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July 16, 2026
Serving Columbus & Starkville, Mississippi

Starkville Derby

May 5, 2024

Astrid, a blind pup, is hoisted up to speak to the crowd during the Starkville Derby on Saturday. Astrid was the winner of the Modern Woodmen of America Puppy Race. (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)
Chris Loftis, a member of Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band, plays a ceremonial tune on the trumpet to kickstart the Starkville Derby on Saturday morning. In horse racing, this is known as the “Call to the Post.” (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)
Starkville Derby organizer Alden Thornhill takes a video as planes fly over the Cotton District to kick off the event’s second year. Circle S Aviation provided three aircraft for the event celebration. (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)
Caroline Cunningham, left, Gigi Richardson, middle, and Dax Murphy laugh while spectating the Starkville Derby on Saturday. Bars and restaurants in the Cotton District offered views of the dog races, including dachshund races divided by age group and “Pretenders” races for other breeds of dogs to participate. (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)
Three pups sprint across the race track during the Law Offices of Steven Adams Pretenders’ Race. Dogs that are not dachshunds are allowed to participate in the derby by racing under the “Pretenders” category and are encouraged to wear hotdog costumes to embrace their inner “wiener.” (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)
Briggs Kemp sits atop his father’s shoulders to get a better look over the crowd at the Starkville Derby Saturday. Last year’s derby drew more than 20,000 attendees; this year, the derby drew 60,000, organizer Alden Thornhill told The Dispatch. (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)
Alden Thornhill speaks to the crowd during the Starkville Derby on Saturday. Thornhill is the creator of the dachshund races and was this year’s presenter. (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)
Maura Chiles, left, William Drummond, middle, and Smith Ann Drummond look amongst the crowd from the stairs of Fountain Bar. Spectators lined the open areas outside bars and restaurants in the Cotton District for the second Starkville Derby. (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)
A spectator records a video during the Starkville Derby. The derby held several different races and had 200 pups sign up to compete. (Aaron Lampley/Special to The Dispatch)

 

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