“SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”.
ON
THE 23rd SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE
(THE BIGGEST & GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD!)
(THE RACE WITH THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD)
(THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN THE PIGEON WORLD)
DUE TO BE HELD AT
HERON BANKS GOLF & RIVER ESTATE,
SOUTH AFRICA
ON
SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2019.
ANOTHER RACE SEASON STARTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE.
RESULTS FOR
TRAINING RACE 12, TRAINING RACE 13 & TRAINING RACE 14.
THE REMAINING RACE PROGRAMME IS AS FOLLOWS:- Training Race 12 on Tuesday 22nd January 2019 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 13 on Thursday 24th January 2019 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 14 on Saturday 26th January 2019 from 62km (39 miles). More short training tosses will take place over the next few days prior to basketing taking place on Thursday 31st January 2019. Then the Final Race takes place from 521km (324 miles) on Saturday 2nd February 2019.
The Race Organisers (Air Sport Internationale) and all the Official Loft Staff in South Africa wish all fanciers/entrants/syndicates and competitors from literally all over the world the best of luck during the forthcoming 2018/19 race series.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 12, which took place on Tuesday 22nd January 2019 and the 2,494 pigeons were liberated all together at 07.2O from KOPPIES 62km (39 miles) in fine and clear conditions with a moderate head wind, with a temperature of 17c (62f) and a good steady race was anticipated. As the day progressed the temperature would rise at midday to 35c (98f). This total was made up by 1,927 International pigeons, which included 137 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 57 pigeons from Ireland, plus 567 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed just 15 pigeons and this included 2 from the United Kingdom and none from Southern Ireland.
I logged on bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and it was another beautiful morning in South Africa and all of all of a sudden a big gang of about 60 pigeons approached the loft bang on line at 08.08 swung round the loft and were then immediately joined by another much bigger group, they all landed and then started to trap and as usual it was the first through the traps was the winner. Within a few minutes literally hundreds had returned home and all looked good for excellent race and good returns.
CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to ALI MUTLAQ AL-MAIEA from KUWAIT with pigeon named NIXON-33 bred by ALI MUTLAQ Al-MAIEA, which was officially clocked at 08.10.27.44 to record a winning velocity of 1404ypm (1273.26m/m), (21.221m/s) or 48 mph, this same pigeon won 1st OPEN in TR07 and has also won 7th, 31st & 46th OPEN, 2nd Ahmed Mohamed Fahmy from Egypt, this pigeon has won 2nd, 8th, 17th, 21st, 36th & 73rd OPEN, 3rd Team Krueger – Klaas from Germany, this pigeon has been very consistent and won a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 59th, 73rd, 81st, 84th & 84th OPEN, 4th Cimpean Sebastian from Romania, 5th Foster Sons & Daughter from United Kingdom, 6th Holts Loft from United States Of America, 7th Loft Al-Baker from Kuwait, 8th Loft Einkamerer from South Africa, 9th Ali Barrak Albadhani from Kuwait, 10th Soud Al-Braiky from Kuwait, 11th Eabad Wasmi from Kuwait, 12th Koopman Racing Team from Netherlands, 13th H+C Thorpe – McMorrow from Ireland, 14th SG Kespohl – Nottebaum from Germany, 15th Al-Watri Lofts from Kuwait, 16th Ken Easley from United States Of America, 17th Team Sigi from Germany, 18th Wolfram Coesfeld from Germany, 19th Club Pretoria Oos Wedvlugduiwe Klub from South Africa and 20th Deroose-Desmeyter from Belgium. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 12.71 seconds and had a total of 10 different countries represented and a total of 15 different countries in the top 50, with 50th being 25.12 seconds away from the actual race winner. A total of 500 pigeons were officially clocked by 08.11, then 1,000 by 08.12 and 2,000 by 08.14 and then 2,300 recorded by 08.16 and finally 2,473 by 16.56 and this total included 137 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 55 pigeons from Ireland. This meant that just 21 pigeons were still missing.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 12 amounted to US$3,446.75c (approx. £2,758) and had a total of 123 pigeons entered which included 4 from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland and there were a total of 409 Nominations. There were no United Kingdom or Ireland winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 5th OPEN went to FOSTER SONS & DAUGHTER with pigeon named VET EM which was bred by MILES FOSTER & SONS from LISS, which was officially clocked at 08.08.44.08, just 02.41 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 41st Open Darling & Ede with pigeon bred by this partnership from Southampton, 3rd UK, 32nd Open Merry Christmas Syndicate with pigeon bred by Craig Miller and entered by Phil Bond from Torquay, 4th UK, 43rd Open Team Lincs with pigeon bred by Paul & Tracey Stacey from Sleaford, 5th UK, 46th Open Planet Brothers with pigeon bred by Gary & John Squibb from Romford, 6th UK, 54th Open Team Islwyn with pigeon bred by Robert Jones from Port Talbot, 7th UK, 87th Open TadT with pigeon bred by Crossley & Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 8th UK, 97th Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 9th UK, 104th Open Brian Clayburn with pigeon bred by Brian Clayburn from Ackworth, 10th UK, 115th Open another for Team Lincs with a second pigeon bred by Paul & Tracey Stacey from Sleaford, 11th UK, 164th Open Paul Smith Syndicate entered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 12th UK, 176th Open another for Foster Sons & Daughter with a second pigeon bred by miles Foster & Sons from Liss, 13th UK, 179th Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 14th UK, 199th Open Chris Turner with pigeon bred by Chris Turner & Debbie Neale from Coventry, this pigeon is current holding 1st UK Overall Averages and 1st UK County Challenge Averages, 15th UK, 189th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a second pigeon bred Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 16th UK, 237th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a third pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 17th UK, 267th Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 18th UK, 284th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 19th UK, 309th Open Scotlands Own Syndicate with pigeon bred by Sean Trodden and entered by Barry Kinnear from Edinburgh and then 20th UK, 311th Open John Cooper with pigeon bred by John Cooper from Pontypridd. A total of 50 pigeons being officially clocked by 08.12, then 100 by 08.13 and then 135 by 08.29 leaving just 4 pigeons to return to the race loft. Finally 137 clocked by 16.56, making it a 100% return.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 12. There were no entries.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES has a total of 73 pigeons entered and after 17 races holding 1st CHRIS TURNER with pigeon named PEBBLES bred by CHRIS TURNER & DEBBIE NEALE from COVENTRY with a combined flying time of 24.01.25.22 holding onto same position as previous race,
2nd BERKSHIRE BOYS with pigeon named JAMIES GIRL with a combined flying time of 25.16.18.41 holding onto the same position as the previous race and 3rd MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named CATCH ME IF YOU CAN bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE with a combined flying time of 25.25.07.57 holding onto the same position as the previous race. WELL DONE TO SALL THESE FANCIERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 13th OPEN went to H+C THORPE – McMORROW with pigeon named JIMS GIRL, bred by this partnership which was officially clocked at 08.08.49.13, just 07.46 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 111th Open another for H+C Thorpe – McMorrow with a second pigeon bred by this partnership, 3rd Ireland, 112th Open Grove Hill Lofts with pigeon bred by MC Conlon, 4th Ireland, 277th Open another for H+C Thorpe – McMorrow with a third pigeon bred by this partnership, 5th Ireland, 294th Open Maurice O’Donnell with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell and then 6th Ireland, 299th Open Jackpot Lofts with pigeon bred by Karl Donnelly. A total of 50 pigeons being officially clocked by 08.15, then 55 by 08.17, leaving 3 pigeons to return to the race loft. One further pigeon returned by 16.56, leaving 2 to return to the race loft.
IRELAND COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS in TRAINING RACE 12. There were no entries.
IRELAND COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES has a total of just 8 pigeons entered and after 17 races holding 1st PHILIP & MARK SMITH with pigeon named RHYS bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 27.35.42.68 holding onto the same position as the previous race, 2nd PHILIP & MARK SMITH with pigeon named FLORANCE and bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 28.00.26.30 holding onto the same position as the previous race and the 3rd PAT MAHER with pigeon named MIGHTY MOUSE bred by PAT MAHER with a combined flying time of 32.55.09.32 holding onto the same position as the previous race.
THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after 17 races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to MOHAMED ASSAD from KUWAIT with pigeon named ROLEX bred by MOHAMED ASSAD, with a combined flying time of 23.51.38.24 holding onto the same place from the last race. Then 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 4th OPEN goes to CHRIS TURNER with pigeon named PEBBLES bred by CHRIS TURNER & DEBBIE NEALE from COVENTRY with a combined flying time of 24.01.25.22 up one position as the previous race. 1st IRELAND, 50th OPEN goes to H+C THORPE – McMORROW with pigeon named BILLY GIRL bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 24.48.57.97 down one position as the previous race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 13, which took place on
Thursday 24th January 2019 and the 2,501 pigeons were liberated all together at
07.20 from KOPPIES 62km (39 miles) in fine and clear conditions with a strong head wind, with a temperature of 19c (66f) and a good steady race was anticipated.
By 09.00 the temperature was already 25c (78f) and once again as the day progressed the temperature would rise to 36c (100f) by 14.00.
This total was made up of 1,927 International pigeons, which included 136 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 57 pigeons from Ireland, plus 574 from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back list only showed 5 pigeons and this included 1 pigeon from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland.
Once again I was up bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and it was another beautiful morning in South Africa and an ideal racing day and I predicated the winner would be between 53/55 minutes. then all of a sudden at 08.13 bang on time a gang of about 100 pigeons approached the race loft bang on line, swung round a couple of times and then they hit the trapping area and within a few minutes literally hundreds of pigeons had been officially recorded.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to DU PREEZ – DEETLEFS from SOUTH AFRICA with pigeon named QUEEN 1 bred by DU PREEZ – DEETLEFS, which was officially clocked at 08.13.59.27 to record a winning velocity of 1272ypm (1148.4m/m), (19.14m/s) or 43mph. Taking 2nd Loft Al-Baker from Kuwait, with pigeon named Alzayed 2 that has already won 1st Open TR1, 19th Open TR9, 8th Open TR10, 1st Open TR11, 7th Open TR12 and now 2nd Open TR13 what an outstanding sprint pigeon, 3rd Mayer Vom Kreuttal from Austria, 4th Ali Mutlaq Al-Maiea from Kuwait, 5th SG Kespohl – Nottebaum from Germany, 6th Team Brandy from Germany, 7th Ali Barrak Albadhani from Kuwait, 8th Aldahoum Team Loft from Kuwait, 9th Grande Loft from United States Of America, 10th Eabad Wasmi from Kuwait, 11th Club Kroonstad Pigeon Club from South Africa, 12th Holts Loft from United States Of America, 13th Team Didden – Cipriani from Belgium, 14th John Leggio from United States Of America, 15th Thamer Rashed from Kuwait, 16th Team Sunkissed from Netherlands, 17th another for Holts Loft from United States Of America, 18th Team Stieneker – Zager from Germany, 19th Team Pulverturm from Germany and 20th E Tufte–O Hegland from Denmark. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 10.74 seconds and had a total of 8 different countries represented and a total of 13 different countries represented in the top 50, with 50th being 16.09 seconds away from the actual race winner. A total of 1,000 pigeons were officially clocked up to 08.17, then 2,000 by 08.20, then 2,300 by 08.22 and 2,474 by 09.58, then finally 2,479 by 16.34. This left only 22 to return to the race loft.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 13 amounted to US$2,713.20c (approx. £2,171) and had a total of 92 pigeons entered which included 2 from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland and there were 324 Nominations. There was no United Kingdom or Ireland winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 41st OPEN went to FOSTER SONS & DAUGHTER with pigeon named VET EM which was bred by MILES FOSTER & SONS from LISS, which was officially clocked at 08.14.14.30 just 05.03 seconds after the actual race winner. This pigeon also won 1st UK in the previous TR12, plus 9th, 103rd, 48th, 137th, 26th & 5th OPEN. Taking 2nd UK, 54th Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 3rd UK, 61st Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 4th UK, 75th Open Planet Brothers with pigeon bred by Gary & John Squibb from Romford, 5th UK, 104th Open Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 6th UK, 104th Open Team Islwyn with pigeon bred by Robert Jones from Port Talbot, this pigeon is also flying very consistently and is currently holding 2nd UK, 7th OPEN in the Overall Averages, 7th UK, 138th Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Tony Guy from Wolverhampton and entered by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 8th UK, 148th Open Team Fev Flyers with pigeon bred by Stephen Bannister from Wetherby, 9th UK, 163rd Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, this pigeon has also scored numerous time and won 3 x 1sts and a 2nd, 2 x 4ths, 5th UK, also won 1st UK Country Challenge in HSCR1 and 9th OPEN and it was also leading the UK Overall Averages early on, 10th UK, 215th Open Chris Turner with his super pigeon named Pebbles bred by Chris Turner & Debbie Neale from Coventry, this pigeon is currently holding onto 1st UK, 3rd OPEN in the Overall Averages and 1st UK Country Challenge Overall Averages,
11th UK, 222nd Open Scotlands Own Syndicate with pigeon bred by Sean Trodden and entered by Barry Kinnear from Edinburgh, 12th UK, 226th Open Dyserth + Backpath Lofts with pigeon bred by Mark Williams from Prestatyn, 13th UK, 231st Open John Cooper with pigeon bred by John Cooper from Pontypridd, 14th UK, 258th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 15th UK, 288th Open another for Foster Sons & Daughter with a second pigeon bred by Miles Foster & Sons from Liss, 16th UK, 321st Open another for Foster Sons & Daughter with a third pigeon bred by Miles Foster & Sons from Liss, 17th UK, 328th Open Merry Christmas Syndicate with pigeon bred by Craig Miller and entered by Phil Bond from Torquay, 18th UK, 334th Open Teardrop Lofts with pigeon bred by Michael Benson from Manchester,
19th UK, 393rd Open Team Lincs with pigeon bred by Paul & Tracey Stacey from Sleaford and 20th UK, 417th Open Brian Clayburn with pigeon bred by Brian Clayburn from Ackworth, past winner of the SCMDPR. A total of 50 United Kingdom pigeons were officially clocked by 08.18, then 100 by 08.20 and then 132 by 08.30, then 133 by 11.12 and finally still 133 by 16.34, leaving just 3 to return to the race loft.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 13. There were no entries.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES has a total of 73 pigeons entered and after 18 races holding 1st CHRIS TURNER with pigeon named PEBBLES bred by CHRIS TURNER & DEBBIE NEALE from COVENTRY with a combined flying time of 24.56.33.39 holding onto same position as previous race,
2nd BERKSHIRE BOYS with pigeon named JAMIES GIRL with a combined flying time of 26.13.01.22 holding onto the same position as the previous race and 3rd MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named CATCH ME IF YOU CAN bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE with a combined flying time of 26.21.21.18 holding onto the same position as the previous race.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 48th OPEN went to H+C THORPE – McMORROW with pigeon named TAYLOR bred by this partnership, which was officially clocked at 08.14.14.99 just 15.72 seconds behind the actual race winner.
Taking 2nd Ireland, 59th Open Maurice O’Donnell with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell, 3rd Ireland, 124th Open Grove Hill Lofts with pigeon bred by MC Conlon, 4th Ireland, 158th Open another for H+C Thorpe – McMorrow with a second pigeon bred by this partnership, this pigeon is currently holding 1st Ireland, 48th Open in the Overall Averages, 5th Ireland, 168th Open Jos Reilly – Team Ireland with pigeon bred by Jos Reilly and 6th Ireland, 192nd Open PJ & Donal with pigeon bred by Don Begley. A total of 50 Ireland pigeons were officially clocked by 08.20, then 55 by 08.27 and 57 by 11.12, leaving none to return to the race loft.
IRELAND COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 13 had no pigeons entered.
IRELAND COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES has a total of just 8 pigeons entered and after 18 races holding 1st PHILIP & MARK SMITH with pigeon named RHYS bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 28.34.19.34 holding onto the same position as the previous race, 2nd PHILIP & MARK SMITH with pigeon named FLORANCE and bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 28.58.58.81 holding onto the same position as the previous race and the 3rd PAT MAHER with pigeon named MIGHTY MOUSE bred by PAT MAHER with a combined flying time of 33.52.26.92 holding onto the same position as the previous race.
THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after 18 races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to MOHAMED ASSAD from KUWAIT with pigeon named ROLEX bred by MOHAMED ASSAD, with a combined flying time of 24.46.06.68 holding onto the same position as the last race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 3rd OPEN goes to CHRIS TURNER with pigeon named PEBBLES bred by CHRIS TURNER & DEBBIE NEALE from COVENTRY, with a combine flying time of 24.56.33.39 moving up 1 position from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 48th OPEN goes to H+C THORPE – McMORROW with pigeon named JIMS GIRL bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 25.44.36.69 moving up 2 positions from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 14, which took place on
Saturday 26th January 2019 and the 2,520 pigeons were liberated all together nice and early at 06.00 from 114km (71 miles) in fine and cool conditions with a moderate head wind, with a temperature of 17c (62f) and a good steady race was anticipated. As the day progressed the temperature would rise to 34c (96f). This total was made up of 1,941 International pigeons, which included 138 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 58 pigeons from Ireland, plus 579 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed 10 pigeons and this included one from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland.
Once again I was up bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and it was another beautiful morning in South Africa and an ideal racing day and I predicted the winners would clock about 07.30 then all of a sudden at 07.28 a gang of about 100 pigeons approached the race loft bang on line, swung round a couple of times and then they hit the trapping area and within a few minutes literally hundreds of pigeons had been officially recorded.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to TEAM PULVERTURM from GERMANY with pigeon named MAGDELENA MAKE ME HAPPY bred by KARL & TIMO WAGNER, which was officially clocked at 07.28.26.04 to record a winning velocity of 1420ypm (1289.1m/m), (21.485m/s) or 48mph. Taking 2nd Karl-Heinz Koch from Germany, 3rd Klaus Wuestefeld from Germany, 4th Dagmar und Edwin Voll from Germany, 5th Helmut + Alfons Klaas from Germany, 6th Hermann Wienekamp from Germany, 7th Du Preez – Deetiefs from South Africa, with the same pigeon that win TR13, 8th Bet-Right Lofts from United Kingdom, 9th Wolfram Coesfeld from Germany, 10th Mr & Mrs Andy Mabin from United Kingdom, 11th Hakuna Matata from Germany, 12th Grande Loft from United States Of America, 13th Dutch Quarantine & Vet Services from Netherlands, 14th SG Kespohl – Nottebaum from Germany, 15th Da Shi from United States Of America, 16th Team Bosch from Germany, 17th Ahmed Mohamed Fahmy from Egypt, 18th Guido Barth from Belgium, 19th Ignacio Dorronsoro from United States Of America and 20th Chris Turner from United Kingdom. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 08.52 seconds and had a total of 6 different countries represented and a total of 11 different countries represented in the top 50, with 50th being just 17.07 seconds away from the actual race winner. A fantastic race for the German Team taking the top six positions in the race. A total of 500 pigeons were officially clocked up to 07.31, 1,000 by 07.33, then 1,500 by 07.36, the 2,000 by 07.40 and then 2,400 by 09.04 and finally 2,476 by 18.48,
this total included 136 United Kingdom pigeons and 58 pigeons from Ireland, leaving 44 pigeons to return to the race loft. Another 12 pigeons returned to the race lofts early on Sunday morning, making just 32 pigeons still to return to the race loft.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 14 amounted to US$5,706.05c (approx. £4,565) and had a total of 188 pigeons entered which included 6 from the United Kingdom and 4 from Ireland and there were 642 Nominations. There was one United Kingdom and no Ireland winners. 20th OPEN was CHRIS TURNER with his very consistent pigeon named PEBBLES bred by CHRIS TURNER & DEBBIE NEALE from COVENTRY and this pigeon won a cool US$2,728 (£2,183) for its efforts. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 8th OPEN went to BET-RIGHT LOFTS with pigeon named CAPE OF GOOD HOPE which was bred by M BETTS and entered by JERRY WRIGHT from LUTTERWORTH, which was officially clocked at 07.28.28.50 just 02.46 seconds after the actual race winner. This pigeon had already won 5th, 6th, 30th, 107th & 155th OPEN but failed to clock from the previous TR13. Taking 2nd UK, 10th Open Mr & Mrs Andy Mabin with pigeon bred by this husband and wife partnership from Totnes, 3rd UK, 20th Open Chris Turner with pigeon bred by Chris Turner & Debbie Neale from Coventry, this pigeon named Pebbles is currently holding onto 1st UK, 3rd OPEN in the Overall Averages, plus 1st UK in the UK Country Challenge Overall Averages, one to look for in the FINAL RACE, 4th UK, 24th Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 5th UK, 59th Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 6th UK, 85th Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Tony Guy and entered by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 7th UK, 86th Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 8th UK, 96th Open Team Islwyn with pigeon bred by Robert Jones from Port Talbot, 9th UK, 111th Open Foster Sons & Daughter with pigeon bred by Miles Foster Sons & Daughter from Liss, 10th UK, 126th Open Mike Chadwick with pigeon bred by Mike Chadwick from Dronfield, 11th UK, 129th Open another for Mr & Mrs Andy Mabin with a second pigeon bred by this husband and wife partnership from Totnes, 12th UK, 135th Open Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 13th UK, 136th Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 14th UK, 146th Open another for Millys Loft with a fourth pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 15th UK, 150th Open another for Foster Sons & Daughter with a second pigeon bred by Miles Foster & Sons from Liss, 16th UK, 154th Open another for Foster Sons & Daughter with a third pigeon bred by Miles Foster Sons & Daughter from Liss, 17th UK, 167th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a second pigeon entered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 18th UK, 189th Open Planet Brothers with pigeon bred by Gary & John Squibb from Romford, 19th UK, 193rd Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a third pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and 20th UK, 291st Open G+L Syndicate with pigeon bred by Nigel Langstaff from Fontwell. A total of 50 United Kingdom pigeons were officially clocked by 07.33, then 100 by 07.38 and then 135 by 10.17 and 136 by 18.46, leaving just 2 still to return to the race loft. One more UK pigeon returned on Sunday morning, leaving just 1 pigeon to return to the race loft.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 14. There were no pigeons entered.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES has a total of 73 pigeons entered and after 19 races holding 1st CHRIS TURNER with pigeon named PEBBLES bred by CHRIS TURNER & DEBBIE NEALE from COVENTRY with a combined flying time of 26.25.07.96 holding onto the same position as previous race, 2nd BERKSHIRE BOYS with pigeon named JAMIES GIRL with a combined flying time of 27.45.31.10 holding onto the same position as the previous race
and 3rd MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named CATCH ME IF YOU CAN bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE with a combined flying time of 27.50.49.80 holding onto the same position as the previous race.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 37th OPEN went to H+C THORPE – McMORROW with pigeon named TAYLOR bred by this partnership, which was officially clocked at 07.28.39.44, just 13.40 seconds behind the actual race winner. This same pigeon won 1st Ireland, 48th Open in the previous TR13. Taking 2nd Ireland, 65th Open Jos Reilly – Team Ireland with pigeon bred by Jos Reilly,
3rd Ireland, 72nd Open another for H+C Thorpe – McMorrow with a second pigeon bred by this partnership, 4th Ireland, 112th Open Maurice O’Donnell with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell, 5th Ireland, 131st Open another for Maurice O’Donnell with a second pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell and 6th Ireland, 175th Open Moran & Bowden with pigeon bred by Andy Moran. A total of 50 Ireland pigeons were officially clocked by 07.40, then 57 by 11.57 and then finally 58 by 18.46, making a 100% return.
IRELAND COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 14. There were no entries.
IRELAND COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES has a total of just 8 pigeons entered and after 19 races holding 1st PHILIP & MARK SMITH with pigeon named RHYS bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 30.09.30.00 holding onto the same position as the previous race, 2nd PHILIP & MARK SMITH with pigeon named FLORANCE and bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 30.39.57.97 holding onto the same position as the previous race and the 3rd PAT MAHER with pigeon named MIGHTY MOUSE bred by PAT MAHER with a combined flying time of 35.25.30.73 holding onto the same position as the previous race.
THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after 19 races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to MOHAMED ASSAD from KUWAIT with pigeon named ROLEX bred by MOHAMED ASSAD, with a combined flying time of 26.15.38.39 holding onto the same position as the previous race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 3rd OPEN goes to CHRIS TURNER with pigeon named PEBBLES bred by CHRIS TURNER & DEBBIE NEALE from COVENTRY, with a combined flying time of 25.25.07.96 holding onto the same position as the previous race. 1st IRELAND, 41st OPEN goes to H+C THORPE – McMORROW with pigeon named BILLY GIRL bred by this partnership with a combined flying time of 27.13.27.22 up 7 positions from the previous race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
We now move on to the FINAL RACE which is due to be held on SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2019 from 521km (324 miles) and I would personally like to wish all competitors all the best in the FINAL RACE.
Numerous “Loft Reports”, “Updates”, “Photographs” and “Videos” have been placed on the informative SAMDPR website for all to see and these are all available now on the dedicated website www.samdpr.com
GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU AND THANKS AGAIN TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT, I CAN ASSURE YOU IT REALLY IS GREATLY APPRECIATED BY ME AND OF COURSE THE RACE ORGANISERS.
Although the race is now named THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE, the total to be paid out in cash and prizes in the 2018/19 race series exceeds US$2.2 Million American Dollars or approximately £1.76 Million Pounds Sterling. No other one-loft race in the world today can boast of such massive pay outs and this race is now in its twenty second year and has for the last twenty-one years paid out all of its projected prize money, that is why its reputation of this great race has increased, plus it has already paid out in the last twenty one races, prize money in excess of US$38 Million American Dollars (£26 Million Pounds Sterling), which is a remarkable achievement in itself in one loft racing and one that the race organisers are very proud of. It should also be mentioned that the Prize Money and Awards in THE 23rd SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE will be the same as paid out for THE 22nd SAMDPR.
As mentioned earlier only races of 50km (approx. 31 miles) will count towards The 23rd South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$10,000 (approx. £7,692), US$5,000 (approx. £3,846) and US$2,500 (approx. £1,923) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this category after The Final Race has been completed.
NOMINATION RACES will be held and officially start on TRAINING RACE 1, plus the HOT SPOT CAR RACES 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and of course the FINAL RACE. See SAMDPR Web Site for full details. All these races will have US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 COUNTRY/REGIONAL and US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 GLOBAL NOMINATIONS which can be placed on THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR Web Site. If you wish to enter any of these NOMINATIONS, you will have to have credit in your ASI Master Account. If you do not have any credit in your own personal Air Sport Account then please forward funds to your Country Race Co-ordinator/Shipper so that this can then be transferred to your Master Account in time to get your NOMINATIONS placed. Please do not leave it to the last minute to transfer funds as the transfer may not go through in time and this could result in your pigeon or pigeons not winning what they should be rewarded with.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONCERNED AND REGULAR “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES”, “NEWSLETTERS” AND “UPDATES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO ALL COMPETITORS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATE SHAREHOLDERS ON A WEEKLY BASIS BY EMAIL OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. ALSO WEEKLY “PRESS RELEASES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO BOTH OUR TWO PIGEON PUBLICATIONS NAMELY THE “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” AND “”THE RACING PIGEON” PLUS IT WILL ALSO BE ON MY REGENCY LOFTS WEB SITE www.regencylofts.com FOR ALL TO VIEW.
***WHAT CAN BE WON DURING THIS 2018/19 RACE SERIES*** Prizes and awards now add up to a staggering US$2.2 Million American Dollars £1.70 Million Pounds Sterling) and these include 5 x Brand New Motor Cars valued at US$16,000 (£12,308), 1 for the First Activated Pigeon in each of the 5 x Car Races, also plus 95 x US$1,100 (£846) Hot Spot Cash Prizes (it should be noted that the Motor Car Winner does not receive a US$1,100 Cash Prize), these 95 x US$1,100 Cash Prizes are split into 19 x US$1,100 (£846) Cash Prizes for each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, a US$5,000 (£3,846) Car Race Hot Spot Ace Pigeon Award for the best pigeon in these 5 races, A Two-Bird Average Competition and a US$2,000 (£1,538) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots & The Final Race, A Three-Bird Average Competition and a US$3,000 (£2,308) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots & The Final Race, The South African Million Dollar Ace Pigeon Award carries US$17,500 in Prize Money, split into three cash prizes with 1st US$10,000 (£7,692), 2nd US$5,000 (£3,846) and 3rd US$2,500 (£1,923) Cash Prizes for the 3 pigeons with the best overall average in all the Official Training Races over 50km (31 miles) and 5 x Car Race Hot Spots and the Final Race. There will also be an overall Knockout Winner Competition and US$25,000 (£19,231) Prize Money, which starts on the Car Race Hot Spot 2 and the winner is the first one to be clocked in the “FINAL RACE” (over the past few years there has been around 40/60 pigeons still left in this competition). There will also be 3 x Country Cash Prizes of US$125 (£96), US$75 (£58) and US$50 (£39) in each of the first 4 x Car Race Hot Spots (1 to 4). In the 5th Car Race Hot Spot US$70 (£54) from every entry will be added to the starting Prize Money of US$250 (£192) for the Country Challenge. All the Prize Money will be paid out to the first three Country Challenge entered pigeons in a ratio of 50%, 30% & 20%. The SAMDPR website will have an up to the date listing of which pigeons are entered and how much Prize Money will be flown for, plus and an ACE Pigeon Country Challenge which will be won on the FINAL RACE. There is an Entry Fee of US$120 (£98) per pigeon to enter these Country Challenge Competitions and this has to be paid for before the basketing for the 3rd Hot Spot Car Race. The COUNTRY CHALLENGE ACE PIGEON, all countries participating will be given a US$200 (£160) starting Prize Money and US$40 (£32) from each Country Challenge entry fee goes to the “WINNER TAKES ALL” cash prize, which will be awarded to the first Country Challenge pigeon which is clocked in THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON FINAL RACE. The pigeon that wins this award will be named the COUNTRY CHALLENGE ACE PIGEON. It should also be mentioned that during the 2016/17 race series the UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE paid out £14,777 in PRIZE MONEY. Then in the “FINAL RACE” on the 2nd February 2019 there are also 10 magnificent gold pendants to be won worth well over US$1,000 (£770) each and now over US$1.02 Million American Dollars in Prize Money (£1.70 Million Pounds) and 300 cash prizes being on offer.
THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL RACE & US$1,000 (approx. £770) NOMINATION will also take place on the “FINAL RACE” and the winning will be A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ SLK 555 MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$85,000 (approx. £65,400). (ONLY “ACTIVATED” PIGEONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE FOR ANY OF THESE SPECIAL CASH PRIZES OR AWARDS). This new competition was very well supported in its first year and had over 160 entries and was so successful that it also paid out a staggering 2nd prize of US$54,000 cash. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to win a fabulous new car. The 19th SAMDPR attracted about 140 entries and two staggering prizes were once again won by two worthy winners. The 20th SAMDPR attracted over 100 entries and the US$85,000 (£68,000) was won by Lloyd & Kelly from the UK, who actually won 37th OPEN in the FINAL RACE. It was the first Activated pigeons and walked away with the top award. In The 21st SAMDPR Michael Mellor from Crewe was the runner-up for this prestigious award, with over 100 entries, which once again just goes to show that the UK pigeons will hold their own against the best pigeons in the world. In The 22nd SAMDPR, Karl Donnelly from Ireland won this fantastic prize, when his pigeon won 5th OPEN.
PRIZE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE 23rd SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR FINAL RACE, WILL NOW BE AS FOLLOWS:- 1st US$200,000 (approx. £154,000), 2nd US$125,000 (approx. £96,000), 3rd US$75,000 (approx. £58,000), 4th US$50,000 (approx. £39,000), 5th US$35,000 (approx. £27,000), 6th US$20,000 (£15,000), 7th US$17,500 (£13,500), 8th US$15,000 (£11,500), 9th US$12,500 (£9,600), 10th US$10,000 (approx. £7,700), 11th/15th US$7,000 each (approx. £5,385), 16th/20th US$5,000 each (approx. £3,846), 21st/30th US$3,500 each (approx. £2,692), 31st/40th US$3,000 each (approx. £2,307), 41st/50th US$2,500 each (approx. £1,923), 51st/70th US$2,000 each (£1,538), 71st/100th US$1,750 each (£1,346), 101st/150th US$1,500 each (£1,154), 151st/200th US$1,100 each (£846) and then 201st/250th US$1,000 each (£770), 251st/300th US$500 each (£385). (Subject to terms and conditions of entry). The actual cash prizes stated above represent exchange rates (1.30) at the current time and may of course change at the time of each race depending what the currency exchange rate is on the actual race day. A total of US$1,002,500 Million American Dollars (£772,000 Pounds Sterling) Prize Money will be paid out in this FINAL RACE.
Something else worth mentioning that seven brand new motor cars have been won by fanciers representing the United Kingdom Team in the last seven years, Richard Elliott/Robbie Prettejohn and Chris Gordon both won new motor cars during the 2005/6 race series and Paul & Dave McCarthy won one a new motor car during the 2006/7 series. During the 2011/12 race series fanciers from the UK won a staggering 3 x brand new motor cars and these were won by Nev & Angi Evans & Steve Cuthbert, Robert & Peter Montila and then Phil Bond. Alistair Hogg also won a brand new motor car during the 2017/18 race series. This in itself was an outstanding team performance. No other country has ever won three cars on the trot. Also an Irish fancier named John Nash also won a brand new motor car in the 2008/9 race series. I am very hopeful that somebody from the United Kingdom or Ireland will also win one or maybe more brand new motor cars during the 2018/19 race series. I can confirm that Garret Hensey from Ireland won a brand new motor car in HSCR3 in the 2018/19 race series. GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS.
I would also just like to notify fanciers that my weekly “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”, “NEWSLETTERS” and “UPDATES” can now also be seen on the following pigeon web sites:- www.regencylofts.com www.iprr.co.uk www.elimarpigeons.com www.pigeonportal.com www.pigeonglobe.co.uk www.cyberpigeon.co.uk www.pigeonbasics.com www.starpigeons.com www.pigeonpixels.co.uk www.theloftreport.com www.oneloftracing.com www.ukpigeonracing.co.uk www.AvianExportServices.com www.pigeonnetwork.com plus of course they will also be published in the “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” and “THE RACING PIGEON” weeklies and many other international world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy.
The race date for THE 24th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has already been provisionally agreed and confirmed by the race organisers as SATURDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2020. (However, this date is still awaiting final confirmation).
If you are interested in participating, helping us or acting a Country Race Team Co-ordinator/Shipper, then please telephone me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or SMS or email on reglofts@aol.com and I will give you all the information you require. My two proposed shipping dates for THE 24th SAMDPR will take about the middle of MAY 2019 and then the second one should be around the middle of JUNE 2019. Of course these two dates will be confirmed nearer the time. I strongly recommend that you try to ship your race entries on the 1st shipping date as this then gives these pigeons much more time to settle into the race loft.
If you have any questions about any aspect of THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE, then please contact me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or by SMS or email at reglofts@aol.com and I will do my best to answer any of your questions or queries about this great race.
These “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES” do take a lot of my time to prepare and I try to get as much into them as possible as I know fanciers and entrants like to know what is happening, unfortunately some time, some information will not be to hand when the print deadline is reached so can’t be included in that report. I can only apologise if I leave something or somebody out but I can assure everybody that I do my best to get as much information as possible to put into each of these international reports and give credit to those that deserve it.
IF ANY PIGEON FANCIER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR IN FACT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE MY WEEKLY “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES”, “NEWSLETTERS” AND “UPDATES” BY EMAIL, THEN ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS EMAIL ME THEIR ACTUAL EMAIL ADDRESS I WILL PUT THEM ON MY EMAIL DATABASE AND I WILL THEN FORWARD THEM ALL THE INFORMATION BY EMAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS.
BEST OF LUCK TO ALL THE PIGEON FANCIERS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATES WORLDWIDE DURING THE 2018/19 RACE SERIES.
THIS PHOTOGRAPH ABOVE SHOWS THE COMPLETED BRAND NEW 370 FOOT (113 METRES) STATE OF THE ART RACING LOFT WHICH IS SITUATED IN STUNNING SURROUNDINGS ON THE OUTSTANDING HERON BANKS GOLF & RIVER ESTATE, VAAL RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA. IT HAS THE TRAPPING/CLOCKING SECTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LOFT, WHICH IS BELOW THE ADMINISTRATION CENTRE AND HAS 44 EQUAL SIZED SECTIONS (22 EACH SIDE) THAT ARE ALL ACCESSED FROM A FULL LENGTH CORRIDOR THAT RUNS ALONG THE BACK OF THIS FABULOUS PIGEON LOFT. ALL THE 44 SECTIONS HAVE GRILLED FLOORING AND THE LOFT HAS A TOTAL PERCH CAPACITY FOR WELL OVER 9,500 PIGEONS IN COMFORT.
If you wish to know any more information on this prestigious international pigeon race please contact me ASAP:-
Paul Smith, United Kingdom Race Team Co-ordinator/Shipper and International Race Co-ordinator for The 23rd South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, which is due to be held at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel, South Africa on Saturday 2nd February 2019. Regency Lofts Limited,
2, Highmead, off Coltsfield, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. CM24 8LJ. England. Tel/Fax:- 01279-812005. (Int. Code:- +44-1279-812005). Mobile:- 07860-568216. Email Address:- reglofts@aol.com Regency Lofts Website:- www.regencylofts.com Skype Address:- talbot7944 Twitter Address:- PaulSmith@SmithReglofts
The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race Website:- www.samdpr.com]]>