Mille Porsild scratches from Iditarod 54

Iditarod released a brief statement Tuesday afternoon of Iditarod Veteran and fan favorite Mille Porsild scratching in Elim earlier in the day. The release was short with no additional information.

"Veteran Musher Mille Porsild (bib #15) of Denmark, scratched Tuesday, March 17 at 11:43 a.m.  at the Elim checkpoint pursuant to Rule 42," the statement reads. "Porsild had 13 dogs in harness when she scratched."

Rule 42 is the expired dog rule. The race takes all dog deaths seriously and, as part of rule 42, will perform testing and necropsy to try to determine the cause of death. Rule 42 gives the musher the option to scratch or be withdrawn from the race when a dog expires.

Porsild was running in sixth position when she scratched.