Heathfield man wins first prize at World Dog Sledding Dryland Championship

Heathfield resident Matt Hodgeson has held onto his world title after tough competition in last week’s World Dog Sledding Dryland Championships in Germany.

“Well what can I say it was tough and muddy and we got lucky,” exclaimed Matt.

The quality of a win is directly related to the quality of the competition and World Sleddog Association world championships bring the best purebred sprint mushers in the world together. The recent competition featured over 200 teams representing 22 countries.

Matt had great competition from Rolf Ewald the breeder of Lux and Ava who was running his 4 litter mates. Rolf could be heard gaining on Matt’s team and chasing him down in the last km. At one point it looked as if he might overtake him but unfortunately his team had a mishap and it was not to be.

“The first piece of gratitude must be to my amazing dogs who have now kept me at the summit for half a decade in the WSA Dryland 4 dog 2 category and ocourse huge thanks to my family and friends who have to put up with my crazy ways and crazy dogs. I would also like to give a special mention to everyone who supported me by the gofundme I would not have made it there and back without your help so please feel a part of this success too,” commented Matt.