Hugh Neff wins the 2016 Yukon Quest, Sass takes 2nd

For the second time in four years, HughNeffand his team of nine dogs won the1,600-kilometreYukon Quest International Sled Dog Race,in front of hundreds of spectators,Monday afternoon.

Neff, of Tok, Alaska, held onto his late-race lead tocrossthe finishline first in Whitehorse, at 2:31p.m. local time. For the win, he will take home at least $23,000 US.

Neff won the Quest in 2012 and told the crowd he's happy to prove that wasn't a fluke.

"Personally I think I should have won this race five or six times by now, so I think I put that baby to bed," he said.

"I'm 48 years old now and I think maybe people think 48 is old for basketball or football or hockey, but for mushing it's just right."

Defending championBrent Sass of Eureka, Alaska, arrived second, at 3:52 p.m.PT.Sassdominated the firsthalf of the racefrom Fairbanks, Alaska, to Dawson City,but arrived inPellyCrossing in fourthplace. For arriving first into Dawson and finishing the race, Sass will take home four ounces of gold.

AllenMoore of Two Rivers, Alaska, who wonthe Quest in 2013 and 2014, is poised to take third place. He is trailed by MattHall, also of Two Rivers.

Yukon's Ed Hopkins of 10 Mile,Yukonremains in fifth place, well back of the remaining leaders.

The Yukon Quest started in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Feb. 6 with 23 mushers.Three mushers havescratched or werewithdrawn.