One of the dogs on Trine Lyrek’s team (bib no. 9) in the FL-1200 class dropped dead on the trail of the first leg between Alta and Kautokeino. The procedures from the Norwegian Sleddog Association and the special race rules for the Finnmark Race were followed at checkpoint Kauotkeino. They state that the musher should meet with the Race Manager, vet and TD to review the incident.

– There is no reason to believe that the musher has contributed to the dog’s death. This is to be considered a very sad incident for both the musher and the entire team, says Race Marshall Rita Hallvig and Race Chief Veterinarian Arild Jøssund.

According to the rules of the Norwegian Sleddog Association and the Finnmark Race, the musher was granted permission to continue the race. The dog went through the mandatory vet check prior to start. No remarks were noted. According to the regulations of the Norwegian Sleddog Association, the dog will be subject to an autopsy.