Musher Profiles!
Omega racing
How did you get involved in the sport?
On holiday in Aviemore during the summer we saw a flyer for the Aviemore race, on return to work Charlie found out that Rob Hyden had been racing for years and he invited us to the Head down race and introduced us to a number of people who were there.
What dogs do you own?
We are now down to 4, having sadly lost Omi to old age last year. Peter Carroll, had some of the best dogs in the country bred all our girls. Jennie now 12, and Yohola, 8, (Jennie’s pup) came first. Willow, 8, arrived a few weeks later, when Jo fell in love with this little ball of fluff. Last but not least Russia, 6, arrived at the end of 97 to complete the team.
Who has influenced you in the sport?
As we said Pete bred all our dogs and supplies us with all our equipment, he certainly helped at the beginning and keeps in contact on a regular basis to hear how we are getting on. He has his faults but don’t we all. He knows a good dog when he sees one and there are many good dogs out there with the Wyphurst prefix.
What do enjoy about going to the races?
Over the years we have made many friends and enjoy meeting up with them during the winter to catch up with what has been going on. There are many characters in the sport and having a laugh is always good. On the competition side we are both competitive, Charlie more so than Jo, so once on the start line the racing becomes the priority.
What have been your greatest achievements in the sport?
Firstly, we have been blessed with the best little girls ever born. Next we have had two back-to-back wins at Aviemore, Charlie in ’99 and Jo in ’00 in the 3-dog class then again in ’03 and ’04 in the 2- dog class. The two years in-between we placed 2nd beaten by Keith in ’01 and then by Lynn in ’02.
