Mackey takes lead in Yukon Quest

FAIRBANKS - The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race had a new leader with a familiar name as of Tuesday.

Three-time defending champion Lance Mackey of Fairbanks surged ahead this week.

He first cut Dan Kaduce's four-hour lead in half with a run from Central to Circle, then departed after a shorter rest than most of the competition.

Mackey continued on and reached Slaven's Cabin just after 8 p.m. Monday. He rested for a little more than seven hours before taking off again at 3:23 Tuesday morning.