By ROGER AMSDEN, for THE LACONIA DAILY SUNLACONIA — Quebec mushers took the top four spots on the opening day of the 88th World Championship Sled Dog Derby Friday. Guy Girard of St. Thomas de Joliette, Quebec, holds a 15-second lead over former two-time champion Claude Bellerive of Charette, Quebec, heading into Saturday's second heat. In third place, a minute and 15 seconds back with a 49:07 performance, is defending champion Rejean Therrien of LaPierre, Quebec. Jocelyn Bradbury of Oxford, Maine, 2014 six-dog champion, is third with a time of 20:17, followed by Eddie Clifford of Raymond at 20:19 and three-time six-dog champion Melanie Bellerive of Charette,P.Q., with a time of 20:26. Racing resumes Saturday at 10 a.m. with the six-dog class and open class teams will get underway at 1:30 p.m.

Source: Daily Sun February 17, 2017 22:42 UTC