This evening at the Whitehorse Convention Centre we celebrated the 2018 Yukon Quest – the 35th running of the race.
Hearing the stories from the trail is always the best part of the evening and we heard tales of challenge, camaraderie and hospitality. The Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre Sewing Group made each finishing musher a hand-beaded finishers patch. Each was unique and are stunning pieces of art the that all the mushers will treasure.
Allen received a standing ovation for his win and he let everyone in on the secret to his success – his “easy button”. Along with the beautiful patch, Allen also received a hand made hatchet from Alaska Rod’s, a big supporter of the race.
Being the first musher to Dawson City and to go on and finish the race, Allen was awarded with two ounces of Dawson Gold. His First to Pelly Crossing prize of wolf mitts was already awarded on the trail.
Allen was thrilled to receive the Veterinarians’ Choice Award – he said it was even better than winning the race. It was the first time he has won this award and he won $1000 of vet care courtesy of Alpine Veterinary Medical Centre plus another breath taking hand-beaded patch made by Mrs Turner that tells a wonderful story of a musher and his dogs.
Commando and Dutch were the stars of the evening, winning the Golden Harness Award and getting fitted with their their fancy, hand-made golden harness from Tanzilla Harness Supply. They also enjoyed a steak dinner thanks to the chefs at the Coast High Country Inn. They were a little overwhelmed with the applause – Dutch climbed into Allen’s lap for a hug. Commando was a bit more outgoing and finished his steak on stage while Dutch ate his out in the foyer with fewer eyes on him.
Congratulations to all the Yukon Quest mushers that made it to the start line. That, in itself, is a huge deal. Congrats to all those who finished and all the prizewinners – see the Quest Website for a full list of prizes and more details from the evening.
That was so fun to watch last night….Allen with his Easy Button….lol!! I was so happy to see Commando and Dutch getting their Golden Harnesses and steak dinner!! Allen had a great magic carpet ride…..that Team performed to perfection! His great dog care helped them ALL get to the finish….simply amazing! Congrats again Allen and the Black Team….and everyone at SPK….you done good!
I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to watch the events of the evening. I love seeing Dutch and Commando in their golden harness. That picture brings on so many emotions. I am so very happy to hear that Allen won the Veterinarians choice award. How could he not!?!?!? Congratulations Allen! Very nice hand-beaded patches and so special. Sounds like it was a great evening to end a great race.
Well, Allen deserved every award, applause, standing ovation. To start & finish with all 14 dogs is an outstanding accomplishment & with such a margin of victory. Finally Allen received recognition for his awesome dog care from the veterinarians. Allen take a bow! Yeah for Allen & SPK & those awesome dogs.
WOOF WOOF WOOF
What a family, 2 and 4 legs!!!
And kudos to YQ facebook – watched replay and no question, Dutch and Commando were the stars!!!
Congratulations Allen for winning all those awards! I’m very happy that Allen won the Veternarians choice award. He definitely deserved it for the awesome care he gives his dogs. The golden harnesses look great on Dutch and Commando!
Allen really took in quite the haul of awesome prizes.
Allen Moore, the one and only musher to finish the Yukon Quest 1000 and the Iditarod both with his entire team of pups?! That is something to be proud of!
I’m thrilled to see Allen’s dog care skills honored with the Vets’ Choice Award!
Hmmm, maybe suspenders for the dry bags?
I don’t believe in the easy button. I believe Aliy is the secret to success!
Dutch and Commando look so handsome and proud in their golden harnesses.
Congratulations Allen!
It was so fun to watch it all live on Facebook. What an emotional and wonderful evening. Have there ever been any more beautiful and meaningful patches? And Dutch and Commando were so proud. Congratulations again and again!
Congratulations Allen and team for your spectacular win in the Yukon Quest! And for your very well-deserved Vets’ Choice award. Bravo to SP Kennel!
Wish I was there–what an evening it must have been. Congrats Allen as the care
for the dogs is number one. Commando and Dutch are stars and I think look
so much alike. Stars they are!
WAY TO GO SPK!!! Allen – I had tears in my eyes when I read you felt the veterinarians choice award was more important than anything else…..YES!!!!!! THIS is why I support SPK! THIS is what it all boils down to. Why I said earlier that finishing with all 14 dogs – healthy and happy – was more of an accomplishment than whatever place you came in at. First place was just icing on the cake. Having all 14 dogs finish healthy and happy was the real triumph. Everyone – Allen – Aliy – all of the 2-leggeds who work at SPK – all of the 2-leggeds who support SPK – THIS is the gold medal. You should be so proud of yourselves. I’m so happy for you. Enjoy this moment. You worked for it and you earned it. Keep all that work going for the 4-leggeds in your charge. THIS IS YOUR REWARD FOR ALL THE WORK! Happy and healthy 4-leggeds. I love Dutch and Commando – but I love all of your dogs. Aliy – you have a good group to take to Nome. Know that you have a lot of fans behind you, cheering you and your 4-legged teammates on!
So awesome – it was great to watch it all as it unfolded. Thanks again for sharing this great adventure with all of us!
Excellent….winning the race AND doing so with such good care that you won the Veterinarian’s Award! That’s doing it right.