FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Two Rivers musher Allen Moore took the lead briefly in the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race.

Moore, who finished second last year to defending champion Hugh Neff, passed Neff at McCabe Creek heading into Pelly late Sunday. But Neff was first out of Pelly to retake the lead Monday.

Last year's race turned out to be a battle between Moore and Neff. Moore led much of the race but Neff passed him in the end to win by 26 seconds in the closest finish ever in the 1,000-mile Quest.

The race began Saturday with 26 teams.

Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com