Table of Contents
“FOURTH 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.
RESULTS FOR TRAINING RACE 5
& HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3.
THE UNITED KINGDOM RACE TEAM WINS 3rd, 4th,
15th, 28th, 32nd, 69th, 82nd, 86th & 100th OPEN
PLUS 3 x US$1,100 CASH PRIZES IN HSCR3,
ALSO THE 3-BIRD AVERAGE & US$3,000.
THE IRISH TEAM WINS 57th & 90th OPEN.
(See below for full results).
CONGRATULATIONS Alistair Hogg (Sunny Lofts) from Winchburgh on winning this Brand New Motor Car for 1st United Kingdom, 2nd OPEN (1st Activated Pigeon) Hot Spot Car Race 2, against 3,176 pigeons with his pigeon named WILHELM. TRAINING RACE 5 took place on Wednesday 3rd January 2018 from 114km (71 miles) and a total of 3,257 pigeons were basketed from 35 different countries and this total included 2,922 International pigeons including 188 from the United Kingdom and 38 from Ireland, plus 335 pigeons from South Africa. A total of just 59 pigeons were not basketed, these included 4 from the United Kingdom and just 1 from Ireland, these were all left in the lofts because they had made mistakes earlier in the week or had returned from earlier tosses. The total still in the loft was 3,316 pigeons. The convoy were liberated at 06.35 in fine and cool conditions, with a strong head wind, 18c (64f) and a good race was anticipated. LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 5 and as usual I logged on bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and all of a sudden bang on time a gang of about 50 pigeons approached the loft at 08.06 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 literally hundreds had homed and all looked good for excellent returns. CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to JOSEF GERLING from GERMANY with pigeon named KERSSENBROCK ANDREAS bred by JOSEF GERLING, which was officially clocked at 08.06.57.04 to record a winning velocity of 1288ypm (19.5976m/s) (44mph). Taking 2nd Mark De Cock from Belgium, 3rd A Defaulter Pigeon, 4th Georg Oswald from Germany, 5th Team Hooymans from Netherlands, 6th Mike Chafardon from United States of America, 7th Team MuzaCoWin from Denmark, 8th Hassain Alwatari from Kuwait, 9th Alberta Boys from Canada, 10th Mohammed Marzouq Al-Alwan from Kuwait, 11th Jochen u Nadine Huenten from Germany, 12th Team Dietzel from Germany, 13th Ludwig Koelbl from Germany, 14th Team Germany –SG Altmiks+Soudy from Germany, 15th TNT Lofts from South Africa, 16th a second for Mark De Cock from Belgium, 17th a third for Marc De Cock from Belgium, 18th Team Payk from Germany, 19th Jassim Al-Kulaib from Kuwait and 20th Wolfram Coesfold from Germany. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 38.00 seconds and had 8 different countries represented in the top 20 and there were 11 different countries in the top 50, only 1 minute 04.61 seconds away from the actual race winner. Good to see seven different countries in the top nine Open positions in this race. This race resulted with 1,000 pigeons being officially recorded by 08.17 and then 2,000 pigeons clocked by 08.28, then 2,968 by 13.42. This left 289 pigeons to return to the race loft. By nightfall a total of 2,991 pigeons were in the loft, leaving 266 to return to base camp. Thursday lunchtime Loft List showed 3,298 pigeons in the race loft. GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 5 amounted to US$6,394.55c (approx. £4,920) and had a total of 301 pigeons entered which included 10 from the United Kingdom and 1 from Ireland and there were 959 Nominations. There was one United Kingdom winner as follows:- 37th Open went to Team Lincs with their pigeon named Toynton bred by Paul & Tracey Stacey from Sleaford which won US$646 (£497) for its efforts. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 37th OPEN went to TEAM LINCS, with their pigeon named TOYNTON bred by PAUL & TRACEY STACEY from SLEAFORD which was officially clocked at 08.07.53.45, just 56.41 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 75th Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith of Stansted Mountfitchet, 3rd UK, 77th Open Fev Flyers with pigeon bred by Joe Leech and Steve Bannister from West Yorks, 4th UK, 78th Open Nigel Templar from Bristol, 5th UK, 79th Open TadT with pigeon bred by Crossley & Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 6th UK, 109th Open L+D Wellburn with pigeon bred by this partnership from Acklam, 7th UK, 116th Open Berkshire Boys, 8th UK, 123rd Open another for Zandys Dream Team with second pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 9th UK, 136th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 10th UK, 146th Open Dever & Lloyd, with pigeon bred by George Dever from Halewood, 11th UK, 167th Open anther for Tadt with a second pigeon bred by Crossley & Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 12th UK, 198th Open Chris Turner with pigeon bred by Chris & Debbie Turner from Coventry, 13th UK, 203rd Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 14th UK, 214th Open Deneside Lofts, John Clarke from Crewe with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs R. Budd, 15th UK, 225th Open Paul Smith Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with a pigeon bred by the late Jimmy Richards from Laindon who passed away on 27th December 2017, rest in peace my friend, let us hope this year we hit the jackpot, 16th UK, 243rd Open Waldron Lofts with a pigeon bred by Graham Watkinson from Skelmersdale, 17th UK, 252nd Open Milly’s Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 18th UK, 269th Open Trainspotters with pigeon bred by Turner & Watson from the North East, 19th UK, 279th Open another for the Berkshire Boys and then 20th UK, 291st Open another for Milly’s Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe. A total of 50 pigeons being officially clocked by 08.14, then 100 by 08.22 and 150 by 09.15, then 164 had returned to the race loft by 13.42 leaving 24 to make it back to base camp. A total of 166 pigeons returned to the race loft by 17.53, leaving 22 still to return to the race loft. The Thursday lunchtime Loft List showed 192 UK pigeons in the race loft. UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 5 had no pigeons entered. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 62nd OPEN went to JOS REILLY – TEAM IRELAND with their pigeon named LADY BOND and bred by JOS REILLY which was officially clocked at 08.08.24.12, just 1 minute 27.11 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 84th Open G+J Douglas, 3rd Ireland, 193rd Open H+C Thorpe – McMorrow, 4th Ireland, 264th Open Peter Lucas, 5th Ireland, 492nd Open Philip & Mark Smith and then 6th Ireland, 512th Open Taximush. A total of 20 pigeons being officially clocked by 08.21 then 30 by 08.35 and 35 by 13.42, leaving just 3 to return. A total of 36 pigeons returned to the race loft by 17.53 making it a 100% return. The Thursday lunchtime Loft List showed 41 pigeons in the race loft. IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS in TRAINING RACE 5 had no pigeons entered. More short training will take place on Thursday and Friday prior to HSCR3 giving these pigeons even more confidence and experience to cope with what was in front of them over the next month. THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after seven official races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to HASSAIN ALWATARI from KUWAIT with pigeon named H ALWATARI QT4 bred by HASSAIN ALWATARI, with a combined flying time of 10.40.35.52 unchanged position from the last race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 14th OPEN goes to BERKSHIRE BOYS with pigeon named SPIT with a combined flying time of 10.59.35.95 up 16 places from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 86th OPEN goes to TAXIMUSH with their pigeon named TAXIMUSH 3 bred by GARRET HENSEY with a combined flying time of 11.20.52.77 up 21 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS. ********************************************************************************************** HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 was held on Saturday 6th December 2018 from 212km (132 miles) and for this race a total of 3,196 pigeons from 35 different countries were basketed and this included 2,844 International pigeons and this figure also included 184 from the United Kingdom and 38 from Ireland, plus 352 from South Africa. A total of 33 pigeons were not basketed, these included 3 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 the race loft was 3,229 pigeons. The convoy were liberated at 05.30 with a head wind and in fine and clear conditions and a temperature of 18c (64f) and a fairly steady race was anticipated. Temperatures have been very high this week and the forecast for today it was going to rise to 39/40c (over 100f) so it was essential to get them early and home before it got too hot. LIVESTREAM was up and running for HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 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 08.25 a bit earlier than anticipated a gang of about 50 pigeons approached the race loft, swung round a couple of times and then they hit the trapping area and within a few minutes literally hundreds of pigeons had been officially recorded. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to WILHELM STOLL from GERMANY with pigeon named BESTEN DANK bred by WILHELM STOLL, which was officially clocked at 08.25.44.84 to record a winning velocity of 1320ypm (20.1046m/s) (45mph), this pigeon had previously won 2nd Open in TR4 and 221st in HSCR2. Taking 2nd Team Ute Fenten from Germany, 3rd Milly’s Loft from United Kingdom, 4th Tim Atkin from United Kingdom, 5th A Defaulter Pigeon, 6th Helmut & Alfons Klaas from Germany, 7th Team Magic Limburg from Netherlands, 8th Ganus Family Loft from United States of America, 9th Van Kerckhove – Vercautren from Belgium, 10th Gordon Meng from United States of America, 11th Franz Kleinhans from Germany, 12th Deroose-Desmeyter from Belgium, 13th Team Affeln – Amecke from Germany, 14th PIPA Elite Center from Belgium, 15th Nigel Templar from United Kingdom, 16th Wouters Family from Belgium, 17th La Sala Syndicate from Australia, 18th Team Zeche Prinz Regent from Germany, 19th Saho Al Saho from Kuwait and 20th Josef Schneider from Germany. The top twenty were separated by just 29.50 seconds and had 7 different countries represented in this result with 12 different countries represented in the top 50 and these were just 2 minutes 44.75 seconds apart. The pigeons literally fell out of the sky and a total of 500 were clocked by 08.41, then 1,000 by 08.49, then 1,500 by 08.58 and then 2,000 by 09.16. A further update showed 2,500 pigeons were officially clocked up to 10.30 then further update showed 2,672 pigeons were officially recorded by 12.57. By 19.11 a total of 2,782 pigeons had been clocked, leaving 414 pigeons still to return to base camp. The pigeons continued to roll in on Sunday and by darkness 2,907 pigeons had returned, leaving 289 pigeons to return. The Monday lunchtime Loft List showed that there were a total of 3,109 pigeons still in the race loft, which included the 33 pigeons that were not sent to this race. HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 CAR WINNER was WILHELM STOLL from the GERMANY with pigeon named BESTEN DANK which won 1st OPEN and was bred by WILHELM STOLL. WHAT A GREAT START TO THE NEW YEAR FOR THIS FANCIER. HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 there was also 19 x US$1,100 (£846) cash prizes to be won by the next 19 x Activated Pigeons after the Car Winner and in this race and the winners were as follows:- Most of the pigeons that took these cash prizes are mentioned above in the Open result and those which took 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th Open. That meant that there were two pigeons Not-Activated and these were the pigeons that took 4th (Kuwait) and 10th (United States of America). Proving once again if they are good enough to get to this stage, then they must be good enough to Activate, once again a costly experience for these fanciers. However, because of these two pigeons not being activated gave the pigeons that won 21st Open Flying Pilgrims from United States of America and 22nd Open Hinrich Schnackenberg from Germany taking these extra cash prizes. WELL DONE TO ALL THESE WINNERS. HOT SPOT CAR RACE OVERALL AVERAGES after the first three race were as follows:- 1st OPEN Helmut & Alfons Klaas from Germany with their pigeon named Helle and bred by this well known partnership with a combined flying time of 06.52.56.61 and up 56 places from HSCR2. 1st United Kingdom, 8th Open was the Berkshire Boys with their pigeon named Spit with a combined flying time of 06.55.37.45 up 87 places from HSCR2. 1st Ireland, 51st Open was Taximush with pigeon named Taximush 2 bred by Garret Hensey with a combined flying time of 07.07.53.99 down 22 places from HSCR2. THIS TESTING RACE SERIES HAS A US$5,000 (£3,846) FIRST PRIZE TO THE WINNER AFTER THE 5 HOT SPOT CAR RACES. GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 amounted to US$22,898.15c (approx. £17,615) and had a total of 550 pigeons entered which included 30 from the United Kingdom and 1 from Ireland and there were 1,966 Nominations. There was just one United Kingdom winner as follows:- 9th Open went to the Berkshire Boys with pigeon named Spit which won US$2,176 (£1,674) for its efforts. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 3rd OPEN went to MILLY’S LOFT with pigeon named MILLY’S LOFT SECRET WEAPON No. 2 which was bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE, which was officially clocked at 08.25.47.59 just 03.75 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 5th Open Tim Atkin from Rugby with a pigeon bred by him, 3rd UK, 15th Open Nigel Templar from Bristol with pigeon bred by him, 4th UK, 28th Open Berkshire Boys, 5th UK, 32nd Open Zandys Dream Team with a pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 6th UK, 69th Open Syndicate Lofts UK with pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 7th UK, 82nd Open Made in Brum with pigeon bred by Peter Thomas from West Midlands, 8th UK, 86th Open another for Nigel Templar from Bristol and bred by him, 9th UK, 100th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 10th UK, 102nd Open Chris Turner with a pigeon bred by Chris & Debbie Turner from Coventry, 11th UK, 129th Open Mr & Mrs Andy Gregson from Preston with a pigeon bred by them, 12th UK, 143rd Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a third pigeon by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 13th UK, 177th Open Planet Brothers with a pigeon bred by Gary & John Squibb from Noak Hill, 14th UK, 205th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a fourth pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 15th UK, 208th Open Nick Bradford from Exmouth with a pigeon bred by him, 16th UK, 235th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a fifth pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 17th UK, 282nd Open another for Nigel Templar from Bristol with a third pigeon bred by him, 18th UK, 283rd Open another for Zandy Dream Team with a sixth pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 19th UK, 332nd Open The Royal Lofts (Her Majesty The Queen) from Sandringham with a pigeon bred by Peter Farrow (Loft Manager) and 20th UK, 338th Open Premier Stud UK Syndicate, administer by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Premier Stud from Patringham Haven. A total of 50 pigeons were officially clocked by 08.46, 100 by 09.09 and then 150 by 10.38, then 158 by 12.57. A further update showed 161 pigeons had returned to the lofts by 19.07, leaving just 23 still to return to the loft. 7 more pigeons returned on Sunday up to 19.07, leaving 16 still to make it home. The Monday lunchtime Loft List showed that there were 181 UK pigeons in the race loft, which included those that did not go to this race. UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 had 15 pigeons entered and 46 Nominations and US$232.90c (approx. £180) to be won and the winners were as follows:- 15th Open Nigel Templar with pigeon named National Express bred by Nigel Templar from Bristol which won US$147.90c (£115) for its efforts. Then 28th Open for the Berkshire Boys with their pigeon named Spit which won US$85 (£65) for its efforts. WELL DONE TO THESE WINNER. THE UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE for HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 (137 pigeons in this category) and currently have US$16,520 (£12,708) in Prize Money which will be paid out in the 5 x Hot Spot Car Races and The Final Race. The winners in this race were 1st UK, 3rd Open and US$125 (£96) went to Milly’s Loft with pigeon named Milly’s Loft Secret Weapon No. 2 and bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe. Then 2nd UK, 28th Open and US$75 (£58) went to the Berkshire Boys with pigeon named Spit, then taking 3rd UK, 32nd Open and US$50 (£39) went to Zandys Dream Team with pigeon named Zandys Glory and bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet. SOME GREAT EXTRA CASH PRIZES TO BE WON IN THIS COMPETITION. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE WINNERS. CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 57th OPEN went to H+C THORPE – McMORROW with their pigeon named WYLDER and bred by SHELDON LEONARD, which was officially clocked at 08.30.06.79, just 4 minutes 21.95 seconds behind the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 90th Open went to Jos Reilly – Team Ireland, 3rd Ireland, 183rd Open Peter Lucas, 4th Ireland, 389th Open Joe Kennedy & Son, 5th Ireland, 395th Open another for H+C Thorpe – McMorrow and 6th Ireland, 528th Open Taximush. A total of 20 Irish pigeons were officially clocked by 09.06 and then 29 by 12.57. A further update showed 31 pigeons had returned to the lofts by nightfall, leaving just 7 still to return to the loft. One more returned on Sunday, leaving 6 still to return to the race loft. The Monday lunchtime Loft List showed 36 Irish pigeons in the race loft, which showed that 4 more pigeons had returned to the race loft that had been missing from HSCR3 or earlier tosses. IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 had no pigeons entered. THE IRISH COUNTRY CHALLENGE for HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 (11 pigeons in this category) and currently have US$2,660 (£2,046) in Prize Money which will be paid out in the 5 x Hot Spot Car Races and The Final Race. The winners in this race were 1st IRE, 183rd Open and US$125 (£96) went to Peter Lucas with pigeon named Gerrymander. Then 2nd IRE, 948th Open and US$75 (£58) went to Philip & Mark Smith with their pigeon named Charder, then taking 3rd IRE, 1209th Open and US$50 (£39) went to G+J Douglas with their pigeon named Lurgan Jen. SOME GREAT EXTRA CASH PRIZES TO BE WON IN THE COMPETITION. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE WINNERS. THE OVERALL AVERAGES are also up and running and after eight official races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to ALHAMLI TEAM from UNITED ARAB EMIRATES with their pigeon named JAMEELA bred by ALHAMLI TEAM, with a combined flying time of 13.47.01.55 up 2 places from the last race. This pigeon’s lowest position so far is 476th Open, great performances. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 3rd OPEN goes to the BERKSHIRE BOYS with their pigeon named SPIT with a combined flying time of 13.56.24.10 up 11 places from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 62nd OPEN goes to TAXIMUSH with their pigeon named TAXIMUSH 3 bred by GARRET HENSEY with a combined flying time of 14.32.06.82 up 24 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS. THE 2-BIRD AVERAGE & US$2,000 (£1,538) PRIZE MONEY IN HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 was won by MOHAMED ASSAD (Team 1) from KUWAIT with their pigeons named SALEM (23rd) and ROBIN (76th) bred by MOHAMED ASSAD and with a combined total velocity of 39.583m/s. Then 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 2nd OPEN went to NIGEL TEMPLAR (Team 1) with pigeons named NATIONAL EXPRESS (15th) and NATIONAL STAR (86th) both bred by Nigel Templar from Bristol and with a combined total velocity of 39.574m/s. Then 1st IRELAND, 34th OPEN went to JOS REILLY – TEAM IRELAND (Team 3) with pigeons named SANDY BABE (90th) and LADY BOND (669th) both bred by JOS REILLY from DUBLIN and with a combined total velocity of 37.786m/s. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE WINNERS. THE 3-BIRD AVERAGE & US$3,000 (£2,308) PRIZE MONEY IN HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 was won by NIGEL TEMPLAR (Team 1) from the UNITED KINGDOM with pigeons named NATIONAL EXPRESS (15th), NATIONAL STAR (86th) and NATIONAL DREAM (262nd) with all the pigeons bred by NIGEL TEMPLAR from BRISTOL with a combined total velocity of 58.343m/s. Then 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 1st OPEN went to NIGEL TEMPLAR (Team 1) from the UNITED KINGDOM with pigeons named NATIONAL EXPRESS (15th), NATIONAL STAR (86th) and NATIONAL DREAM (262nd) with all the pigeons bred by NIGEL TEMPLAR from BRISTOL with a combined total velocity of 58.343m/s. Then 1st IRELAND, 15th OPEN went to TAXIMUSH (Team 1) with pigeons named TAXIMUSH 3 (528th), TAXIMUSH 1 (560th) and TAXIMUSH 2 (597th) all bred by GARRET HENSEY with a combined total velocity of 55.271m/s. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE WINNERS. THE KNOCKOUT COMPETITION offers a US$25,000 (£19,231) First Prize and only fully paid up pigeon before basketing of Hot Spot Car Race 1 are eligible to compete for this great cash prize. This fantastic competition offers the following conditions and one lucky winner will walk away with “THE POT OF GOLD” after the Final Race. These rules are as follows:- This competition will take place over the last four Hot Spot Car Races and the Final Race, if however any Hot Spot Car Race are cancelled the race committee can use a Training Race to replace any Hot Spot Car Race. As usual this competition is very well supported and this year was no exception as there was a total of 2,734 pigeons entered, which was made up of 2,506 International pigeons, which included 197 from the United Kingdom and 33 from Ireland, plus 228 pigeons from South Africa. KNOCKOUT ROUND 1 took place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 on Saturday 30th December 2017 and 1,778 (65%) of the entered pigeons moved forward to the next round. After this round 1 there was still 126 United Kingdom pigeons and 23 Irish pigeons left for the next round. KNOCKOUT ROUND 2 took place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 on Saturday 6th January 2018 and 978 (55%) of the entered pigeons will move forward to the next round. After this round 2 there was still 61 United Kingdom pigeons and 12 Irish pigeons left for the next round. KNOCKOUT ROUND 3 will take place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 4 on Saturday 13th January 2018 and 343 (35%) of the entered pigeons will move forward to the next round. KNOCKOUT ROUND 4 will take place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 5 on Saturday 20th January 2018 and 69 (20%) of the entered pigeons will move forward to the next round. Then KNOCKOUT ROUND 5 will take place on THE FINAL RACE on SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2018 and just 69 top class pigeons will be competing and the first pigeon clocked of these remaining 69 KNOCKOUT PIGEONS will walk away this coveted First Prize of US$25,000 (£19,231). THIS REALLY IS A GREAT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION THAT CREATES A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF INTEREST AND EXCITEMENT THROUGHOUT THE RACE SERIES. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE PIGEONS IN THE NEXT ROUND. As mentioned in my first International Press Release as the pigeons were delayed with quarantine regulations and did not start to fly around the race lofts until about early 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 was 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 was held on Wednesday 13th December 2017 from 62km (39 miles), then Training Race 2 held on Saturday 16th December 2017 from 62km (39 miles) followed by Training Race 3 held on Wednesday 20th December 2017 from 114km (71 miles) with HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1 taking place on Saturday 23rd December 2017 from 114km (71 miles), Training Race 4 on Wednesday 27th December 2017 from 114km (71 miles), HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 on Saturday 30th December 2017 from 160km (100 miles), Training Race 5 will be on Wednesday 3rd January 2018 from (114km) (71 miles), HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 on Saturday 6th January 2018 from 210km (130 miles), Training Race 6 will be on Wednesday 10th January 2018 from 114km (71 miles), HOT SPOT CAR RACE 4 on Saturday 13th January 2018 from 250km (155 miles), Training Race 7 will be on Wednesday 17th January 2018 from 114km (71 miles), HOT SPOT CAR RACE 5 will be on Saturday 20th January 2018 from 305km (190 miles), Training Race 8 will be on Wednesday 24th January 2018 from 114km (71 miles) and then Training Race 9 will be on Saturday 27th January 2018 from 114km (71 miles). 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. Numerous “Loft Reports”, “Updates”, “Photographs” and “Videos” have been placed on the informative state of the art SAMDPR website for all to see and these are all available now on the dedicated website www.samdpr.com 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. 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. 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. ***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 took place on SATURDAY 23rd DECEMBER 2017 from 114km (approx. 71 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 ]]>