Golden Retriever Watches the Kentucky Derby -Then Tries to Join the Race
A Golden Retriever is so invested in the Kentucky Derby race, he thinks he can join in on the fun, too!
In an adorable TikTok video, the dog named Miles was transfixed by the race playing on TV from the very beginning. In the video, he was so excited once the race started that he didn't take his eyes off the television, so he wouldn't miss a second. Miles couldn't contain his excitement and even got on his hind legs while the race continued on.
@milesofgold Miles thinks he's got a shot in the Kentucky Derby he said "put me in coach" @kentuckyderby #kentuckyderby#goldenretriever
original sound - kentuckyderby
In the video's caption, his parent joked that "Miles thinks he's got a shot in the Kentucky Derby he said, 'put me in coach.'"
People online were absolutely delighted by Miles' enthusiasm as he watched the race, with users loving how invested he was.
SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends
One user joked that the reason he was so intense while watching the race was "That dog had money on this race ." Another added to the joke and said, "That dog was a racing horse in a previous life."
Another user pointed out, "He was keeping his eye on the leader if you notice ," while another person in the comments said he probably thought, "I can run faster than them ."
Why Some Dogs Have Strong Reactions to TV
It's not totally unusual for a dog to be completely invested in what they see on TV. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), one reason a dog might be so interested in the TV is the different colors and sounds.
Experts from the Kennel Club explain that "Unlike humans, who are trichromatic (meaning we have three kinds of cones in the eye's retina, allowing us to see more color), dogs are dichromatic and see the world in yellow, brown, and gray tones."
Dogs also process visual cues differently from humans, allowing them to "detect quick changes in their visual field."
A 2013 study published in Animal Cognitionalso reveals that dogs can recognize other dogs, so their attention may be drawn to seeing themselves on the screen.
But what exactly draws a dog to watch TV depends on the specific breed and their personality traits. The AKC explains that dogs like "Terriers, who were bred to hunt vermin, may respond to movements on the screen or squeaky noises, "while "a Bloodhound, known for scent-trailing abilities," may not be as interested.
Related: Golden Retriever Refuses to Drop His Favorite Toy No Matter What
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 1:16 PM.