Held yesterday, there was a controversial end to the race when last year's kelpie champion, Buster, was pipped at the post by border collie cross Ebony.

In near-perfect spring conditions, the cup was held at Coolalie Lal Lal Estate Yendon, the perfect backdrop for a fun day of racing, socialising and fundraising.

The large crowd ensured the fundraiser was a success for the Yendon Red Cross unit.

Bookie Bobby Bath was on hand to take people's money and was accepting everything from bets and bribes to donations.

The races were broken into four heats, two for the small dogs and two for the large. Heat winners went on to run for the cup.

A wide range of canine breeds competed, including samoyed, Irish wolfhound, Australian silky terrier maltese cross, border collie, labrador, beagle, maltese shitzu, jack russell, poodle and a range of bitzers.

It was a disappointing result for last year's champion, Buster.

"He has been running 20km a week in preparation for the race," owner Jody Monks said.

After the races, the dogs celebrated with a dip in the estate's lake.