Jeff Moon holds up his pup, Jonas, during the third annual Starkville Derby. Jonas was one of 215 pups entered to race in the event held Saturday morning. Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch

Maggie Mae runs to victory as she is cheered on by an adoring fan in her heat during the Starkville Derby dog races Saturday in the Cotton District. Her owners are Capri and Seth McFarland. Austin Frayser/Special to The Dispatch

Kaitlyn Sorrels holds up her daughter Kennedy Sorrels as they cheer on their dog Krieger at the Starkville Derby on Saturday in the Cotton District. Thousands of spectators came to watch the third running of the dogs, an event that coincides with the Kentucky Derby horse race. Austin Frayser/Special to The Dispatch

Former Famous Maroon Band member Chris Loftis performs “Call to the Post” on his trumpet to kick off the Starkville Derby on Saturday morning. Loftis also played the ceremonial tune at last year’s event. Austin Frayser/Special to The Dispatch

Three pups race down the track during the Starkville Derby on Saturday morning. This year’s event featured 62 races with 215 pups competing. Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch