Four-time Iditarod winner Lance Mackey has revealed mushers must take risks to cross the finish line in first place in the Last Great Race.

Speaking to Investor’s Business Daily about his career, the Fairbanks veteran said the 1,000-mile-plus event is not without its dangers and risks.

Mackey remarked: "You have to go to the brink. You have to go to that point where nobody else is willing to go."

Chas St George, a spokesperson for the Last Great Race, also spoke to the news provider about Mackey’s achievements in the sport, which have included winning the Yukon Quest four times.

He said Mackey has been more dominant over the past four years than many expected – and is the "definition of tough".

Mr St George said the Iditarod legend has left everyone trailing in his wake since he worked out just what it takes to beat all comers in the Last Great Race.

Mackey has not yet confirmed whether he will be attempting to win his fifth title at the next Iditarod, which is taking place in March 2011.