The Musselburgh Racecourse Corgi Derby was first held in 2022 for the late monarch’s 70 years on the throne.
Corgi Chaos in Scotland: Juno Dashes to Victory at the 2025 Musselburgh Corgi Derby
LONDON, April 20, 2025 — Tiny legs, big energy, and even bigger personalities took center stage this weekend at the annual Corgi Derby at Musselburgh Racecourse, just outside Edinburgh, Scotland. The crowd-pleasing canine event, first launched in 2022 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, has quickly become a much-loved tradition — and this year, a new queen of the track has been crowned.
Meet Juno: The Speedy Seagull-Chaser Turned Champion
Four-year-old Juno surged from behind to win the 70-meter (230-foot) dash against a 16-strong pack of sweater-clad corgis, snatching victory from 2024’s reigning champ, Rodney, in a dramatic final stretch.
Her humans, Alisdair Tew and Fran Brandon, accepted the coveted trophy and dog treats on Juno’s behalf, presented by none other than Judy Murray, Scottish tennis coach and mother of Wimbledon champ Andy Murray.
“We trained her for this last year but this year we just resorted to letting her chase things, particularly seagulls,” Tew told the BBC.
“Juno is always ready for treats — that is probably why she won.”
A Royal Legacy of Short Legs and Big Hearts
The Musselburgh Corgi Derby pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, whose affection for Pembroke Welsh corgis helped make the breed a global icon. Her love affair with corgis began in 1933, when her father, King George VI, brought home a pup named Dookie. Over her lifetime, Elizabeth had nearly 30 corgis and dorgis (a corgi-dachshund mix), often seen trotting by her side on royal grounds.
Corgis even starred in the queen’s pop-culture moment at the 2012 London Olympics, appearing in a spoof video where they escorted Her Majesty to James Bond’s helicopter.
More Than a Race — It’s a Celebration
Now in its third year, the Corgi Derby has become a joyful celebration of dogs, royal history, and community, delighting locals and visitors alike with the sight of low-slung, lightning-fast corgis tearing up the turf in colorful outfits.
Whether you’re a dog lover, a royal watcher, or just a fan of good, wholesome fun, the Musselburgh Corgi Derby delivers.