Jockeys compete to be top dog in the Bark de Triomphe

On your barks, get set, go! The inaugural running of the Burgess Supadog Bark de Triomphe takes place at Beverley on Tuesday and the stakes could barely be higher.

Twelve of the finest canine athletes, who are sized between ankle and knee-ish height, will compete in two heats before the final, all hoping to claim the first prize of a bag of Burgess Supadog and ‘unbelievable kudos’.

Each dog running in the charity event, aimed at raising money for Antibiotic Research UK, is representing one of the north’s finest jockeys, making winning even more important for future weighing room pride.

Paul Mulrennan, and wife Adele, have contenders in each of the two half-furlong and two yard heats, with the first three home contesting the final over the same distance.

However, they will face strong competition from the likes of Poppy, a whippet trained by Phillip Makin, Sammy Jo Bell's terrier Jessie and Rachel Richardson's French Bulldogs Buster and Belle.

Mulrennan is responsible for black Labrador Stella, while his wife has been priming miniature Jack Russell Peggy for the big day.

“Stella is getting on a bit now, but her home-work has been good and she's experienced enough by now to handle the demands of Beverley,” Mulrennan said.

“Peggy was born for a day like this. She's a lean, mean fighting machine with a big engine and a touch of class. Put it this way, she knows she's top dog.”

Over £3,000 has been donated to Antibiotic Research UK, and Mulrennan added: “It's a great initiative and for a really good cause. This is just something a little bit different that will hopefully catch the imagination of racegoers and punters."

The first heat takes place at 1.15pm with the final ten minutes later.

Donations can be made here