Table of Contents
“FIRST INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”.
ON
THE 22nd 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 3rd FEBRUARY 2018.
ANOTHER RACE SEASON STARTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE.
Well once again The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race is entering yet another year in its twenty-two year history. After spending its first sixteen years in outstanding Sun City Resort, then moving to Linbro Park for the next few four years a decision had to be made to move the race lofts because of the massive industrial units that were being built right up to the side of the lofts. This in itself made it very difficult to fly the pigeons around the race lofts, so after the final race at Linbro Park in February 2016 it was finally decided move the race lofts and to look for a new long term venue. It was finally decided not to move the old lofts but to build a brand new 370 foot (113 metres) state of the art race loft on the fantastic Heron Banks Golf & River Estate, Sasolburg, Free State, South Africa (www.heronbanks.co.za) and this is where the The 21st SAMDPR took place and now The 22nd SAMDPR will be also be taking place at this superb venue for the second time.
It should be another fantastic year and it will be interesting to see if anybody can exceed the record cash winnings of the winning pigeon in The 21st SAMDPR, the winning pigeon named LITTLE MISS NIKKI bred and entered by TOM SHILLING from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA won 1st OPEN and a staggering US$325,096 (£271,013) for its gallant effort. It was also sold at auction after the Final Race for US$25,800 (£22,881). Of course, records are achieved every year but I think it will be a long time before anybody smashes this record. One thing is for sure that records are there to be broken and many top fanciers around the world will be trying extremely hard to beat this astonishing record. GOOD LUCK TO ALL.
With all the quarantine finally over and all the pigeons received from all over the world, the next task was to break all the pigeons to the new loft at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and then get them used to flying around their new home. After a few weeks of the pigeons being allowed out to see outside the loft under the net placed over the concrete trapping area, they finally took to the skies and covered the surrounding countryside. As each day passed the pigeons were forced to keep in the sky for longer periods and only when Willi, Corrie, Maitland and Andre thought they were ready to start their road work did the short training tosses start.
So once again it has been a remarkable year for this prestigious international pigeon race and once again we had over 7,200 pigeons entered from 36 different countries and when the first Official Loft Listing was published on Wednesday 25th October 2017 and there was still 6,642 pigeons left in the race loft and they were as follows:- Australia (46), Austria (48), Bahrain (4), Belgium (279), Bosnia & Herzegovina (8), Bulgaria (32), Canada (175), China (32), Croatia (3), Czech Republic (118), Denmark (51), Germany (1,416), Greece (2), Iraq (11), Ireland (80), Italy (38), Kuwait (372), Mexico (11), Netherlands (427), Norway (28), Poland (159), Portugal (1), Puerto Rico (3), Qatar (13), Romania (78), Russia (6), Saudi Arabia (80), Slovakia (61), Slovenia (13), South Africa (483), Spain (3), Sweden (2), Switzerland (40),
United Arab Emirates (33), United Kingdom (435) and United States of America (1,823). If you add all these numbers up you will see 6,414 pigeons are already paid for, others transactions and payments are coming in on a daily basis and the actual loft list will be updated as the payments are received by the administration office.
Numerous fanciers from other countries have also entered pigeons because they are restricted from entering because of restrictions issued by their governments or by the South African authorities. Many of these fanciers are also involved in syndicates, teams or partnerships, which once again makes this 22nd SAMDPR a truly international pigeon race.
The second Official Loft List was put up on the SAMDPR Website on Saturday 4th November 2017 and this showed 6,001 pigeons were still in the race loft.
The third Official Loft List was put up on the SAMDPR Website on Saturday 11th November 2017 and this showed 5,832 pigeons were still in the race loft.
The fourth Official Loft List was put up on the SAMDPR Website on Saturday 18th November 2017 and this showed 5,743 pigeons were still in the race loft.
The fifth Official Loft List was put up on the SAMDPR Website on Saturday 25th November 2017 and this showed 5,582 pigeons were still in the race loft. This was the day for the first short training toss from only 3.68km (2 miles). All the pigeons were basketed and liberated and made their way back to the race loft. This first short toss was really just to get the pigeons used to the baskets and the transporter.
After a week of short training tosses to get the pigeons used to the baskets and transporter the sixth Official Loft List was put on the SAMDPR Website on Saturday 2nd December 2017 and this showed 5,493 pigeons were still in the race loft.
As the pigeons were delayed with quarantine regulations and did not start to fly around the race lofts until about October, it was decided not to rush the pigeons through the initial flying round the loft and the early short training and because of this would result in the pigeons starting their initial training a bit later than usual but the loft staff were confident that these athletes of the skies would soon learn the routine. Numerous short training tosses were given to give the pigeons confidence and the following race programme was agreed:- Pre-Training Race 1 would be held on Wednesday 6th December 2017 from 25km (16 miles) followed by Pre-Training Race 2 on Saturday 9th December 2017 from 25km (16 miles). Training Race 1 will be on Wednesday 13th December 2017 from 62km (39 miles),
then Training Race 2 on Saturday 16th December 2017 from 62km (39 miles) followed by Training Race 3 on Wednesday 20th December 2017 from 115km (71 miles) with HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1 taking place on Saturday 23rd December 2017 from 162km (100 miles). Once the remaining pigeons have completed HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1 the rest of the race programme will be decided. There will still be plenty of time for the pigeons to learn the ropes before the Final Race takes place from 520km (323 miles) on Saturday 3rd February 2018. As and when the rest of the race programme is finally agreed, it will of course be posted for all to see on the SAMDPR Website and in my International Press Releases.
PRE-TRAINING RACE 1 took place on Wednesday 6th December 2017 from 25km (16 miles) and a total of 4,545 pigeons were actually basketed and this included 4,171 International pigeons including 295 from the United Kingdom and 56 from Ireland, plus 374 pigeons from South Africa. Another 206 pigeons were left in the race lofts as the loft staff did not think they were fit enough to take part and this included 12 from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland. So the total was 4,751 pigeons. As this was just a short race to give the pigeons experience in the baskets and on the transporter, it was not counted in The Overall Averages. The convoy were liberated at 07.35 in overcast conditions, with little to no wind and with a temperature of 17c (62f) and a good steady toss was anticipated. The winning pigeons covered the distance in just over 31 minutes and as usual it would be a trapping contest.
CONGRATULATIONS for 1st OPEN went to HAMAD ALHUDAYAN from KUWAIT with pigeon named XIAO FUNG which was officially clocked at 08.06.20.80 to record a winning velocity of 905ypm (13.2921m/s) (31mph). Just what the pigeons needed to start with. The top twenty pigeons were made up as follows:- 3 Kuwait, 1 Danish, 3 United States of America, 4 German, 1 Romania, 3 South African, 2 United Kingdom 9th & 14th, 1 Irish 10th, 1 Polish and 1 Dutch pigeon/s. If you wish to study the full result please log on to www.samdpr.com just on 2 minutes covered the top 20 and just under 3 minutes for the top 50 clocked. A total of 4,247 were clocked on the day up to 17.48 and this included 277 United Kingdom and 52 Irish pigeons. A full Loft List was done at nightfall and that showed 4,674 pigeons were in the race loft and this figure included 299 from the United Kingdom and 56 from Ireland. These figures will change on a daily basis as numerous pigeons are also returning from earlier training tosses. If your pigeon/s are not in any of the Loft Lists, keep your eyes open on next few as of course they might return to the race loft. More short training tosses would take place on Thursday and Friday prior to the next Pre-Training Race 2 taking place.
PRE-TRAINING RACE 2 took place on Saturday 9th December 2017 from 25km (16 miles) and a grand total of 4,890 pigeons were actually basketed and this included 4,502 International pigeons including 307 from the United Kingdom and 60 from Ireland, plus 388 pigeons from South Africa. Another 25 were left in the race loft as the loft staff did not think they were fit enough to take part and this included 3 from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland. So the total was 4,915 pigeons. As this was just a short race to give the pigeons more experience and once again it was not counted in The Overall Averages. The convoy were liberated at 06.25 in cloudy but fine and clear conditions, with little to no wind and with a temperature of 17c (62f) and a steady race was anticipated.
CONGRATULATIONS for 1st OPEN went to JOHN YANG from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with his pigeon named PIERCER OF HEAVEN which was officially clocked at 06.45.31.79 to record a winning velocity of 1400ypm (20.2955m/s) (47mph). Another race under their belts. The top twenty pigeons were made up as follows:- 8 United States of America, 4 United Kingdom 2nd, 6th, 7th & 14th, 1 Belgian, 1 Rumanian, 1 South African, 3 German, 1 Dutch and 1 Saudi Arabian pigeon/s. If you wish to study the full result please log on to www.samdpr.com just on 37.40 seconds covered the top 20 and 55.65 seconds covered the top 50 clocked. A total of 4,287 pigeons were clocked on the day up to 18.16 and this included 267 United Kingdom and 55 Irish pigeons. A Loft List was published on Sunday lunchtime and it showed a total of 4,632 pigeons were actually still in the race loft and this included 296 from the United Kingdom and 58 from Ireland.
The Race Organisers (Air Sport Internationale) and all the Official Loft Staff in South Africa wish all fanciers/entrants/syndicates and competitors from all over the world the best of luck during the forthcoming 2017/18 race series.
RESULTS FOR TRAINING RACES 1 & 2.
So once again we are now off and running in South Africa and this is my first official International Press Release. It has been another tough campaign so far with many obstacles to overcome for the Race Organisers, also doing some alterations to the brand new 300 foot state of the art pigeon loft, especially the trapping area and entrance, plus outbreaks of Avian Influenza, Rota Virus, Circo Virus and other viruses and diseases in different countries but finally all the pigeons came out of quarantine and training around the race new loft got underway a few weeks later than expected but it should be mentioned now that the initial training and race programme was also delayed slightly because of bad weather, heavy rain and tremendous thunderstorms and the early Training Races and Hot Spot Car Races have now all been altered slightly to give the pigeons in the race loft a fair chance to catch up.
The team of pigeons will not be rushed and the vastly experienced loft staff are very confident that within a few weeks these athletes of the skies will be back on track and ready for the big task in front of them. You can of course follow all the progress of what is happening on www.samdpr.com
TRAINING RACE 1 took place on Wednesday 13th December 2017 from 62km (39 miles) and a total of 4,203 pigeons were basketed from 35 different countries and this total included 3,840 International pigeons including 266 from the United Kingdom and 54 from Ireland, plus 363 pigeons from South Africa. A total of 168 pigeons were not basketed, these included 8 from the United Kingdom and 4 from Ireland, these were all left in the lofts because they had made mistakes earlier in the week. Total still in the loft was 4,371 pigeons. It was interesting to compare that at this stage last year a total of 4,146 pigeons were still in the race loft. The convoy were liberated at 06-55 in overcast, clear and cool conditions, with a light head wind, 17c (62f) and a good race was anticipated. As the pigeons approached the loft the temperature would rise to 21c (70f) and they would run in to a strong head wind.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 1 and I logged on bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and after a few pigeons had returned from previous training tosses, a big gang of about 100 pigeons approached the loft at 06.47 swung round the loft and then started to trap and as usual it was the first through the traps was the winner. Within a few minutes hundreds had homed and all looked good for excellent returns.
CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to HEERMAN & GILBERT from SOUTH AFRICA with pigeon named TWO STROKE bred by HEERMAN & SON, which was officially clocked at 07.47.23.18 to record a velocity of 1315ypm (19.7252m/s) (44 mph), 2nd Emily & Brito Loft from United States of America, 3rd Taximush from Southern Ireland, 4th Koopman Racing Team from Netherlands, 5th Jon Dagel from United States of America, 6th N & F. Norman – B Van Den Berghe from Belgium, 7th Team Friedenstauben from Germany, 8th AlHamli Team from United Arab Emirates, 9th Andreas Marasch from Germany, 10th Jaber Sharar from Kuwait, 11th Lucky Devils Syndicate from United Kingdom, 12th Heinz Hansen from Germany, 13th Fev Flyers from United Kingdom, 14th Loft Einkamerer from South Africa, 15th Dever & Lloyd from United Kingdom, 16th Dominique Velghe from Belgium, 17th Ervin Laro from Italy, 18th Pieter Oberholster – He Bin from China, 19th Reinhold u Christoph Witzel from Germany and 20th Team Hanne + Hansi Platte from Germany. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 23.75 seconds and had 11 different countries represented in the top 20 and 15 different countries in the top 50, only 35.40 seconds away from the actual race winner. A great start to the official race series with 5 different countries taking the first five in the Open. This race resulted in a great start to the 2017/18 race series with over 1,800 pigeons being officially recorded by 07.00 and then 3,000 by 07.30, then 3,426 pigeons by 10.35. The last update showed that a total of 3,543 pigeons were clocked by 17.37, in fact the last one clocked on the day was one of mine. This left 660 pigeons to return to the race lofts. Thursday morning dawned and pigeons started to arrive at the lofts and by 11.07 a further 161 pigeons had returned, making the total up to 3,704 in the race loft, leaving 499 still to return to the race loft. I am sure a few more will work back during the next few days.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 1 amounted to US$4,381.75c (approx. £3,371) and had a total of 349 pigeons entered which included 17 from the United Kingdom and 4 from Ireland and there were 911 Nominations. There were 3 United Kingdom winners as follows:- 15th Open were Dever & Lloyd with pigeon named Dieses bred by George Dever from Halewood who won US$170 (approx. £131), then 212th Open was Beneke Lofts with pigeon named Naobi bred by Pieter Oberholster from Keysoe who won US$30.60c (approx. £24), then 811th Open was Guys Lofts Elite with pigeon named Dark Gem bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton who won US$680 (approx. £523). WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 11th OPEN went to the LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named LUCKY CELEBRATION which was bred by BOB FENECH from ATTLEBOROUGH, which was officially clocked at 07.47.40.88, just 17.70 seconds after the actual race winner. This syndicate also won 1st UK, 2nd OPEN in Pre-Training Race 2 with another entry named Lucky Dream. Taking 2nd UK, 13th Open Fev Flyers with pigeon bred by Leech & Bannister from West Yorks, 3rd UK, 15th Open Dever & Lloyd with pigeon bred by George Dever from Halewood, 4th UK, 22nd Open Hilamb Syndicate with pigeon bred by Ken Ambler from Oxenhope, 5th UK, 47th Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 6th UK, 51st Open TadT with pigeon bred by Tad Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 7th UK, 75th Open Berkshire Boys, 8th UK, 80th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 9th UK, 98th Open another for Berkshire Boys, 10th UK, 129th Open UK Elite Syndicate with pigeon bred by Ronnie Reason from Essex, 11th UK, 135th Open a third for Berkshire Boys, 12th UK, 140th Open Nigel Templar with pigeon bred by Nigel Templar from Hartcliffe, 13th UK, 186th Open Made in Brum with pigeon bred by Wilkes & Partner from Solihull, 14th UK, 209th Open a third for Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 15th UK, 212th Open Beneke Lofts with pigeon bred by Pieter Oberholster from Keysoe, 16th UK, 228th Open Milly’s Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 17th UK, 233rd Open another for Milly’s Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 18th UK, 237th Open The Royal Lofts (Her Majesty The Queen) with pigeon bred by Peter Farrow (Loft Manager) from Sandringham, 19th UK, 291st Open Mick Morrissey with pigeon bred by Mick Morrissey from Halewood and then 20th UK, 293rd Open The Chambers All Stars with pigeon bred by The Chambers Family from Cannock. A total of 212 pigeons being officially clocked by 10.35, then 221 by 17.37. More returned Thursday morning and by 11.07 a further 4 had returned making the total 235 back in the race loft, leaving 31still to return to the race loft.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 1 only had 10 pigeons and 19 Nominations and US$23.80c (approx. £18.50p) and the winner was as follows:- 212th Open Beneke Lofts with pigeon bred by Pieter Oberholster from Keysoe which won US$23.80c (approx. £18.50p). WELL DONE.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 3rd OPEN went to TAXIMUSH with their pigeon named TAXIMUSH 2, bred by GARRET HENSEY which was officially clocked at 07.47.29.57, just 06.39 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 81st Open H & C. Thorpe – McMorrow, 3rd Ireland, 93rd Open Donnelly & Kirkwood, 4th Ireland, 148th Open another for Taximush, 5th Ireland, 451st Open a third for Taximush and then 6th Ireland, 518th Open a fourth for Taximush, rounding off a great race for this fancier. A great start with 42 pigeons being officially clocked by 10.35 and by 17.37 only one more had returned, making it 43 on the day. Another 4 clocked on Thursday, leaving 7 still to return to the race loft.
IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS in TRAINING RACE 1 received no Irish entries.
More short training will take place on Thursday and Friday giving these pigeons even more confidence and experience to cope with what was in front of them over the next two months.
TRAINING RACE 2 was held on Saturday 16th December 2017 from 62km (39 miles) and for this race a total of 3,789 pigeons from 35 different countries were basketed and this included 3,435 International pigeons and this figure also included 234 from the United Kingdom and 45 from Ireland, plus 354 from South Africa. A total of 65 pigeons were not basketed, these included 6 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 3,854 pigeons. The convoy were liberated at 07.05 with a light head wind and in fine and clear conditions and a temperature of 17c (62f). A fairly steady race was anticipated.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 2 and once again I was up bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft. It was a beautiful morning in South Africa and an ideal racing day and at 07.58 a big gang approached the race loft, swung round a couple of times and then they hit the trapping area and within a few minutes hundreds of pigeons had been officially recorded. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to TEAM HEINZ FENTEN from GERMANY with pigeon named BUDDI V1 bred by HEINZ FENTEN, which was officially clocked at 07.58.14.84 to record a velocity of 1295ypm (19.4062m/s) (44mph). This pigeon was not clocked until 08.37 next morning on TR1, looks like it did not want to make the same mistake again. Taking 2nd Josef Gerling from Germany, 3rd Red Dragon from United States of America, 4th Hamoud Al Juwaisri from Kuwait, 5th Kirchner – Rhodes from United States of America, 6th N & F. Norman – B Van Den Berghe from Belgium, 7th AlHamli Team from United Arab Emirates, 8th Van Eynde – Goovaerts from Belgium, 9th Stanley Meyler from United States of America, 10th Yousef Alzayid from Kuwait, 11th Hardy Krueger from Germany, 12th Engelbrecht J&T from South Africa, 13th Club PPK from South Africa, 14th Club Crusader RPC from South Africa, 15th Reichstein Herbert + Thomas from Germany, 16th a second for Team Heinz Fenten from Germany, 17th Michel De Becker from South Africa, 18th Team India – Kallmeyer & Viki from Ireland, 19th Defaulter Pigeon and 20th Fleschenberg – Wolter from Germany.
The top twenty were separated by just 16.75 seconds and had 7 different countries represented in this result with 14 different countries represented in the top 50 and these were just 29.91 seconds apart. A total of 3,446 pigeons were officially clocked up to 10.00. A further update showed 3,499 pigeons were officially recorded by 17.42. This figure meant that 290 pigeons had failed to make it back to the lofts by nighfall. The Sunday lunchtime Loft Lish showed that there were a total of 3,818 pigeons still in the race loft.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 2 amounted to US$5,593.90c (approx. £5,842) and had a total of 391 pigeons entered which included 13 from the United Kingdom and 3 from Ireland and there were 1,171 Nominations. There was one United Kingdom winner as follows:- 77th Open went to Hilamb Syndicate with pigeon named Rocketman bred by Ken Ambler from Oxenhope which won US$544 (£419) for its efforts. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 23rd OPEN went to ZANDYS DREAM TEAM with pigeon named ZANDYS VENTURE which was bred by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET, which was officially clocked at 07.58.31.59 just 16.75 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 27th Open UK Elite Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Lee Fribbins from Fratting, 3rd UK, 46th Open Paul Smith Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 4th UK, 64th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 5th UK, 70th Open Clarke & Kittow with pigeon bred by P+D Clarke from Sevenash, 6th UK, 77th Open Hilamb Syndicate with pigeon bred by Ken Ambler from Oxenhope, the same pigeon took 22nd Open in TR1, 7th UK, 97th Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate and again bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 8th UK, 119th Open Team Lincs with pigeon bed by Paul & Tracey Stacey from Sleaford, 9th UK, 121st Open Deneside Lofts from Crewe with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs. R. Budd, 10th UK, 162nd Open Fev Flyers with pigeon bred by Leech – Bannister from West Yorks, 11th UK, 183rd Open another for Zandys Dream Team again bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 12th UK, 194th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 13th UK, 227th Open Milly’s Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 14th UK, 235th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 15th UK, 246th Open Berkshire Boys, 16th UK, 248th Open Waldron Lofts with pigeon bred by Graham Watkinson from Skelmersdale, 17th UK, 249th Open another for Zandy Dream Team with a third pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 18th UK, 250th Open another for Milly’s Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 19th UK, 316th Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton and 20th UK, 328th Open another for Deneside Lofts from Crewe with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs. R. Budd. A total of 50 pigeons were officially clocked by 08.04, 207 by 09.10 and then 210 by 10.00. A further update showed 212 pigeons had returned to the lofts by nightfall, leaving 22 still to return to the loft. The Sunday lunchtime Loft List showed that there were 241 UK pigeons in the race loft.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 2 had 6 pigeons entered and 22 Nominations and US$91.80c (approx. £71) to be won and the winner was as follows:- 77th Open Hilamb Syndicate with pigeon named Rocketman bred by Ken Ambler from Oxenhope which won £71 for its effort. WELL DONE TO THE WINNER.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 18th OPEN went to TEAM INDIA – KALLMEYER & VIKI with pigeon named SHIMMER-N-SHINE bred by H.D.A KALLMEYER, which was officially clocked at 07.58.29.50, just 14.66 seconds behind the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 74th Open went to Donnelly & Kirkwood, the same pigeon took 93rd Open in TR1, 3rd Ireland, 150th Open Jos Reilly – Team Ireland, 4th Ireland, 186th Open H+C Thorpe – McMorrow, 5th Ireland, 192nd Open J. Kennedy & Son and 6th Ireland, 366th Open Taximush. A total of 37 Irish pigeons were officially clocked by 08.37. A further update showed 38 pigeons had returned to the lofts by nightfall, leaving 7 still to return to the loft. The Sunday lunchtime Loft List showed 45 Irish pigeons in the race loft.
IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 2 had no pigeons entered.
THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after two races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to STANLEY MEYLER from UNITED STATES of AMERICA with pigeon named GOT THE SILVER bred by STANLEY MEYLER, with a combined flying time of 01.46.23.08 up 47 places from the last race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 12th OPEN goes to HILAMB SYNDICATE with pigeon named ROCKETMAN bred by KEN AMBLER from OXENHOPE with a combined flying time of 01.47.07.38 up 10 places from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 21st OPEN goes to DONNELLY & KIRKWOOD with pigeon named JUNIOR bred by KARL DONNELLY with a combined flying time of 01.47.31.53 up 72 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
Hopefully, pigeon fanciers/entrants and competitors from all over the world will appreciate the massive amount of work that is put in by Michael Holt (Race Director & Systems Administrator), Pieter Saayman (Assistant Systems Administrator), Stephan Steenkamp (Administration), Marion Branford (Administration) and Peter Furstenberg from Shine Interactive and all his staff who have all helped once again to redesign this state of the art web site www.samdpr.com with yet another exciting racing season is now in front of us with a fantastic new updated web site, making it far easier for all fanciers/entrants and people concerned to look, find and study all the information available for all fanciers/entrants/competitors and syndicate members around the world.
It should also be mentioned that Willi van Beers from Germany has been appointed again for the fourth year running to act as Race Manager and he will work closely with the Loft Managers & Trainers Corrie Naude, Andre van Wyk, Maitland Blackshaw Blanc and all the rest of the loft staff. Sara Blackshaw (Managing Director of Air Sport Internationale), Joan-e Holt (Public Relations) and Deirdre Kallmeyer from African Olive Travel Concepts (The Official Travel Company for the SAMDPR) have also all been extremely busy getting everything ready so that visitors can enjoy The 22nd SAMDPR which for the second year will be held at the fantastic EMERALD RESORT, CASINO & HOTEL, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa (www.emeraldcasino.co.za) and once again they will host the events during the race weekend in early February 2018. I have personally visited EMERALD RESORT and can confirm that it is a superb venue for this race. It has everything that pigeon fanciers and their guests/friends and family require so that their stay will be remembered for a long time. So once again, exciting times are in front of this prestigious international pigeon race as it once again moves forward into the future.
This spectacular international pigeon race is now in its twenty second year and started off with under 1,000 pigeons in its first year way back in 1997, since then entries have increased and in the 7th Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race in 2003 it attracted an entry of 2,473 pigeons, then the 8th SCMDPR in 2004 attracted 3,703 pigeons, however, the 9th SCMDPR in 2005 attracted a staggering 5,096 pigeons. In a space of two years the entries actually doubled. After the record breaking entry of 5,096 pigeons that were entered into the 9th SCMDPR in 2005, which was made up of 3,711 International pigeons and 1,385 South African entries and were entered from 30 different countries. Then in the 10th SCMDPR held in 2006 we had a total of 4,649 pigeons entered, which was made up of 3,504 International and 1,145 South African entries that were entered by 28 different countries. This was then followed by 4,936 pigeons being entered into the 11th SCMDPR in 2007, which consisted of 3,462 International and 1,474 South African entries. When you consider all the problems and restrictions that have been implemented because of outbreaks of Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease around the world over the last few years, plus many other one loft races trying to compete with the SCMDPR, it really is truly amazing that entries have managed to stay so high, especially when you consider that Mainland China entered 413 pigeons into the 2006 SCMDPR and have not been allowed to compete since. By losing these entries and those from other countries with restrictions has certainly stopped the organisers from smashing records on an annual basis. However, even after all the problems around the world that had affected the entries into the 12th SCMDPR to be held in 2008, the organising committee were still proud to announce that they had managed to get a grand total of 4,902 pigeons, which consists of 3,641 International and 1,261 South African pigeons entered into the race which was held in the fabulous Sun City, South Africa on Saturday 2nd February 2008. The 2009 race attracted 29 different countries and a record breaking entry of 5,576 pigeons and was held on January 31st and this total was made up of 4,496 International and 1,080 South African pigeons, with a total of 3,082 entries actually being sent to the Final Race after nearly 7,000 km (4,350 miles) of training. The entry for the 2010 SCMDPR once again exceeded the 5,000 mark for the third time and a grand total of 5,610 pigeons were officially entered by 30 participating countries and that number is made up of 4,693 International pigeons and 917 pigeons from South Africa who are of course the host country. Once again the International entry had been smashed by a staggering 187 pigeons. When one considers that most of the world was in a massive recession it once again just goes to prove to pigeon fanciers all over the world that this is the race they would all like to win. Once again the entry for the 15th anniversary race was a staggering 6,611 pigeons entered from 36 different countries, which is a massive overall increase of 1,001 pigeons and quite a few new countries getting involved for the first time. The total number of entries is made up of 5,639 International entries and 972 from South Africa, which of course is the host country. Once again the International entries are up by a staggering 946 pigeons, which is fantastic when you think that the world is still coming out of a recession. The 16th SCMDPR once again attracted entries from 36 different countries and a staggering world record entry of 7,949 pigeons, which was made up by 6,831 International and 1,118 South African pigeons. The 17th SAMDPR was held in the new venue, which was the fabulous Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa on 2nd February 2013 and close on 8,000 pigeons were originally entered from 36 different countries. The 18th SAMDPR was also held at the new venue and attracted an entry of around 7,000 pigeons from 40 different countries. Once again the international entry totalled over 6,500 pigeons. Entry figures for The 19th SAMDPR was a total of 38 different countries participating and they entered around 6,000 pigeons. The race entry for The 20th SAMDPR had 36 different countries participating and over 5,000 pigeons were sent out to compete in this great pigeon race. The race entry for The 21st SAMDPR held at the new venue for the first time showed that a total of 35 different countries sent well over 6,000 pigeons, proving once again that this is the race that every pigeon fancier in the world wants to win.
Of course, one of the main reasons for the success of this great race is the extremely professional way it has been run from the start and that they have always paid out all of their projected prize money every year since the race first started way back in 1997 and that is why it is now known the world over “AS THE BIGGEST AND GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD” and has been now been tagged as “THE RACE WITH THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD” and “THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN THE PIGEON WORLD”.
I think it should be mentioned once again that we are without my great friend Zandy Meyer (Race Director) at the helm anymore, who unfortunately passed away on 30th June 2013, however as usual the “ADMINISTRATION & LOFT TEAM” below have worked extremely hard to firstly get all the pigeons settled to the new loft and then gave each pigeon an electronic ring and logged them all on to the secure database system, so that all the fanciers/entrants and competitors around the world can following the progress of their pigeons right through the 2017/18 race series. This in itself is a massive task and as usual once again they have come up trumps. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS AND GALS. If you wish to look at some superb short videos or photographs of new pigeon loft and surroundings and the pigeons in the lofts or flying around the lofts, then please log on to the SAMDPR dedicated website www.samdpr.com
The Organising Committee, which now consists of Michael Holt (Race Director), Willi van Beers (Race Manager), Joan-e Holt (Public Relations), Marion Branford (Administration), Michael Holt (Systems Administrator), Pieter Saayman (Assistant Systems Administrator), Stephan Steenkamp (Administration), Corrie Naude, Andre van Wyk & Maitland Blackshaw Blanc (Head Trainers & Loft Managers), plus about ten other loft staff, plus Paul Smith (United Kingdom Shipper/Co-ordinator & International Race Co-ordinator), Dr. Piet van Zyl has also been recently appointed as the new Veterinary Officer with Dr. Marthinus Hartman (Veterinary Officer from the University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort Veterinary Services being retained as a Consultant), plus of course all the Country Shippers/Co-ordinators were once again looking to try to increase the race entry for the twenty second race. Once again they knew that this would be a massive task but they felt that even with all the other new one-loft races that were now up and running all over the world, beating the entry of last year ago could be achieved, providing we did not lose to many countries that had entered in past races. *****SPECIAL THANKS must of course also go to Sara Blackshaw who is the Managing Director of Air Sport Internationale, who are The Presenters Of This Great Race for their continued support, Sara has worked extremely hard to keep the race going after the untimely death of Zandy Meyer (Race Director), plus of course we must also mention the fantastic HERON BANKS GOLF & RIVER ESTATE for allowing us to build our new loft on their outstanding complex, plus of course the stunning EMERALD RESORT, CASINO & HOTEL for allowing us to use their fabulous facilities at this truly fabulous venue for this very prestigious international pigeon race weekend.
Of course, as mentioned earlier, we all knew that this would be a hard task and the first thing that was to be done was for the current website to be upgraded once again so that even more information was available to the entrants/competitors and pigeon fanciers. After months and months off hard work by Peter Furstenberg of Shine Interactive and his staff, plus Michael Holt and Pieter Saayman, Systems Administrators for Air Sport Internationale this has now been achieved as anybody logging onto the brand new state of the art revamped website www.samdpr.com will be able to see even more information is available. The “HITS” on this website had increased from 3 million for the 2003 race to 5 million for the 2004 race and over 8 million for the 2005 race and over 14 million for the 2006 race series. Records seem to be broken each year and the 2006/7 race series attracted over 16 million “HITS” during the race series and during the 2007/8 race series the web site attracted over 20 million “HITS”. Once again another record was broken for the “HITS” during the 2008/9 race series with well over 25 million. Just to show fanciers/competitors and entrants how successful this new web site has been, during the 2009/10 race series the web site had a remarkable 48 million “HITS” over that twelve month period. These figures increased dramatically because of a brand new Information Portal and Twitter facilities that were added as extras during the 14th SCMDPR. During the full 2010/11 race series the “HITS” figures increased once again to a staggering 50 million. Once again during the 2011/12 racing series the “HITS” increased, with figures in the region of 60 million. During the 2012/13 race series the amount of “HITS” rose to around 70 million. Also during the 2013/14 race season the amount of “HITS” exceeded those of the previous year by a considerably number. This just goes to show the amount of interest that is shown in this great international pigeon race from pigeon fanciers literally all over the world. Information is on line for all to see, so why not join in the fun throughout the next few months and add this web site to your favourites list. If it is information you require, then this race certainly gives it to you or anybody that cares to log onto their fantastic state of the art website. Official figure for “HITS” during the 2014/15 race series are not yet to hand but should easily exceed the 70 million “HITS” of the previous year. Once again “HITS” for the 2016/2017 race series exceeded our wildest expectations, once again exceeding the previous year. We are fairly confident that the “HITS” figures for the 2017/18 race series will once again smash all the previous records.
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
CONGRATULATIONS must once again go to all the Country Race Co-ordinators and Shippers for again getting so many pigeons entered for this fantastic International Pigeon Race, you are truly worth your weight in gold to the Race Organisers as without all your hard work and effort the race would never get off the ground. It is always interesting to study the entry figures after the last race, those countries that do well usually increase in their entries and others that have not faired so well reduce in numbers but as usual there are others countries that continue to increase whatever happens. However, the UNITED KINGDOM TEAM after their outstanding success in winning 1st and 2nd OPEN in the 13th SCMDPR 2009 when we actually sent a record 602 pigeons. In fact the following year 14th SCMDPR we only entered 399 pigeons and one can only think that this massive reduction in entries was due mainly to the world credit crunch and recession that seemed to have hit this country ever since the last race. However, I was very positive that the UK entries would return once we finally started to come out of this current economic climate. It was great to see that the UK entries increased by 210 pigeons to a total of 609 pigeons for the 15th SCMDPR, which once again just shows how many fanciers would like to win this prestigious international pigeon race. Once again the United Kingdom Team increased its entries into the 16th SCMDPR with a record entry of 657 pigeons which is the highest amount we have ever sent out for this great race. The entry for the United Kingdom Team for the 17th SAMDPR was yet another record entry and this year we managed to get over 700 pigeons for the first time ever, breaking our past record entry by over 60 pigeons. For the 18th SAMDPR the United Kingdom Race Team consisted of about 590 pigeons. The race entry for the United Kingdom Race Team for the 19th SAMDPR was just under 500 pigeons. The race entry for the United Kingdom Race Team for the 20th SAMDPR was just over 400 pigeons and the race entry for the 21st SAMDPR once again exceeded 450 pigeons. The race entry for the United Kingdom Race Team in the 22nd SAMDPR has once again exceeded 500 pigeons, thanks again to all the fanciers that have supported our National Team. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL AND THANKS AGAIN TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT, I CAN ASSURE YOU IT REALLY IS GREATLY APPRECIATED BY ME AND THE RACE ORGANISERS.
Once again the marketing for this top class pigeon race never really stops and as one race finishes the next one starts but that is really what makes this superb event such an exciting international race. Of course, if a certain country does not do well in the past race or races, it actually becomes much tougher for the Country Race Co-ordinators/Shippers to get fanciers to enter because fanciers feel they have no chance to win any of the major prizes. So it has always been the policy of this race to create more and more different competitions that offer extra cash rewards or specials prizes and once again this year is no exception, with five brand new cars being up for grabs which is one in each of the HOT SPOT CAR RACES, plus numerous other new competitions where fanciers could win something in the five HOT SPOT CAR RACES in the run-up to THE FINAL RACE.
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 2017/18 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$36 Million American Dollars (£25 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 22nd SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE will be the same as paid out for THE 21st SAMDPR.
The FINAL RACE PRIZE MONEY in the 22nd SAMDPR now exceeds US$1.02 Million American Dollars or around £785,000 Million Pounds Sterling.
PROPOSED RACE PROGRAMME:- The Training Races, Mid-Week Races and Saturday Races during 2017/18 race series are listed earlier in this International Press Release for all to see and as mentioned once we get past HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1 the rest of the race programme will be finalised for all to see. However, THE FINAL RACE from 550km (342 miles) will be on Saturday 3rd February 2018.
These dates are not 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.
All the United Kingdom Team fanciers/entrants and syndicate shareholders will be kept up to date with regular “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE” and “NEWSLETTERS” plus any of them can log on to the state of the art The South African Million Dollar Race web site:- www.samdpr.com and get all the information they might require over the next few months. All official past competitors and entrants will still be able to use their old username and password and new competitors/entrants that have entered this race for the first time should now have received their own confidential username and password and then they will be able to log into their own account and see everything on their own computer screen. If you have not received yours yet, please contact your Official Country Race Co-ordinator/Shipper. You can’t change your pigeon’s name/s once training has started. You can even put all your pedigrees on live if you wish to, which certainly helps with the final selling price at the auction after the race. Remember the 2008 SCMDPR OVERALL ACE PIGEON named BIRDY sold for a staggering world record £53,730 and the breeder receives 50% of this figure after expenses. This really is a state of the art race that continues to improve its overall image on an annual basis and gives all fanciers and entrants all the information they need to know about all the pigeons in the lofts.
It should also be mentioned that the all the new entrants/competitors have now been sent their “OFFICIAL INTAKE” status report on all the pigeons they originally entered, which was followed by a full Loft Listing on the official SAMDPR website which was published on Wednesday 25th October 2017, which showed everybody what fully paid pigeons are still left in the lofts at that current time. Fanciers that have entered this race before will be able to use the password they used last time to access their personal account. Any new entrants/competitors will have to log onto www.samdpr.com and create their own new password so that they can access their personal account.
It should be noted the Organising Committee and Loft Managers have decided this year not to try to rush the youngsters up to the 80km (50 miles) mark. Please watch the Race Programme listed on the dedicated SAMDPR website: www.samdpr.com for more information on the distances for some of these earlier races as some of these might have to be changed because of circumstances. Of course as mentioned earlier only races of 50km (31 miles) actually counts in the SAMDPR Overall Ace Pigeon Averages and only fully paid up pigeons can win any of these three special cash prizes allocated to this competition.
***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** I am sorry that I can’t add all the information about who bred all the pigeons or where they live because I do not have access to all this information so I can only publish details which I am in possession of at the time. 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 2017/18 training and race series.
As mentioned earlier only races of 50km (approx. 31 miles) will count towards The 21st 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.
It should be mentioned that GLOBAL & COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS during the 2015/16 race series actually paid out a staggering 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 SECOND 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 NOTIFICATION*** 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” or the other THREE (3) pigeons in your “TEAM OF 4” 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 of course you entered a “TEAM OF 4” and you lost your first 3 pigeons, your fourth pigeon would then be your “ACTIVATED PIGEON”. If you were unlucky enough to lose all your entries of 3 or 4 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 23rd SAMDPR and all you have to pay is the official shipping and export costs to your Country Co-ordinator/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 “Free Entry” offer then does not count.
This of course represents great value for your money. All pigeons go to every training toss and Saturday and Mid-Week 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 23rd DECEMBER 2017 from 162km (approx. 100 miles). The cost to “ACTIVATE” these “RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS” is US$1,100 (approx. £850)(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 (ACTIVATED) to compete and be eligible to fly for all the extra cash prizes and special awards that amounts to over US$300,000 (approx. £231,000). 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 2017/18 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, 1 for each of the 5 x Car Races, 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), 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 a 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 (£93) 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 (£154) starting Prize Money and US$40 (£31) 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 3rd February 2018 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.
PRIZE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE 22nd 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 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 2017/18 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 many other international world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy.
The race date for THE 23rd SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has already been provisionally agreed and confirmed by the race organisers as SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2019. (This date is still awaiting 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 23rd SAMDPR will take about the middle of MAY 2018 and then the second one should be around the middle of JUNE 2018. 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 2017/18 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 22nd 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 3rd February 2018. 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
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