As the New Year beckons, thoughts turn to planning key events for the forthcoming year. One date that goes into the diary quickly of many Dandie folk is the first weekend in June – for the annual Dandie Racing event held at The Haining in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. The Haining is where there is a bronze statue to commemorate Old Ginger – from whom every Dandie alive today is descended, so all Dandies can trace their lineage back to this dog. The Haining was the home of Robert Pringle and his family, but in 2009 it was bequeathed to the people of Selkirkshire and is run by The Haining Charitable Trust. The first weekend in June is marked as Old Ginger’s birthday (04.06.1842) and is the date chosen for the Haining Dandie Derby races.

Over recent years, Dandie racing has become a much-anticipated social weekend for Dandies and their owners alike in the beautiful Scottish Borders. Plans are made for securing accommodation and the Haining Dandie Derby Facebook page has numerous posts referring to training (or not) of said Dandies and their treats and rewards used – sausages are especially favoured. A great deal of organisation of the weekend is involved as it usually starts on the Friday afternoon with an informal get-together involving a walk with Dandies around the Haining Loch or beside the Tweed in Melrose. It’s a chance to catch up with friends old and new and to see the Dandies and their new additions – puppies coming for their first race experience. Saturday is the designated race day and during the morning, visits can be made to the Selkirk farmers’ market before a picnic lunch, then onto the serious business of the racing. Classes for the Dandies are advertised on the Haining Dandie Derby Facebook page and entries invited. In 2023, Dandies had the choice of 4 classes: puppy, graduate, open and veteran. As The Haining was undergoing significant renovation work this year, the actual racing was held at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, which of course has a very significant connection to Dandies. 

The actual racing is purely for enjoyment as there are no prizes and an overall winner is not declared, but it’s great fun to watch, and most Dandies love racing up the track to a waiting human who is armed with a suitable treat – usually a sausage or some other delectable morsel to encourage them. Four lanes are set up using plastic netting, there is an official starter and the Dandies’ names are called forward to their allocated lane in individual heats. Some race enthusiastically, others amble about and, on occasion, turn round having got halfway to return to their owner or not even leave the start line! Meanwhile, the owners can be seen and heard (at full volume!) giving every encouragement to their Dandie during the races!  

In 2023, some 81 Dandies attended, 71 Dandies raced and 10 were spectators. Usually, there are some stalls selling various items and raffles to raise funds to support The Haining Charitable Trust. This year, thanks to the generosity of donors and people attending buying tickets, £446 was raised for a special bottle of Scotch Whisky, and a beautifully carved wooded platter raised £181, which was donated to Abbotsford. At the conclusion of the afternoon’s festivities, it’s back to base to get ready for a lovely evening meal held at Selkirk Rugby Club to bring another memorable Dandie Racing to an end.

So perhaps next year, your diary will allow for you and your Dandie to come to join in the fun of Dandie Racing.