History made in Hot Hounds Race Series; mass start held for first time

Eleven bikes and one scooter led by a dog or two took off this past Saturday, marking a historical moment in the Hot Hounds Race Series.

Eleven bikes and one scooter led by a dog or two took off this past Saturday, marking a historical moment in the Hot Hounds Race Series.

For the first time in its three-year history, a mass start event was held, featuring 12 dog teams all raring to go.

The Eagle Pack’s Mongrel Hordes race was held at Hans Gatt’s and Susie Rogan’s property in Golden Horn. Rogan was not only a co-host, but also participated. She managed to overcome a slow start in the mass start challenge, with dog Baby Jesus, to finish third overall

It was a close finish that saw a one-second difference between the top four finishing times. Despite the close race, Rogan wasn’t disappointed about not winning.

“I couldn’t care less,” she said. “I would have liked the bragging rights. Baby Jesus and I will have to try again.”

The mass start event was held on an air strip, which for the majority of the race offered the participants plenty of room to pass. Each team had to have a minimum of one dog, but couldn’t have more than two.

Rogan said Baby Jesus has an interesting quirk where before starting to run he turns around and barks at her.

“He just gets so excited that he has to turn around and bark a few times and then he snaps out of it and starts running like hell,” she said. “He’s a very cute dog. I don’t care, that’s his little problem and every dog has a little problem, pretty much.”

Mushers in Saturday’s race used a variety of different race tactics. Some preferred to get out to an early lead and attempt to hang on, while others preferred to chase, waiting to make a move.

The strategy depended on the strength of each dog, who for some race better when they are chasing, while others are comfortable leading the way.

After Rogan caught up to the front runners (five in total) she managed to get around two of them, but couldn’t beat the two front runners to the finish line.

She was impressed by how competitive the dryland series is becoming.

“The times keep getting faster,” Rogan said. “I hate to say it I used to show up at these things and it was pretty easy to win. Now I have to work pretty hard and I come in third.”

Amil Dupuis, using dogs Rossi and Grizzly from the Smokin’ Paws kennel ended up winning the 1.5 mile race, posting a time of 3:49, while Claudia Wickert placed second.

Jon Lucas was the lone racer on a scooter and despite being in the lead at one point eventually finished in fifth.

“It should have been a 50-yard race, I would have won,” Lucas joked.

Sponsors of Saturday’s race included Eagle Pack dog food, Icy Waters Ltd., Aurora Booties, C&D Feeds and the Chocolate Claim.