A musher who recently competed in an Iditarod qualifying race said the experience was useful for his sled dogs.

Phil Morrison appeared at the John Beargrease Rally (JBR) last weekend (January 31st 2010) and told Fox 21 News that his squad was made up mostly of 18-month-old animals.

The Irishman, who worked in the dogs department of a police station before retiring, said most of his team are future stars.

He remarked: "This is about giving the dogs a positive experience and getting them used to this multi–day racing – the whole experience."

Morrison finished 19th out of 24 in the event, which was won by Nathan Schroeder in 40 hours, three minutes and 25 seconds.

Jason Barron was in second, with Denis Tremblay in third and Rick Larson and Peter McClelland completing the top five.

The JBR is now in its 27th year and is held in homage to John Beargrease, who was central to the development of a number of communities in Minnesota in the mid to late 19th century.