize package boasting a cast concrete statue of a dachshund, a lucky paw print horseshoe, a tub of treats and a training class provided by Loyal Loved Rescued Canine Obedience.

Fans also can purchase $1 raffle tickets on baskets of goodies and $5 raffle tickets on a Maker’s Mark commemorative bottle signed by former Bengals star quarterback Boomer Esiason.

The Polytrack Puppy Party takes its name from the all-weather racing surface at Turfway. The event is backed by a host of sponsors, including Coady Photography, Elegantes Custom Embroidery, FastSigns, Fedders Feed and Seed, Loyal Loved Rescued Canine Obedience, Lulu’s Pet Pantry, Montgomery Mules, Northern Kentucky Tech Center, Pets Plus, Pet Suites, Pet Valu, Tractor Supply and Turfway Park.

Turfway will offer $1 draft beer and hot dogs on closing day. Taking the Willis Music stage for the final Kickin’ Country Saturday of the season will be The Danny Frazier Band.

Turfway Park