That’s right folks…we are back at Parx Racing in Bensalem, PA to see YOUR hounds race on the horse track! For a $30 donation, your purebred Basset Hound or Basset Hound Mix can participate. And back this year we have a special race JUST FOR SENIOR HOUNDS!

Spots are limited, so get your tickets today (HERE is the ticket link). There are three race options this year:

1. PUREBRED BASSET HOUND (84 racing spots available; MUST BE a Purebred Basset Hound to compete in these races)
2. BASSET HOUND MIX (12 racing spots available; MUST BE a Basset Hound Mix to compete in this race)
3. SENIOR HOUND (14 racing spot available; MUST BE a Purebred Basset Hound OR Basset Hound Mix, and MUST BE approximately 10 years old [or older] to compete in this race)

Event Details:

When: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Where: Parx Racing | 3001 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020

Approximate Timeline: 

• 11:00 a.m. – Gates OPEN at Parx and REGISTRATION for competing dogs begins
• 12:00 p.m. – HORSE RACES and family-friendly ACTIVITIES begin (food options, vendors, raffle baskets, etc.)
• 1:00 p.m. – Registration ENDS for competing dogs (all competing dogs MUST check in at the registration table by this time)
• 2:00 p.m. – Dog races START (the dog races will be in between the horse races; exact heat times will be shared with competitors a few days advance of the event)
• 3:30 p.m. – Derby Hat Contest**
• 3:45 p.m. – Raffle Prize Drawing
• 4:15 p.m. – FINAL RACES for the Purebreds and Basset Hound Mixes (the final two races for the Purebreds and Basset Hound Mixes to determine our champions)
• 6:00 p.m. – Horse races END (Stick around after the dogs finish competing to watch the rest of the horse races)

Parking: Plenty of FREE parking lots; there is a designated lot for the PICNIC GROVE.
Entrance: Enter through the PICNIC GROVE area (map below).
Cost: Free to enter the park and watch the event. It is a $30 donation if you want your hound to compete (and you get a great ‘swag bag’ with lots of goodies!); HERE is the ticket link.
What to Bring: Parx allows outside food and beverages (except for alcohol), so feel free to bring your own stuff! Also bring your own blankets and chairs (there are picnic tables, but we are expecting a large crowd). Note: Parx will search bags prior to allowing admission into the Picnic Grove.

*Family Fun Activities: TSBHR will have new merchandise for sale, a raffle table to win prizes, and small business vendors selling their merch and services. Parx will also be hosting kid-friendly activities in the Lower Picnic Grove.
**Derby Hat Contest: Super fun contest to unleash your hatitude! Bring an upcycled hat that you’ve decorated in whatever lovely lady or dapper gentleman theme you want. Let your hounds wear those floppy hats to show off your creations during the contest in the lower picnic grove before the final Basset Hound race heats. Prizes for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners and crowd favorite!

Tickets: If you want your Basset or Basset-Mix to compete, you must purchase a ticket in advance by June 1, HERE is the ticket link. Each ticket includes a great ‘swag bag’ with lots of goodies!

Note: Only competing dogs are permitted at Parx. If you have any questions about this, please contact juliaellis2010@gmail.com. 

THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE! ​All proceeds from this event support the hounds in need! Questions? Email us at juliaellis2010@gmail.com.