Hosted at the Crookwell Showgrounds, the very different day out proved immensely popular.

A similar event that also draws crowds has been run at Bungendore for the past three years.

Event organiser Brenda Meredith said the inaugural race was introduced “as a bit of fun alongside the Barrels for Bianca fundraiser, hosted on the same weekend”.

“Some of the riders coming for the weekend already had dachshunds or “sausage dogs” as they are affectionately known,” Mrs Meredith said.

“So it was decided to gather some of the local breeders and owners to join in the fun.

“A flyer was posted on facebook and the event took off from there.”

Chameleon Ice Creamery owner, Canberra businesswoman Rhonda Arnall, sponsored prizes.

Many dog products were given out on the day.

“Everyone won a prize,” Mrs Meredith said.

Owners entered 23 dogs on the day, aged from puppies to older pets.

“That amount of little dogs running around together can get a little chaotic,” Mrs Meredith said with a laugh. “The children had a fun time.”

Rebecca Scott was declared as the owner of the oldest and wisest dog on the day.

The event included a “bitza race” for the Jack Russell and poodle in attendance.

Entry was $5 on the day and all funds and donations were given to the Upper Lachlan Foundation’s ‘Bub for Life’ trust.

Mrs Meredith said the Crookwell Community Trust had helped her family when her husband, Larry, was very ill, so future fundraising events would be a way she could give back to the Crookwell community.

“I’m not sure which community organisation will benefit from the next event, but we will give the proceeds to either the Upper Lachlan Foundation or the Crookwell Community Trust, so indirectly we will help someone from the community,” she said.

The Upper Lachlan Foundation is part of the Capital Region Community Foundation, known as “Greater Good”. Their purpose is to offer support for our diverse community organisations and groups.

They do this by providing a secure platform and income stream for the organisations and groups to build on and connect with. 

The Crookwell Community Trust provides aid to people of the Upper Lachlan Shire who have experienced extreme difficulties due to personal trauma or natural disaster.

The next race meet could be as soon as the Potato Festival in May.