Hans Gatt is on course for victory in the Yukon Quest sled dog race after heading back onto the trail earlier today (February 12th 2010).

The 51-year-old Austrian, currently living in Whitehorse, was forced to take a 36-hour mandatory stop-over in Dawson City on Wednesday, to allow his canine companions to recharge their batteries.

He entered the check point, which is well over half way into the course, in front of a chasing pack that included Hugh Neff and Lance Mackey.

Mr Gatt took the opportunity to munch on muffins and have his geared checked over by officials.

He criticised the work of race marshals, stating the course markings have been difficult to spot.

However, despite this he is still hopeful of staying out in front and taking the title in milder conditions than previous years.

"I don’t mind mild temperatures at all. We were training in pretty hot weather all winter long, so the dogs are totally used to it," Gatt added.

The musher has previously won the Yukon Quest three times and finished tenth in the Iditarod last year.