Whitehorse Daily Star

Rookies welcomed, streak snapped at Hot Hounds event

A winning streak was snapped and four newcomers were introduced to summer mushing during the fourth Hot Hounds race of the season Saturday at the Takhini River Lodge.

By Whitehorse Star on August 28, 2014

A winning streak was snapped and four newcomers were introduced to summer mushing during the fourth Hot Hounds race of the season Saturday at the Takhini River Lodge.

Virginia Sarrazin’s unbeaten season in the canicross event ended when Adam Robinson beat her to the finish line of the one-mile race with a time of 5:24.

Sarrazin, who won the first three races of the season, finished second in 5:44. Simi Morrison and Ben Goddel finished tied for third in 6:09.

For his part, Robinson nearly ended another winning streak, eventually settling for a tie with yet-to-be-beaten Darryl Sheepway for first in the one-mile bikejoring event.

The rivals finished in 3:41, nine seconds ahead of Sophie Firmenich and 10 seconds ahead of Sheepway’s wife Katherine.

Robert Siefke earned victory in the third race of the day, completing his two-mile bikejor race in 8:42.

Darryl Sheepway crossed the line three seconds after Siefke, followed by Robinson in 8:46.

The event was hosted by Jean-Marc and Christiane Champeval, featuring a course new to most racers.

“The trail was wide and rather flat, but still challenging with some sharp curves and some bumps,” said Sarrazin. “It was perfect for recreational people and fast for experienced racers.”

The success of the introductory clinic has inspired organizers of the Dog Powered Sports Association of the Yukon to host a skijoring clinic this winter.

The final race of the season will take place Sept. 21 at the Takhini Hot Springs, followed by a soak.

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