The Yukon Brewing Copper Haul Twister league held its first race on Sunday on a new course that got rave reviews from racers.

Alpine Vet Race Day saw defending champion Jonathon Lucas win the first race of the season, as he had hoped for last week.

The race started up Fish Lake Road on a day that wasn't too cold. Last year's champion, Lucas says the weather was in their favour. The temperature hovered around -13 C during the race.

The new course had a different start line, but racers said the new trail was full of twists and turns that provided a thrilling ride the entire eight miles.

"Everybody said it was much more exciting than the old one,” said Lucas.

The start sent racers down a steep hill, where the dogs gathered a lot of speed heading into a curve to the rest of the course.

The dogs were ready to bolt at the start line. At least one skijor team had an issue with the dogs taking off before their count, sending the skier crashing to the ground.

The next race will be the Chocolate Claim race on Dec. 6 at the same location.

Alpine Vet Race Day results

Kids race

1. Louve Twedell, 18:55

2. Laurie Twedell, 26:35

Pet dog race

1. Pippa Lawson with dog Tiramisu skate-skied in at 13:56.

2. Jonathon Lucas with dog Asha skied in at 17:37.

3. Leanne Kormos with Pongo completed the race on a GT racer sled in 39:00.

Main race

1. Jonathon Lucas, 28:50

2. Luke Twedell, 30:54

3. Crispin Studer, 30:55

4. Trevor Braun, 33:06

5. Darryll Sheepway, 33:30