October 19, 2025 — Presented by Major League Eventing

Short legs, big dreams. The annual Corgi races once again lit up the Maryland 5 Star, wedged perfectly between the CCI3* and CCI5* action. Before the sprints began, a joyful Parade of Corgis—led by Grand Marshal and 2023 Maryland 5* winner Austin O’Connor—set the tone for a feel-good day of friendly rivalry and big heart.

This year’s field was the biggest yet: 13 heats, 125 corgis, and one brand-new champion. In a dazzling final, Cheese, a 1-year-old corgi owned by Amanda Scarboro, surged from the start and never looked back.

“I’m so proud of my Cheesy girl for getting 1st place in the MD Corgi Cup! We had a wonderful day yesterday and the win was exhilarating—we were jumping up and down with joy,” said owner Amanda Scarboro.

Amanda and Cheese aren’t strangers to the big stage. They reached the championship last year but fell short to the legendary three-time champ Elevation Zoe. That near-miss fueled a year of focused training. Amanda manages Sit Means Sit Dog Training in Millersville/Annapolis, where she sharpened Cheese’s off-leash recall to be lightning-fast—even amid 125 amped-up corgis.

“Her strategy? Run first, question later—especially if there’s ham at the finish line. We trained hard all year on speed and focus. Proof that hard work pays off, even with tiny legs! She came, she saw, she conquered—and she’ll be back next year to defend her title,” Amanda added.

The Maryland Corgi Cup is a fan-favorite tradition produced by the corgi lovers at Major League Eventing (MLE). The event was inspired by MLE’s beloved corgi Stanley, and each year it brings energy, smiles, and community spirit to the Maryland 5 Star. As always, the prize table matched the excitement: Cheese walked away with a gift basket from Mane and Tail, a giant champion ribbon, a cooler from Mars, and a gift bag from Lubrisyn—with additional support from Fair Hill Saddlery making sure every corgi went home a winner.

“The 4th Annual Maryland Corgi Cup was a huge success thanks to the team at the MD5Star and, of course, all of the corgis and their handlers,” said Karen of Major League Eventing. “The event started with a Parade of Corgis led by our three-time champion Elevation Zoe and our Grand Marshal, Austin O’Connor. We were thrilled to crown Cheese the 2025 champion and are grateful to Mane and Tail, Fair Hill Saddlery, Mars, and Lubrisyn for the fantastic giveaways. Special thanks to Jeff Newman for his support and to the entire MLE team for their hard work—we’re already looking forward to next year!”

From the first paw-pounding heat to the final burst across the finish, Cheese’s win felt inevitable—and irresistible. It was one of those moments that remind you why the Corgi Cup exists: community, joy, and a little bit of friendly chaos. Congratulations to Cheese, Amanda, and every short-stack sprinter who made the day unforgettable. See you at the rail next year when Cheese returns to defend the crown.