A musher set to compete in the Iditarod has successfully raised funds to pay for expenses such as dog harnesses and leads, it has been reported.

Hank DeBruin’s coffers were boosted to the tune of $7,000 (£4,335) at a benefit event at Pinestone Resort, Ontario last weekend (January 23rd 2010), according to the Haliburton Echo.

Almost 100 people enjoyed rides with his canine team at the meeting, while a sponsorship auction also added cash to the pot.

A banquet was later held at the venue where Mr DeBruin discussed his affection for sled dogs.

The 47-year-old Canadian rookie has been taking part in races for the last 13 years.

He runs a business, Winterdance Dogsled Tours, to fund his event participation.

DeBruin is set to go up against the likes of Lance Mackey and Jeff King at the Last Great Race, which kicks off in Anchorage on March 6th 2010.

Other mushers to watch could include Newton Marshall, a Jamaican rookie who Mackey has taken under his wing in recent months.