And a Very Sporting Gentleman

Upon my soul -Mr Lance Mackey has won the Iditarod 2008!

I dare say you will greet this news with indifference, lolling around in your corduroys and elastic sided boots like the foppish urbanite that you are - but this is the stuff of legend in the Mushing world.

Last year, Mr Mackey won the Yukon Quest in February and the Iditarod in March. These races are the two toughest of the tough in the mushing world. And damn me, if he didn't do the same thing this year.

And if you think that is impressive (and believe me you should) understand this - Mr Mackey's kennel (which has been a shoestring outfit for most of its existence) is called the Comeback Kennel because only a few years ago he was battling a potentially fatal cancer in his neck.

If there is such a thing as frontier spirit, then I tell you, this chap embodies it. The Quest and the Iditarod may be just races to many people but they stand for something much more than just competition to pass a line first. And I know the dogs do the pulling - but they do so cared for, and watched over and motivated by their musher. And - well, dash it all, this man is a hero. Let that be an end to the matter.

So,without further ado, Springheel Salutes Mr Lance Mackey and his Exceptional Dog team.

And, incidentally, commiserates with Mr Jeff King, who came in a damn good second.