Relative of Queen's corgi pipped in Easter derby

A last-minute entry has become the champion of Scotland's second annual corgi derby.

Three-and-a-half-year-old Rodney was the first to cross the line at Musselburgh Racecourse ahead of 13 other corgis.

More than a dozen Pembroke Welsh corgis took part with Rodney nosing ahead of rivals in a photo finish.

A dog thought to be distantly related to one of the late Queen's corgis had a tougher day, finishing last.

Judy Murray - mother of tennis star Andy Murray - waved the flag to start the event before presenting the winning dog with a trophy and treats.

The derby was part of the East Lothian racecourse's Easter events.

Rodney's owners, Matt Kendall and Nicole Whiteside from Fife had not expected Rodney to race and only entered him on Saturday morning when other dogs pulled out and a space on the card opened up.

Mr Kendall said he had "not at all" believed Rodney would win, adding: "It's just great to participate with all the other corgi owners".

Last year's inaugural corgi derby was held as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and was won by Georgie Rumbles from Wales, owned by Alison Rumbles, but the dog could not quite pull off the victory in the 2023 event.

Paddy, a dog thought to be distantly related to one of the late Queen's beloved corgis, took part wearing a dark green bib.

The nine-year-old is related to dogs owned by breeder Mary Davies, who supplied the royal household with a corgi stud.

After his last-placed finish, Paddy's owner Claudia Breen, who is also nine, confirmed it would be his final race.

She said ahead of the derby: "Paddy is a friendly wee dog who loves to take part in fun events but it is time he started to take things easy.

"We have grown up together and will both celebrate our 10th birthday next month."

She added: "Paddy's mother, father, granddad and grandma were all Mary Davies corgis."

Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis during her reign and was known for her love of the breed.