“ZOEY” RACES TO PUPPY PERFECTION IN THE FINALE OF PBKC’S 2021 SPRING MUTT DERBY!
West Palm Beach, FL – In a thrilling finale, Zoey, a nine-year old Terrier mix representing the medium dog division, bested the large-dog finalist, Bailey, a three-year old Pit/Doberman mix, by one-half of a length to win PBKC’s 2021 Spring Mutt Derby championship on Saturday evening, March 20.
Qualifying for our first Mutt Derby since 1998, began on January 16, 2021, with succeeding qualifying events on January 30, February 13, February 27, and March 20.
The dogs were grouped into three weight groups: large, medium and small. The first two finishers of each weight group in each day’s last three qualifying events, would automatically move on to the March 20 finale.
On finale evening, a total of 16 fun and exciting qualifying events were held to determine who the top dog from each weight group would be. Those three finalists were Bailey, Zoey and the small dog weight-class champion, Luna, a 12-pound chihuahua mix.
As the finalists were released at the starting line to determine the best of the best, it was Zoey and Bailey racing neck and neck for the approximate 75-yard distance with Luna giving it her all.
At the wire, the finish was too close to call visually. Out came the replay of the race, which showed Zoey crossing the finish line one-half length ahead of Bailey. To her credit, Luna, the fastest chihuahua mix in Palm Beach County, finished just seconds behind the top two.
Zoey is owned by Sherry and Sim Hopkins of Greenacres, Fla. and received $1,000 for the win, while Bailey won $500 and Luna, $250.
“We were very happy and anxious to see the big finale and very excited to see the close photo finish. These events have been so much fun for everyone – including all of us who work here at PBKC. We have seen dogs of all shapes and sizes including great danes, boxers, terriers, yorkies, chihuahuas and so many other breeds, some of which a lot of us got our very first glimpse of!” We can’t wait until we run our 2021 Fall Mutt Derby! said PBKC President Pat Rooney, Jr.
All proceeds from the $20 admission fees are being donated to local Greyhound adoption groups.
Mutt Derby Grand Finale Photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3790487901027346&type=3
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GREYHOUND ADOPTION AT PBKC – A greyhound makes a gentle pet and a friend for life. PBKC works with three greyhound adoption groups to find wonderful homes for retired racers. We also work Hounds & Heroes which brings together retired veterans and service greyhounds. The groups include: Awesome Greyhound Adoptions/Hounds & Heroes, Greyhound Pet Adoption Fla. Southeast, Inc., and Greyhound Support Transport. The groups care for retired racers and screen and inform potential adopters to find the right pet for the right person or family. They are non-profit, volunteer-run groups that are very active in the community.
Contact: Theresa Hume, thume@pbkennelclub.com 561-683-2222 x120, Sarah Mears x125 sarahm@pbkennelclub.com or Jeff Prince x126 jprince@pbkennelclub.com
More Information: pbkennelclub.com
COVID-19 Guidelines: https://pbkennelclub.com/covid-19-safety/
