Soulard, MO – It’s nearly impossible to predict who will win the Super Bowl, but Soulard Mardi Gras has a secret weapon – wiener dogs.

Pooches Eagle and Chief are set to square off on behalf of their respective teams before Sunday’s big game at the Super Bowl 1 Wiener Dog Championship race. The Philly and KC hounds will dash down a 30-foot track for the wiener dog version of the Lombardi trophy.

“These pups know how much is on the line for their teams and fans,” said Mary McHugh of the Wiener Dog Derby Krewe. “Both wieners have been pumping iron, running lots of laps, and eating healthily in anticipation of a ‘paw-riffic’ victory at the finish line.”

Tune in before the race for some dog-on-the-track interviews with both Eagle and Chief.

The race between the two rivals is part of the Tito’s Vodka Wiener Dog Derby, the nation’s longest-running wiener dog race. Known as the slowest two minutes in sports racing, the six-dog elimination heats will each crown a winning wiener who trots on to the next round until a champion is crowned. No matter the outcome, though, they’re all wieners in our book.

Size doesn’t matter, so race classes are based on age:

• Cocktail Wieners: Up to 4 years old

• Hot Dogs: 4-8 years old

• Ball Park Franks: 8 years and older

• Wiener Wannabe: Dogs small enough to fit in the starting box (OK, so size matters a little)

Opening ceremonies begin at 1:45 or shortly after the Purina Pet Parade ends. Registration is $10, with proceeds going to Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Register online at stlmardigras.org.

Event Details:

WHAT: Wiener dogs Eagle and Chief will race down a 30-foot track on behalf of their respective teams before Sunday’s big game in the Super Bowl 1 Wiener Dog Championship race.

WHEN: Sunday, February 12

WHERE: Horseshoe Casino Stadium in Soulard Market Park

SCHEDULE:

Registration: Opens at 10:00 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies: 1:45 p.m. or shortly after the Purina Pet Parade ends

First Heat: 2:00 p.m.

Super Bowl 1 Wiener Dog Championship race: 3:00 p.m.

INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY:

Mary McHugh, Wiener Dog Derby Krewe        

Bess McCoy, Mardi Gras Foundation

Chief, Wiener Dog

Eagle, Wiener Dog