Starkville’s Cotton District will once again play host to an unusual sight — dozens of dachshunds dashing down a racetrack to the cheers of a growing crowd. The Starkville Derby, which supports the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on May 3, and pups are already preparing for the big day.
The event features bracket-style races divided into four categories: dachshund puppies, adults and seniors, and a special “pretenders” division for non-dachshund participants who still want to join the fun.
During the race, each pup sprints down a short racetrack lined with cheering spectators and finish-line treats — or, at least, that is the goal. The results are often unpredictable and always entertaining.
Taylor Jernigan, a graduate student in Mississippi State University’s MBA program and a teaching assistant in the biochemistry department, is no stranger to the chaos and charm of the race. Three of her dachshunds, Camie, Dak and Levi, first participated in the Starkville Derby in 2023, the event’s inaugural year.
“My family was all super excited to enter with zero expectations of what our dogs would do,” Jernigan said. “We are a crazy weenie dog family, so it was just so exciting for us to have something so perfectly aligned with our favorite breed right in the District.”
One of Jernigan’s dogs, Levi, now a Derby star, won the puppy division last year and even took the top spot at the halftime dog race during the MSU men’s basketball game against Texas on March 4. However, Levi’s journey started with a hilariously unexpected U-turn in his first race in 2023.
“He made it halfway and then turned around and ran back, which made his success last year in 2024 that much more surprising,” Jernigan laughed.
Despite Levi’s success, Jernigan noted that none of her dogs have followed a formal training regimen, but she has begun using Levi’s beloved mini basketball to their advantage.
“We just found that he is obsessed with a mini basketball and that he will run to basically anyone but me,” Jernigan said. “As long as I am the one at the start releasing him, and someone he knows is at the end with the basketball, he just takes off.”
It turns out racing runs in the family. In the Derby’s first year, Dak and Camie also won in their respective divisions. This year, Jernigan and her family will return with Levi and their new contender, Andouille, while Dak and Camie enjoy their well-earned retirement. All four dogs, however, will be present for the festivities.
While some dogs are born with racing in their DNA, or at least in their toy-motivated hearts, others are more laid back and interested in the fun, friends and festive atmosphere.
Chloe Gray, a junior elementary education major, is entering her mini Aussiedoodle, “Reese,” into the “pretenders” race this year.
“Reese is super friendly and loves everyone she meets,” Gray said. “She just wants all the attention all the time. When my friends told me about the ‘pretenders category,’ I knew I had to register her.”
Gray’s training plan includes lots of fetch and toy-driven motivation. Reese’s favorite plush toy will be waiting at the finish line in the hands of Gray’s friend Lacee, who Gray said is one of Reese’s favorite humans. With this strategy, Gray hopes Reese will fly down the track, successfully completing the race.
Not every dog is destined for the winner’s circle, but that is part of the charm. Senior English major Annie Kirkpatrick knows this better than most.
Kirkpatrick’s dachshund, “Chex Mix,” competed twice with two memorable performances.
“The first year, she got scared and ran backwards into the crowd. A little girl had to catch her at the entrance before she got lost in the District, ” Kirkpatrick said. “The second year she just sat down and refused to budge.”
As for Chex Mix’s training before the event, they tried not to work her too hard.
“Because Chex was pretty old, we really focused on carb loading and rest before the Derby,” Kirkpatrick laughed. “A few times, we got her to run across the yard, but we did not work her too hard.”
She also shared a behind-the-scenes peek into the competitive spirit some participants bring to the race.
“There was one couple who enters several dachshunds and takes it very seriously,” Annie said. “Another woman did not want anyone touching or speaking to her dog for fear he would get distracted. It was very intense.”
While the race is central to the day, the Starkville Derby also includes live music, food vendors, children’s activities and an arts festival.
“It is just a fun day full of people who share the same love for the breed as my family and I do,” Jernigan said. “There is so much to do, and there is always fun to be had.”
Jernigan also spoke about the event’s purpose, which she said is one of her favorite parts.
“I think you just have to go in with the mindset that it is just a fun day with the main purpose of raising money for the local humane society, which is arguably the best part of the whole thing,” Jernigan said.
With entertainment, food and activities beyond the races, the Starkville Derby appears to be establishing itself as a staple spring event in Starkville.
