Jonrowe scratches in Rainy Pass

March 6, 2007

RAINY PASS - A pair of the most notable mushers in the 2007 field of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race scratched Monday.

Mere hours after Doug Swingley ended his bid for a fifth Iditarod title, fan favorite DeeDee Jonrowe removed herself from the race.

Swingley scratched in Rainy Pass at 10:15 a.m. Monday, after reportedly suffering injuries en route to the fourth checkpoint on the trail.

According to a news release issued by Iditarod public relations director Chas St. George, checkpoint officials at Rainy Pass reported Swingley may have broken ribs and a dislocated thumb.

Injuries suffered on the trail also forced Jonrowe out of her 25th appearance in the Iditarod. In a press release, St. George said Jonrowe had, at minimum, a broken finger on her hand, but may have further injuries to that hand.

As of Tuesday morning, six mushers had scratched.

Jacques Phillip of Nenana also scratched in Rainy Pass. Frank Sihler (Wasilla), Jeff Holt (North Pole) and Butch Austin (Fruita, Colo.) each ended their races at the Finger Lake checkpoint.

Lance Mackey, winner of the Yukon Quest less than a month ago, continues his tear in the 35th Iditarod. He was the first into Nikolai, arriving at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, 14 mushers were en route to Nikolai. Jason Barron (Lincoln, Mont.) led a group that includes Cim Smyth (Big Lake), Zack Steer (Sheep Mountain), and former champs Martin Buser (Big Lake), Jeff King (Denali) and Robert Sorlie (Norway).

See www.iditarod.com for a complete list of standings.