Short Legs, Big Competition: The Corgi Cup Is Back
Grace Beahm Alford/Staff
In honor of National Dog Day on August 26, we have some exciting news to share: the Corgi Cup is back at the Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus!
On November 15, some of the Lowcountry’s fastest and certainly shortest-legged competitors will take to the racetrack for one of the most entertaining traditions of race day.
The Thoroughbreds may be the main event, but when the corgis line up at the starting line, they have no trouble stealing the show.
A Race Day Favorite Is Back
Since making its Steeplechase of Charleston debut in 2022, the Corgi Cup has quickly become a favorite among racegoers of all ages.
Why? Because when the corgis take off, absolutely anything can happen.
Some competitors make a determined dash straight for the finish line. Others get distracted along the way. Some decide they’d rather visit their fellow racers, and occasionally, one corgi decides running the race wasn’t really part of the plan at all.
That’s exactly what makes the Corgi Cup so much fun.
Meet Our Four-Legged Competitors
The Lowcountry Corgi Association and its four-legged competitors have helped make the Corgi Cup a race day tradition that our guests look forward to year after year. For them, the fun goes far beyond the finish line.
“We’re grateful to be part of a day that brings so much joy to the Charleston community. Steeplechase of Charleston is a rare event that brings together the horse racing tradition, the community, and a track full of corgis who have absolutely no idea they’re supposed to be racing.
Our favorite part is watching the herding instinct kick in mid-race. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a corgi abandon a perfectly good lead to go herd the dog in fourth place back into formation. That’s exactly why we keep coming back; the Corgi Cup was never really about who wins.”
— Lowcountry Corgi Association
These aren’t professional race dogs, and that’s part of the charm. Each corgi brings a personality of its own to the track, making every race completely unpredictable.
Who will stay focused? Who will get distracted? And who will make the sprint to victory?
You’ll have to be there to find out.
Proudly Sponsored by Peper Law Firm
The Corgi Cup returns to the Steeplechase of Charleston with the support of Peper Law Firm. We’re grateful to have them back as the sponsor of this family favorite and for their continued support of this fun race day tradition.
“The Corgi race is a fan favorite each year, especially for the Peper family, so we’re honored to sponsor this year’s race once again. Corgis up!”
— Mark Peper, Peper Law Firm
Thanks to Peper Law Firm, the Corgi Cup will once again bring plenty of laughs, cheers, and four-legged fun to Stono Ferry Racetrack this November.
Get Ready for the Corgi Cup
This year’s Corgi Cup will give racegoers even more opportunities to cheer on these four-legged competitors. The fun begins with a warm-up race, followed by two official Corgi Cup races.
With short legs, big personalities, and plenty of unexpected moments, you never know what might happen once the corgis hit the track. Some may make a straight dash for the finish line, while others might have their own ideas about race day.
One thing is certain: you’ll want to find a spot along the rail and cheer them on!
A Quick Note for Our Fellow Dog Lovers
We know watching the Corgi Cup might make you want to bring your own four-legged race fan along, but please remember that outside dogs and pets are not permitted at the Steeplechase of Charleston.
For the safety of our horses, jockeys, guests, and animals, only the corgis participating in the Corgi Cup are permitted on the grounds.
Give your pup an extra treat before you leave home, then come help us cheer on our official Corgi Cup competitors!
Make It a Family Day at the Races
The Corgi Cup is just one part of a full day of excitement at the Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus.
Bring the family, experience the thrill of steeplechase racing, enjoy the beautiful fall atmosphere, explore the Merchant Market, grab something delicious from our food vendors, and make some race day memories together.
Children 12 and under receive free General Admission, but each child will still need a children’s ticket for entry.
The Steeplechase of Charleston, presented by Lexus, returns Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Stono Ferry Racetrack.
Pick your favorite corgi, find your spot along the rail, and get ready to cheer.
