Overlooked as a potential champion, she was, in every possible sense, the underdog.
But for Juno, the winner of the Musselburgh race course corgi derby, the roar of the crowd and the inspirational presence of Judy Murray, the mother of two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, proved decisive.
All the talk before the event at Musselburgh race course in East Lothian, Scotland, had been of Rodney, the champion of two years ago.
And until the climactic moments of the 70-metre race, predictions of a second victory for Rodney looked justified.
But as the former winner charged for the line, his progress was impeded by the ferocious-looking Daisy, allowing Juno to slip through on the inside.
In the dog-eat-dog world of corgi racing, it was proof of the merits of focus, determination – and not jumping on the back of a rival contender.
‘This is her second race, so she’s got all of that out of her system already, so she had her eyes on the prize,’ Rodney’s proud owner Alisdair Tew told ITV Racing.
‘Most of the time she’s a bit of a goober, but she has a champion’s blood in her, I guess.’
Rodney, whose fourth birthday is fast approaching, posed afterwards with Murray, Tew and fellow owner Fran Brandon.
She received a trophy and a bag of treats for her troubles – bu would there be a special victory meal?
‘I think so,’ said Alisdair. ‘We like to keep her on a strict diet of falafel and brandy, so she’ll probably just get more of the same.’
The corgi derby was first held in 2022 to mark the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, whose love of the breed was well known.
This ferocious-looking corgi was a lively presence at the Musselburgh race course corgi derby
Former champion Rodney, second from left, made the early running at the race in East Lothian
Judy Murray, left, shares a joke with Juno’s owner Fran Brandon as the winner sniffs for treats
This pink-bibbed pooch was in no mood to take prisoners over the 70-metre race course
Rodney wore a look of astonishment as his prospects of a second victory were dashed
The dogs were roared on by their owners and by a lively track-side crowd
Eventual winner Juno, left, looked out of it at one stage as Rodney dashed for the line
This contender’s bite may well be worse than his bark, judging from this picture
There was little hint of the drama to come as the corgis made their way to the course
The race celebrates corgis, which were famously Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite dog breed
Owners and corgis assemble before the race, with some looking more focused than others
The will to win was written all over the face of the contestant on the left
Murray and Brandon smile for the cameras as Juno looks longingly at her doggie treats
Style and presentation are essential on race day, as this corgi would no doubt affirm
The dogs race for the line at the event in Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland
Juno, left, looked as surprised as anyone when Rodney was impeded with victory in sight
