Hugh Neff unrepentant after Iditarod bans him from 2019 race

Hugh Neffhas been banned from mushing in the 2019 Iditarodsled dog race.

The ban comes afterNeffhadalready beenbanned from next year's Yukon Quest, a 1,600-kilometreinternational sled dog race. The decision was maintained after a review meeting.

The veteran musher is not apologizing.

"We still disagree with those in charge of the Quest. Especially their rigged appeal hearing. Iditarod is just protecting itself," he wrote in an email to CBC News.

One ofNeff'sdogs died near the halfway point of the 2018 Yukon Quest.Officals say the dog had medical conditions that could have been prevented.

In a statement, theIditarodTrail Committee writes thatNeff'sapplication was denied"due to concerns over his lack of dog care during the 2018 Yukon Quest.The committee believes that the highest level of dog care must be achieved not only in its event but throughout the year."

TheIditarodTrail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race run

The committee adds it did not do a separate investigation than the Yukon Quest, but that "the [Iditarod Trail Committee] felt positive about the process the [Yukon Quest]used."

Neffwrote on social media that he still intends for his dogs to run.

This would be allowed by the rules, as the censures don't affect the kennel but the individual musher.

"Our grandpa Leroy Shank was oneof the main founders of [Yukon Quest], my wife Olivia is participating in [Yukon Quest] this year to honour him and the spirit of what mushing once was," Neff wrote.

'Clearly they took it as seriously as we did'

Natalie Haltrich, executive director for the Yukon Quest, said the race stands by its decision.

"It's good to see that there is a process of review in place," she said. "It is all about dog care andclearly they took it as seriously as we did."

Haltrichadded that the Iditarod's decision does not affect or compound the Yukon Quest's ban and that Neff would still be eligible to compete if he first completes a shorter race.

"We will welcome Hugh Neff back in future years should he be able to meet the requirements of the Yukon Quest," Haltrich said.

As per race policy, all of Neff's dogs had passedinspection before the start of the 2018 Yukon Quest.