J'can musher finishes second at the Byllesby Dryland Classic

"Mush mon" may well be added to the dogsled lexicon as Jamaican Devon Anderson became the highlight of the Byllesby Dryland Classic held in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, in the United States, recently.

From a field of 11 competitors in the 'Pro 4 Dog Rig Class Sled Dog Race' Anderson placed second.

Jamaican musher Devon Anderson racing at the Byllesby Dryland Classic in Minnesota in the United States.

Anderson raced for the Chukka Caribbean Adventures Jamaica Dogsled Team with a four-dog team provided by Ken & Donna Davis out of Elfstone Kennels in Twig, MN. The 1.5 mile Byllesby course was tricky with a very difficult 180¡ corner at the half-way point but, "Devon negotiated it the first day up on two wheels, and went through it like a pro on day two once he was aware of it," says his trainer Rick Johnson from the Ah-Regah Kennel. "He managed an impressive feat finishing a solid second both days while running a strange cart with unfamiliar dogs. It looks as though there is a new threat in dog racing to be reckoned with."

first-place finisher

Jim Benson of Gold Rush Racing was the first-place finisher with a combined race time of 09:31.07 and Ken Davis finished third. Dryland dog sled racing is becoming more prevalent because of the absence of reliable snow in many parts of North America.

This was Anderson's second race and he will have his next outing at the first ever East Meets West Dryland Challenge, to be held at the Brainerd International Raceway, November 18-19.

newest addition

Sponsored by singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville, the Jamaica Dogsled Team is the newest addition to the Chukka Caribbean Adventures family. Anderson, along with the Jamaican sled dogs are featured in Palm Pictures' upcoming documentary feature Sun Dogs.

Founded in 1983, Chukka Caribbean Adventures is now the number one land-based nature adventure tour provider in the region, offering 28 tours in Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands. Collectively, the operations delivered over 200,000 adventure tours to cruise and hotel guests in 2005. With a commitment to deliver the highest quality tours with well-trained guides and exceptional safety standards, Chukka takes pride in showcasing the natural beauty of the Caribbean through unique and sensational experiences and providing opportunities for local residents and businesses. Awards include 'Shore Excursion of the Year 2004/2005' for Montego Bay and Ocho Rios by Princess Cruises and the JHTA 'Best Attraction Award 2003/2004'.