3 Iditarod finishers receive penalties for sheltering dogs indoors during fierce windstorms
The two top-finishing women in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race were penalized during the race for sheltering their dogs inside a cabin during a ferocious windstorm — a move they say likely saved their dogs’ lives but caused their demotions in the final standings.
The penalties levied against veterans Mille Porsild of Denmark and Yukon musher Michelle Phillips were not widely publicized nor explained by race officials. That, in turn, has caused confusion and consternation, generating plenty of online criticism that a move ensuring dog safety diminished their accomplishments and earnings from the race purse. In the final accounting, Porsild’s finishing position went from 14th to 17th, and Phillips moved from 17th to 18th. Those demotions equate to $3,450 less in prize money for Porsild and $1,000 less for Phillips.
According to race marshal Mark Nordman, who made the decision, the indoor rest constituted a competitive advantage over the three teams that trailed Porsild and Phillips into Nome. “No doubt that Michelle and Mille did the right thing for their dogs,” said Nordman. “But it also affected the competition for racers going forward.” Three of the four mushers who filed formal complaints alleging that Porsild and Phillips violated a race rule ultimately benefited from the adjustment.
The reason Porsild and Phillips were moved back, according to the race official in charge, is because their long break inside a cabin with a wood stove gave their dogs a recuperative rest that amounted to a competitive advantage over the racers closest to them.
https://www.adn.com/outdoors-adventure/iditarod/2022/03/25/3-iditarod-finishers-receive-penalties-for-sheltering-dogs-indoors-during-fierce-windstorms/
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