FDNMquest

The News-Miner gives you the latest on the 1,000-mile Whitehorse to Fairbanks sled dog race.

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Brent Sass is the 2019 Yukon Quest 1,000-Mile International Sled Dog Race champion! #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Brian Wilmshurst just said, “I wish the Yukon Quest was a million miles, so I could always be on the trail.” #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Lanier has a reputation for singing at Iditarod banquets. He did it again tonight, here’s his “Impossible Dream” performance. #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

A standing ovation for Jim Lanier, a 78-year-old rookie who became the oldest Yukon Quest finisher. #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

The finishers are now approaching the stage one by one. They’re thanking their sponsors, handlers and, of course, their dogs. They also are sharing some personal stories.

“Eagle Summit was a blast, as we all know,” rookie finisher Chase Tingle from Two Rivers just said.

#YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

@joshdryer The mushers haven’t shared their individual stories yet. If I had to guess, it was a combination of the shorter race and that a lot of teams chipped in with one another when the going got tough during the final few checkpoints.

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

I’m at the awards banquet. Tonight the Quest is celebrating the 27 teams that finished. It was the largest group of finishers since 1989. #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Reitan wins Quest Rookie of the Year award as back of the pack approaches the finish line. #YQ2019 https://t.co/Fa1kcWSir3

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Here’s the 21-year-old rookie’s team pulling into the new finish line off Nordale Road. #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Martin Apayauq Reitan is this year’s Rookie of the Year after finishing 14th. His older brother, Vebjorn, was last year’s Rookie of the Year. #YQ2019

[Yukon Quest @theyukonquest]

To reach Nordale Bridge, drive 10 miles down Chena Hotsprings Road. Turn right on Nordale Road. Drive a couple miles down the road and the bridge will be visible. #YQ2019

[Yukon Quest @theyukonquest]

Due to increasingly dangerous conditions coming into Fairbanks, the finish line will be moved from its current location, the Morris Thompson Culture and Visitors Center in downtown Fairbanks, to Nordale Bridge. Read full advisory: https://t.co/sxnkTVey2S #YQ2019

[Yukon Quest @theyukonquest]

The preliminary necropsy results for Joker, performed by Dr. Greta Krafsur, DVM, DACVP, showed that the cause of death was aspiration. Joker was in good body condition and there were no signs of neglect or abuse. Full advisory: https://t.co/Y6lnaF2mXL #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Here’s my extended, updated story about Brent Sass winning this year’s Yukon Quest. It’ll appear in tomorrow’s print edition of the @newsminer. #YQ2019

https://t.co/8BZwTH1hKi

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

@JBekkr Zero.

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Brent Sass is the 2019 Yukon Quest 1,000-Mile International Sled Dog Race champion! #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Michelle Phillips takes fourth. Her husband, Ed Hopkins, who is also a Quest veteran, handed out snacks in the chute. #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Here’s a close up of Allen and his leaders. #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Allen’s 81-year-old mother from Arkansas was at the finish line to meet him.

“I’m happy to see my son, Allen,” she said. “I’m so proud of him.”

#YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

The defending champion Allen Moore, from SP Kennel in Two Rivers, finishes third. #YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Gatt said he enjoyed seeing some familiar faces during his first Quest appearance since 2011.

“It was pretty cool to see some old friends out there,” he said.

#YQ2019

[FDNMquest @FDNMQuest]

Gatt arrived with eight dogs. They enjoyed an Arctic char snack while he went over to greet some children at the finish line chute. #YQ2019