“SECOND INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”.
ON
TRAINING RACES 3 & 4.
IN
THE 21st 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 4th FEBRUARY 2017.
ANOTHER RACE SEASON STARTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE.
After the first two Training Races LIVESTREAM was back and running at the race loft and as I was away at the Telford Trade Show for the weekend I logged onto my iPad bright and early at 05.10 on Saturday morning in my hotel room to watch the pigeons arrive from TR3. Once again it is fantastic to be able to sit nearly 6,000 miles away and watch the pigeon arrive back home. It was not long before the first small gang arrived at 07.15 (SA time) or 05.15 GMT, they swung round the loft and were joined by many more small gangs, then all of a sudden hundreds hit the landing platform and started to trap. I also had my iPhone on with the result and all of a sudden I was delighted to see 1st OPEN and the UNION JACK flying at the top of the result, it was ZANDYS DREAM TEAM from the UNITED KINGDOM, which is one of my syndicates, making it really worth while getting up early to watch. The pigeons just fell out of the sky with literally hundreds being clocked within a few minutes of the winner. Within a few minutes I was receiving emails and messages from all over the world, congratulating me on this win. It is always nice to hit the number one spot, especially as another one of my syndicates was 2nd Open in TR2 a few days before, beaten for 1st Open by just 2.55 seconds. https://youtu.be/MzoEZPv5wX4 TRAINING RACE 3 took place on Saturday 26th November 2016 from 62km (39 miles) and a total of 3,728 pigeons were basketed from 35 different countries and this total included 3,470 International and 258 South African pigeons and this total also included 297 from the United Kingdom and 49 from Ireland. A total of 271 pigeons were not basketed, these included 7 from the United Kingdom and 1 from Ireland, these were all left in the lofts because they had made mistakes earlier in the week. Total still in the loft was 3,999 pigeons. The convoy were liberated at 06-30 in cool conditions, with a moderate head wind, 15c (58f) and a good race was anticipated. The temperature was expected to rise to during the day with afternoon thunderstorms. CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to ZANDYS DREAM TEAM from UNITED KINGDOM with pigeon named ZANDYS POWER bred by PAUL SMITH, which was officially clocked at 07.15.38.40 to record a winning velocity of 1492ypm (22.641 m/s) (50mph), 2nd Aldahoum Loft from Kuwait, 3rd Bader M F Al-Jwesr from Kuwait, 4th Team Chattenfighter from Germany, 5th Jack Olsen Loft from United States Of America, 6th A Defaulter Pigeon, 7th Koopman Racing Team from Netherlands, 8th another for Aldahoum Loft from Kuwait, 9th Sheikh Abdulla Mohammad Al Thani from Qatar, 10th Piet Manders from Belgium, 11th Marian Mucha from United States Of America, 12th Saad R Alabhoul from Kuwait, 13th Comb van Wanrooij from Netherlands, 14th Buttner GiA from Poland, 15th Werner Kugelmann from Germany, 16th Club Florida HS from South Africa, 17th Sami Alfashli from Kuwait, 18th another for Koopman Racing Team from Netherlands, 19th Blessing Loft from United States Of America and 20th Saho Al Saho from Kuwait. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 12.19 seconds and had 9 different countries represented in the top 20 and 12 different countries in the top 50, only 20.20 seconds away from the actual race winner. This race resulted as another with fantastic returns with 3,697 pigeons being officially recorded by 14.28, leaving just 31 to make it back to the lofts. I am sure a few more will work back during Sunday. A Loft Listing appeared on the SAMDPR website on Sunday evening and this showed that 3,893 pigeons were now in the race loft and this total included 305 from the UK and 50 from Ireland. So all in all a great start with very few losses over the first 3 official races. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 1st OPEN went to the ZANDYS DREAM TEAM, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named ZANDYS POWER which was bred by PAUL SMITH, which was officially clocked at 07.15.38.40. 2nd UK, 21st Open Syndicate Lofts UK with pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 3rd UK, 47th Open Crossley & Truszkowski with pigeon bred by this partnership from Melton Mowbray, 4th UK, 63rd Open Orbital Lofts with pigeon bred by Roger Lowe from Reading, 5th UK, 73rd Open Premier Stud UK Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Premier Stud from Patringham Haven, 6th UK, 106th Open Alistair Hogg from Birgham, 7th UK, 111th Open Milly Loft with pigeon bred Michael Mellor from Crewe, 8th UK, 114th Open Les Green GB with pigeon bred by Les Green from Irlam, 9th UK, 132nd Open UK Elite Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Lee Fribbins from Fratting, 10th UK, 151st Open The Royal Lofts (Her Majesty The Queen) with pigeon bred by Peter Farrow (Loft Manager), this pigeon is flying well with 55th Open TR1, 82nd Open TR2 and now 151st Open TR3 and is currently lying 1st UK, 4th OPEN in the OVERALL AVERAGES, 11th UK, 155th Open another for Zandys Dream Team, 12th UK, 159th Open Manchester Maestros with pigeon bred by John Crehan from Manchester, 13th UK, 223rd Open Trainspotters with pigeon bred by Turner & Watson, 14th UK, 257th Open a third pigeon for Zandys Dream Team, 15th UK, 264th Open Carlos Dream Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Jos Reilly from Dublin, 16th UK, 272nd Open another for Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 17th UK, 273rd Open a third pigeon for Millys Loft with another bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 18th UK, 276th Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 19th UK, 300th Open another for UK Elite Syndicate with pigeon bred by Clive Baldwin from Edgware and then 20th UK, 307th Open Hilamb Syndicate, administered by Ken Ambler from Keighley and with pigeon bred by Ron Hillcoat from Sheffield. All these 20 UK pigeons were clocked within 1 minute and 20 seconds of the race winner. A great race with 294 pigeons being officially clocked by 14.28. The Sunday night Loft Listing showed 305 UK pigeons in the loft. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 42nd OPEN went to DONNELLY & KIRKWOOD with their pigeon named JOHANNE, bred by KARL DONNELLY which was officially clocked at 07.16.00.20, just 21.80 seconds after the actual race winner. 2nd Ireland, 58th Open Safat Duran, 3rd Ireland, 207th Open Donnelly & Kirkwood, 4th Ireland, 213th Open Grove Hill Lofts, 5th Ireland, 401st Open Maurice O’Donnell and then 6th Ireland, 454th Open Moran & Bowden. All the 6 Irish pigeons were clocked within 1 minute 45 seconds of the race winner. A great start with all 49 pigeons being officially clocked by 12.09. The Sunday night Loft Listing showed 50 Irish pigeons in the loft. THE OVERALL AVERAGES after 3 official races now stand as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to N & F NORMAN – B VAN DEN BERGHE from BELGIUM with their pigeon named SPRINGBANK and bred by B VAN DEN BERGHE, actual flying time 02.37.21.19, with 16th TR1, 8th TR2 and now 210th TR3, 2nd Open goes to Walfred Stockinger from Austria, 3rd Open goes to Hugo Perez from United States Of America and 4th Open goes to The Royal Lofts (Her Majesty The Queen) from United Kingdom just under 2 minutes off the pace. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 4th OPEN goes to THE ROYAL LOFTS (HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN) with pigeon named ROYAL NORFOLK bred by Peter Farrow (Loft Manager), actual flying time of 02.39.11.10, with 55th TR1, 82nd TR2 and now 151st TR3, 2nd UNITED KINGDOM, 49th Open is Carlos Dream Syndicate and 3rd UNITED KINGDOM, 50th Open is Crammond, Langstaff & Gilbert. 1st IRELAND, 102nd OPEN goes to DONNELLY & KIRKWOOD with their pigeon named JOHANNE bred by KARL DONNELLY, actual flying time 02.47.02.69, with 332nd TR1, 986th TR2 and now 42nd TR3, 2nd IRELAND, 226th Open is Joe Kennedy & Son and 3rd IRELAND, 337th Open is Philip & Mark Smith. GLOBAL NOMINATIONS on TR3 amounted to US$5,003.10c (£4,170) and there was a total of 335 pigeons actually entered which included 10 from the UK and there was 985 nominations and all this money in this race was won by pigeons in the top 108 positions. There were no UK winners in this race More short training will take place on Monday and Tuesday giving these pigeons even more confidence and experience to cope with TR4 on Wednesday 30th November and what was in front of them over the next two months. LIVESTREAM was once again up and running and I logged on bright and early at 05.20 GMT (07.20 SA) time, the weather was stunning even at that time of the morning and I did not have to wait long until I saw a gang of about 30 pigeons swing round the loft and hit the landing area at 07.33, before they could trap another gang, then another gang landed. The pigeons started to trap and before I knew it there was well over 100 recorded with 1st OPEN position going to a German fancier. Within a few minutes over 1,000 pigeons had been officially recorded. https://youtu.be/pPxd5SlD6Iw TRAINING RACE 4 was held on Wednesday 30th November 2016 from 114km (71 miles) and for this race a total of 3,720 pigeons from 35 different countries were basketed and this included 3,449 International and 271 South Africa pigeons and this figure also included 302 from the United Kingdom and 50 from Ireland. A total of 211 pigeons were not basketed, these included 5 from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland, these were all left in the loft because they had made mistakes in earlier training. Total still in loft was 3,931 pigeons. The convoy were liberated at 06.00 with a light head wind and in fine and clear conditions and a temperature of 21c (70f). AS the transported returned to the lofts with head wind increased, however a fairly steady race was anticipated. As the day progressed the temperature would steadily rise to around 35c (98f) during the day. As usual in South Africa there was a tremendous thunderstorm at 17.00 but during the storm the pigeons still returned to the lofts. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to TEAM BRODO from GERMANY with pigeon named CYROS bred by JUERGEN BROCKSCH, which was officially clocked at 07.32.39.95 to record a winning velocity of 1,344ypm (20.5038 m/s) (46mph), 2nd Van Kerckhove – Vercauteren from Belgium with their pigeon named Blue Daisy that won 1st OPEN in TR2, 3rd Saad Aljuwaikh from Kuwait, 4th Me Fui + Gallo Loft from United States Of America, 5th Wolfgand und Andrea Miks from Austria, 6th Defaulter Pigeon, 7th Kolvenbag & Son from United States Of America, 8th J Rimmelzwaan from Netherlands, 9th Team Chattenfighter from Germany, 10th Sheikh Mishal Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Althani from Qatar, 11th Poortvliet en Spek from Netherlands, 12th Al-Watri Lofts from Kuwait, 13th Club Benoni Homing Society from South Africa, 14th Aldahoum Loft from Kuwait, this pigeon won 2nd OPEN in TR3, 15th The Platinum Ladys from South Africa, 16th Defaulter Pigeon, 17th Familie Sosnik from Germany, 18th Horst Zikeli from Germany, 19th Pitone-Vielahn-Waldow Syndicate from Germany and 20th Gerry McCourt from Ireland. The top twenty were separated by just 38.05 seconds and had 9 different countries represented in this result and what made this race result even better was the first five pigeons were all from different countries with 13 different countries represented in the top 50 and these were 54.45 seconds apart. A total of 3,078 pigeons were officially clocked up to 08.13, then 3,391 up to 09.24. A further update showed 3,476 pigeons were officially recorded by 10.52. The last loft lish showed that 3,530 pigeons had been officially recorded by 18.00, leaving just 190 pigeons to make it back to base camp, however I am fairly sure that a few more will work back early on Thursday morning. With the 211 pigeons that were not sent that were still in the lofts the total left was now 3,741 pigeons. Sure a few more will work back in the next few days and by ready for training over the next few tosses. The Thursday night loft list showed 3,875 pigeons were still in the loft. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 66th OPEN went to LES GREEN GB, with his pigeon named IRLAM MAGIC which was bred by LES GREEN from IRLAM, which was officially clocked at 07.33.41.79 just 1 minute 01.84 seconds away from the actual race winner. 2nd UK, 73rd Open John Cooper from Pontypridd, 3rd UK, 138th Open Crammond, Langstaff & Gilbert from Fontwell, 4th UK, 146th Open Zandys Dream Team, administered and with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 5th UK, 186th Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 6th UK, 190th Open Paul Smith Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon 7th UK, 220th Open another for Zandys Dream Team, 8th UK, 240th Open Estuary Syndicate with pigeon bred by this syndicate, 9th UK, 253rd Open Syndicate Lofts UK with pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 10th UK, 257th Open a third pigeon for Zandys Dream Team, 11th UK, 259th Open Mr & Mrs Clayburn from Ackworth, 12th UK, 267th Open Kingsmead School from Hednesford with pigeon bred by Johnathon Hamplett from West Midlands, 13th UK, 306th Open Paul Bamford from Pembroke Dock, 14th UK, 315th Open another for Crammond, Langstaff & Gilbert from Fontwell, 15th UK, 322nd Open another for Les Green from Irlam, 16th UK, 345th Open Gran Canaria One Loft with pigeon bred by Phil Bates & Son, 17th UK, 347th Open Tim Atkin from Rugby, 18th UK, 348th Open Jutla Brothers from Upton Park, 19th UK, 351st Open Laurens Londt from Cannock and 20th UK, 352nd Open a fourth pigeon for Zandys Dream Team. A total of 232 pigeons from the United Kingdom were officially recorded up to 08.11. A later update loft list issued showed 271 UK pigeon had returned to the lofts by 10.52 and by nightfall a total of 277 had been officially recorded, leaving 29 still to return to the lofts, however I am sure a few more will work back in the next few days. The Thursday loft list showed 299 UK pigeons were still in the loft. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 20th OPEN went to GERRY McCOURT with his pigeon named SURE THING and bred by this fancier, which was officially clocked at 07.33.18.00, just 38.05 seconds behind the actual race winner, well done Gerry, especially after your recent nasty experience of getting robbed at gun point after the Dublin Show, where he had been conducting a few auctions. 2nd Ireland, 552nd Open Johnson – Leonard & Sons, 3rd Ireland, 612th Open Grove Hill Lofts, 4th Ireland, 649th Open Philip & Mark Smith, 5th Ireland, 671st Open Donnelly & Kirkwood and 6th Ireland, 677th Open Maurice O’Donnell. A total of 35 Irish pigeons were officially clocked by 08.11, with a later report showing 46 were clocked by 10.52 and this figure never improved by nightfall, leaving just 4 Irish pigeons to return to the loft. The Thursday loft list showed that 49 Irish pigeons were still in the loft. THE OVERALL AVERAGES after 4 official races now stand as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to HENNING, KELLER & KORNELIUS from GERMANY with their pigeon named VRONI bred by M. KELLER, actual flying time 04.13.51.74 with 308th TR1, 25th TR2, 353rd TR3 and 54th TR4, 2nd Open goes to Josef Hoelscher from Germany and 3rd Open goes to Art McLean from Canada. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 17th OPEN goes to THE ROYAL LOFTS (HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN), with pigeon named ROYAL NORFOLK bred by Peter Farrow (Loft Manager), actual flying time 04.19.17.20 with 55th TR1, 82nd TR2, 151st TR3 and now 1313th TR4, 2nd UNITED KINGDOM, 36th Open goes to Carlos Dream Syndicate and 3rd UNITED KINGDOM, 37th Open goes to Les Green from Irlam. 1st IRELAND, 306th OPEN goes to G & L DOUGLAS, actual flying time 04.38.04.04, with pigeon named LURGEN BELLE bred by this partnership with 1425th TR1, 62nd TR2, 1363rd TR3 and now 906th TR4, 2nd IRELAND, 355th Open goes to Donnelly & Kirkwood and 3rd IRELAND, 359th Open also goes to Donnelly & Kirkwood. GLOBAL NOMINATIONS on TR4 amounted to US$5,157.80c (£4,298) and there was a total of 301 pigeons actually entered which included 9 from the UK and there was 871 nominations and all this money in this race was won by pigeons in the top 163 positions. There were no UK winners in this race. More short training tosses will take place on Thursday and Friday providing the weather is OK in preparation for TR5 on Saturday 3rd December. PROPOSED RACE PROGRAMME:- The remaining Training Races, Mid-Week Races and Saturday Races during 2016/17 race series are now listed as follows:- Training Race 5 from 100km (62 miles) on Saturday 3rd December 2016, Training Race 6 from 80km (50 miles) on Wednesday 7th December 2016, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1 from 150km (93 miles) on Saturday 10th December 2016, Training Race 7 from 80km (50 miles) on Wednesday 14th December 2016, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 from 200km (124 miles) on Saturday 17th December 2016, Training Race 8 from 80km (50 miles) on Wednesday 21st December 2016, Training Race 9 from 80km (50 miles) on Saturday 24th December 2016, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 from 250km (155 miles) on Wednesday 28th December 2016, Training Race 10 from 80km (50 miles) on Saturday 31st December 2016, Training Race 11 from 80km (50 miles) on Wednesday 4th January 2017, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 4 from 300km (187 miles) on Saturday 7th January 2017, Training Race 12 from 62km (39 miles) on Wednesday 11th January 2017, Training Race 13 from 100km (62 miles) on Saturday 14th January 2017, Training Race 14 from 80km (50 miles) on Wednesday 18th January 2017, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 5 from 350km (218 miles) on Saturday 21st January 2017, Training Race 15 from 62km (39 miles) on Wednesday 25th January 2017, Training Race 16 from 80km (50 miles) on Saturday 28th January 2017, then THE FINAL RACE from 550km (342 miles) on Saturday 4th February 2017. These dates are not be set in stone and if the proposed date for any of these races is not suitable for liberation, then these will take place on the next best day in that week. Daily training will also take place during the week providing the weather is suitable. No training will take place on Sundays unless of course a holdover takes place on the Saturday race. The Overall Averages and the allocated US$17,500 (£14,000) Prize Money will only count in races of 50km (31 miles) and over. ***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** I am sorry that I can’t add all the information about who bred all the pigeons or where they live as I can only publish details which I am in possession of. If there are no details besides your winning pigeon/s then please contact me on reglofts@aol.com with your details and I will include these in my later International Press Reports. I personally do my best to give all the fanciers, entrants and breeders all the credit they and their pigeons deserve when they manage to get in the results so your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated. For the first few races numerous pigeons will not trap, so do not worry if yours is clocked late. The main thing to consider over the first few shorter races is that all the pigeons will not trap quickly but if they have made it back to the race loft on Heron Banks Golf & River Estate they are there to fight another day. With each race the pigeons will learn a bit more, giving them more experience to tackle all the tasks that they are going to have in front of them during the testing 2016/17 training and race series. NOMINATION RACES will be held and officially started on TRAINING RACE 2, 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 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 credit then please forward funds to your Race Shipper so that this can 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. It should be mentioned that REGIONAL & GLOBAL NOMINATIONS during the 2015/16 race series actually paid out a total of US$546,280 (£437,000). 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. This is the “TWENTY FIRST YEAR” since this great International One Loft Race started and every year since day one the Organising Committee have created new competitions and I assume that this year will be no exception, more on this subject will be published as details come through from the race organisers. “TRIP OF A LIFETIME” Deirdre Kallmeyer who owns and runs African Olive Travel Concepts in South Africa (www.aotc.co.za) is now acting as the official travel company for the SAMDPR and all booking must be done through her and her company. So if you want to be part of the vibe and thrill of The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, then why not join us at out new home at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel and experience the race weekend schedule and events. African Olive Travel Concepts have put together accommodation packages catering for all tastes and budgets and a variety of pre and post touring options to explore the region. The venue and location will be the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel which is situated on the lush banks of the Vaal River in Gautang, South Africa a mere hour’s drive from O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The extensive property, along 7km’s of river frontage, is the ideal location for a fun-filled family getaway. The Resort offers an array of accommodation options, restaurants, entertainment like the all-year-round Water Park – Aquadrome, to Animal World Zoo and game drive, ten pin bowling, outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, water skiing as well as the famous Emerald African Spa. Just across the Vaal River you can enjoy a round of golf on the outstanding Heron Banks Golf & River Estate, which is where the pigeon loft is situated. There are 3 accommodation options available at the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel catering for and style and budget. Option 1, you could book to stay in the 4 star Emerald Hotel where you will instantly notice the luxurious North-East African inspired décor. A sanctuary set far from the bustling bog city, the 4 star hotel’s 75 twin/double rooms and two superb suites offer you spacious comfort and all of the amenities you could need. All rooms have Air-conditioning, Digital Safe, Telephone, Hairdryer, TV selected channels, internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. Option 2, hidden away in a natural setting, the secure, luxurious Bush Lodges offer guests two-bedroom units styled to resemble the safari lodges of the Serengeti, adventure awaits just outside of these semi self-catering lodges, built for ultimate comfort and in luxurious style. Option 3, step into adventure and book one of the comfortable, self-catering River Resort Chalets that provides two, four and six sleeper units, ideal for a weekend getaway or longer stays. These are situated just a quick walk from the banks of the Vaal River, the chalets offer guests easy access to a range of adventures including boating facilities for the water sport enthusiasts. For anybody intending to travel out for the race weekend or longer, please log onto www.samdpr.com and hit the Accommodation button at the bottom of the home page, there you find a “SPECIAL 3 & 4 NIGHTS PACKAGE”, which includes all the official functions and dates. Both these packages represent great value for money. Road Transfers to and from Emerald Resort can also be arranged by African Olive Travel Concepts. If you or any friends wish to do pre or post travel bookings, Deirdre will be only too pleased to give you prices, just tell her what and where you would like to go. All bookings must be done through the sole agent Deirdre Kallmeyer at African Olive Travel Concepts (www.aotc.co.za) or email deirdre@africanoliveconcepts.co.za ***SPECIAL NOTICE*** One point that should be pointed out to all competitors and entrants is that only your NUMBER 1 pigeons is “ACTIVATED” (FULLY PAID UP ENTRY) with the other TWO (2) pigeons in each of your “TEAM OF 3” being your RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS. Another point worth mentioning is if you happened to lose your NUMBER 1 PIGEON, your NUMBER 2 PIGEON would replace it FREE OF CHARGE and likewise if you then lost your NUMBER 2 PIGEON, your NUMBER 3 PIGEON would then replace that one FREE OF CHARGE. If you were unlucky enough to lose all your entries of 3 pigeons in any of your “TEAMS” and they had won no “Special Prize Money” in the new HOT SPOT CAR RACES 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 then you are entitled to a FREE ENTRY into the 22nd SAMDPR and all you have to pay is the official shipping/export costs to your Country Shipper. This offer can only be actioned once, for example if you lost your team in your first year, you would get a Free Entry the following year but then if you lost all your pigeons in that year, the offer does not count. This of course represents great value for your money. All pigeons go to every training toss and Saturday and Wednesday races providing they are fit enough but can only compete for any of the allocated PRIZE MONEY or SPECIAL AWARDS in the 5 x HOT SPOT CAR RACES if they are “ACTIVATED” and that means that these must be paid for prior to the HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1, which is due to take place on SATURDAY 10th DECEMBER 2016 from 150km (approx. 93 miles). The cost to “ACTIVATE” these “RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS” is US$1,100 (approx. £880)(THIS OF COURSE MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE AT THE TIME OF ACTIVATION) but that will then entitle all these fully paid up pigeons to compete and be eligible to fly for all the extra cash prizes and special awards that amounts to close to US$300,000 (approx. £240,000). The one thing to remember is that once your reserve pigeon or pigeons are fully paid for, if then they get lost and have won no prize money or special awards in the Special Money Races, then you will get US$1,000 paid back into your ASI Account, which can then be used to purchase another pigeon at a later date and be entered into the Final Race under your name or syndicate or even under another name of your choice. So as you can see it is “BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY” and pay for them early, after all you have nothing to lose. HOW MANY OTHER PIGEON RACES IN THE WORLD OFFER THIS SORT OF OPTION TO COMPETITORS AND ENTRANTS? ***WHAT CAN BE WON DURING THIS 2016/17 RACE SERIES*** Prizes and awards now add up to a staggering US$2.2 Million American Dollars £1.76 Million Pounds Sterling) and these include 5 x Brand New Motor Cars, 1 for each of the 5 x Car Races, 95 x US$1,100 (£880) Hot Spot Cash Prizes (it should be noted that the Motor Car Winner does not receive a US$1,100 Cash Prize), split into 19 x US$1,100 (£880) Cash Prizes for each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, a US$5,000 (£4,000) 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 (£1,600) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, A Three Bird Average Competition and a US$3,000 (£2,400) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, 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 (£8,000), 2nd US$5,000 (£4,000) and 3rd US$2,500 (£2,000) 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 a Knockout Winner Competition and US$25,000 (£20,000) 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 (£100), US$75 (£60) and US$50 (£40) in each of the first 4 x Car Race Hot Spots (1 to 4). In the 5th Car Race Hot Spot US$70 (£56) from every entry will be added to the starting Prize Money of US$250 (£200) 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 after the FINAL RACE. There is an Entry Fee of US$120 (£96) per pigeon to enter these two Country Challenge Competitions and has to be paid for before the basketing for the 5th Car Race Hot Spot. 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 in the Grand Averages per each competing country after 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 2015/16 race series the COUNTRY CHALLENGE paid out US$52,270 (£42,000) in PRIZE MONEY. Then in the “FINAL RACE” on the 4th February 2017 there are also 10 magnificent platinum pendants to be won worth well over US$1,000 (£800) each and now over US$1 Million American Dollars in Prize Money and 300 cash prizes being on offer. THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL RACE & US$1,000 (approx. £800) 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. £68,000). (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. PRIZE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE 21st SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR FINAL RACE, IS NOW AS FOLLOWS:- 1st US$200,000 (approx. £160,000), 2nd US$125,000 (approx. £100,000), 3rd US$75,000 (approx. £60,000), 4th US$50,000 (approx. £40,000), 5th US$35,000 (approx. £28,000), 6th US$20,000 (£16,000), 7th US$17,500 (£14,000), 8th US$15,000 (£12,000), 9th US$12,500 (£10,000), 10th US$8,000 (approx. £10,000), 11th/15th US$7,000 each (approx. £5,600), 16th/20th US$5,000 each (approx. £4,000), 21st/30th US$3,500 each (approx. £2,800), 31st/40th US$3,000 each (approx. £2,400), 41st/50th US$2,500 each (approx. £2,000), 51st/70th US$2,000 each (£1,600), 71st/100th US$1,750 each (£1,400), 101st/150th US$1,500 each (£1,200), 151st/200th US$1,100 each (£880) and then 201st/250th US$1,000 each (£800), 251st/300th US$500 each (£400). (Subject to terms and conditions of entry). The actual cash prizes stated above represent exchange rates 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 (£802,000 Pounds Sterling) Prize Money will be paid out in this FINAL RACE. Something else worth mentioning that six brand new motor cars have been won by fanciers representing the United Kingdom Team in the last seven years, Richard Elliott 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. This in itself was an outstanding team performance. No other country has ever won three cars on the trot. The Irish fancier named John Nash also won a brand new motor car in the 2008/9 race series. I am hopeful that somebody from the United Kingdom or Ireland will also win one or maybe more brand new motor cars during the 2016/17 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 plus of course they will also be published in the “”BRITISH HOMING WORLD” and “THE RACING PIGEON” weeklies and other world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy. The race date for THE 22nd SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has already been agreed and confirmed by the race organisers as SATURDAY 3th FEBRUARY 2018. If you are interested in participating or acting a Country Race Team Shipper/Co-ordinator, then please contact me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or SMS or email on reglogfts@aol.com and I will give you all the information you require. My two proposed shipping dates for THE 22nd SAMDPR will take about the middle of MAY 2017 and then the second one should be around the middle of JUNE 2017. 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 lofts. 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 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. 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 PIGEON FANCIERS/SYNDICATES & ENTRANTS WORLDWIDE DURING THE 2016/17 RACE SERIES. If you wish to know any more information on this prestigious international pigeon race please contact me ASAP:- Unfortunately, I close this International Press Release with some very sad news. I have just been informed that Peter Entwistle from Aylesbury has passed away. This great fancier named his family of pigeons the “Speedbird Strain” and he just loved to compete in long distance races. Over the past years he had achieved success in Club, Federation and National racing. He was always ready to have a gamble with anybody that was up for a bit of fun. Peter was a staunch supporter of The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race and had entered pigeons for many years and he was always on the telephone to me during the race series and we would always discuss different aspects about the race. It was his lifetime dream to hit the jackpot or have an ace pigeon in this world renowned international and prestigious pigeon race. He entered a big team of 15 pigeons into the 21st SAMDPR in an effort to win it, as he was a great believer that somebody in the UK could win this great race again. Let us hope his dream becomes reality. Rest in peace my friend, we will all miss you and I hope that your dream is fulfilled in the 21st SAMDPR. My sincere condolences go to his wife Rosemary and the immediate family at this very sad time. Paul Smith, United Kingdom Race Team Co-ordinator/Shipper and International Race Co-ordinator for The 21st 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 4th February 2017. 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 ]]>