Hot Hounds Dryland Series To Hold First-Ever Mass Start Race

After much discussion it's finally happening. A mass start dog race in the Hot Hounds Dryland Race Series that will combine two separate categories.

After much discussion it’s finally happening. A mass start dog race in the Hot Hounds Dryland Race Series that will combine two separate categories.

It won’t be easy, but on Saturday the pet dogs will attempt to keep up with a more competitive sled canine breed.

The race is being called “The Strip” and is being held at the Mongrel Hordes by Eagle Pack at the kennel of Hans Gatt and Susie Rogan, located in Golden Horn Omlette.

Besides the type of dog, mushers have the choice of using either scooter or bike for the Strip, a 1.5 mile race behind the airstrip.

The course consists of a loop around the airstrips perimeter, ending where it began.

Finding the right venue was one of the primary reasons that a mass start race has not been attempted in the Hot Hounds Race Series three-year history.

However, the airstrip is a kilometre long and approximately 70 feet wide, so it gives a really good opportunity for everyone to take off at once.

“I just think it would be really exciting to see all the dogs take off at the same time,” said Rogan. “It’s just purely for fun and having the pet dogs right behind will give them a chase advantage.”

Rogan said whatever the difference in time between starts will be subtracted from the pet dogs on Saturday.

“The dogs love to chase, especially inexperienced dogs,” she said. “Sometimes that really helps to motivate them. It might really mess them up too, so if they are looking to their right and left and seeing dogs. Who knows what is going to happen.

That is going to be part of the fun of it.”

Each month, up until September, organizers of the Hot Hounds Race Series put on an event. August’s race was supposed to happen this past weekend, however heavy rain forced organizers to cancel the day of the race.

This was the first time a Hot Hounds race had to be postponed.

The race series purpose is to keep the dogs in shape during the warmer months of the year.

Competitors can use any non-motorized type of transportation when racing with the dogs, which primarily consist of a bike and scooter. However,  some racers have the choice to run along beside their dog(s).

Besides the Strip, Saturday’s event (weather permitting) will feature a One Mile Trail Race, using one dog, and a two mile race that includes two dogs.

The one mile race starts at the dog yard and makes its way around a 15 foot wide hard packed silt road. Among the challenges include one sharp turn into a packed sand and gravel road. After the turn, the race then heads back to the dog yard, which is where it concludes.

The two mile race begins in the same location as the one mile, but instead of the sharp turn back to the dog yard, the course works its way onto a field. The field portion consists of a somewhat bumpy terrain that will all be marked.

Mushers eventually exit the field onto a smooth, but somewhat difficult four foot wide are that transitions itself through a bunch of large trees.

The final stretch of the two mile race is back on the driveway, which makes its way to the dog yard.

After the races have finished up there will be a potluck bbq, with music and drinks.

The first race costs $10 to enter, while all other following races each cost $5.

Eagle pack dog food will be given out as prizes to the top three winners in each main race category.

Jonathan Lucas plans on entering a couple races on Saturday, including the Strip.

Lucas hopes his rotwiler Asha has a good showing, but admits he doesn’t think she will stand much of a chance against the more competitive sled dogs.

“I’m going to try,” he said about attempting to win it. “It would be quite a cue, I’ve spent years as a skijurer with rotweilers being beaten by huskies.”

He said starting later should give the pet dogs some more motivation.

“I know the pet dogs really like chasing because they aren’t bred for the same sort of racing,” Lucas said. “The mentality of the sled dogs, so you give them that chase impe