Ruby Wins First ‘Leg’ of Gobbler Gallop

On Saturday in Worthington, Minn., Ruby Begonia ran a successful race against Worthington's prize turkey, Paycheck, completing the block-and-a-half run at 1 minute and 18.12 seconds with zero penalties. Cuero's turkey team, Clint Clark, Terri Warwas, Mary Beth Finney and Clayton Lantz helped coax their famous bird across the finish line. Paycheck finished in 5 minutes and 56.3 seconds with multiple penalties.

Turkeyfest's entertainment director, Cory Thamm, told the Victoria Advocate he's proud of Ruby's early achievement. As a previous race team member, he knows how crucial the first heat of the race can be. "This year's Ruby came from the same nest that raced last year, so there must be something in the bloodline," Thamm said. "Coming back down here with a lead that big is definitely an advantage. As long as she does here what she did there, we're going to win."

Ruby and Paycheck will race again at Turkeyfest at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 12 before the parade, and KIXS 108 will be there to call the action and announce the winner!.