THE 23rd SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE. THE FINAL RACE

“EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”.
ON
THE FINAL RACE
IN
THE 23rd SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE
(THE BIGGEST & GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD!)
(THE RACE WITH THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD)
(THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN THE PIGEON WORLD)
WHICH WAS HELD AT
HERON BANKS GOLF & RIVER ESTATE,
SOUTH AFRICA
ON
SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2019.

ANOTHER RACE SEASON FINISHES IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE.

THE UNITED KINGDOM TEAM had a really fantastic race and won the following
OPEN positions:- 23rd, 27th, 33rd, 36th, 45th, 49th, 67th, 84th, 91st, 92nd,
105th, 107th, 136th, 138th, 147th, 186th, 194th, 200th, 210th, 239th, 248th, 252nd, 282nd & 299th OPEN and won US$39,800 (£31,840) in Prize Money, plus one fancier purchased an Un-Activated Pigeon and it won 28th & won him US$3,500 (£2,800) in Prize Money. UK fanciers also won US$11,696 (£9,357) in the Nominations. TOTAL WINNINGS were US$54,996 (£43,997).

THE IRISH TEAM also had a very good race and won the following OPEN positions:- 56th, 106th, 111th, 116th, 134th, 135th, 211th, 258th, 265th, 284th & 287th OPEN and US$12,000 (£9,600) in Prize Money. TOTAL WINNINGS were US$12,000 (£9,600).

THE TOP 50 PIGEONS SOLD AT AUCTION FOR A STAGGERING ZAR6.251500 MILLION SOUTH AFRICAN RANDS, WHICH EQUATES TO US$465,141 OR £353,792 OR E403,583. AN AVERAGE SELLING PRICE OF ZAR125,030 OR US$9,303 OR £7,076 EACH OR E8,072. THIS JUST GOES TO SHOW THE VALUE THAT PIGEON FANCIERS AROUND THE WORLD PUT ON PIGEONS THAT WIN IN THE SAMDPR.

Firstly, let me apologise for the lateness of this International Press Release but as
most of you know I also treat this race as my annual holiday and whilst I am in South Africa for the race, I also like to visit other parts of this outstanding continent. This time I also decided to stay a few extra days and take in the Auction of the top 50 pigeons in the 23rd SAMDPR. Over the past twenty-three years I have visited plenty of different areas and have loved them all. Anybody that is thinking of entering the race in the future or travelling out to South Africa for the race or a holiday, I will be only too pleased to offer them some advice on where are some of the most exciting places to visit on your trip. I arrived with Tad Truszkowski at Emerald Resort Hotel about 9am on Tuesday 20th January 2019.

On the Wednesday morning we had agreed to meet Sara Blackshaw at Heron Banks
Golf & River Estate to play a few holes of golf and then have a few beers and a light
lunch in the clubhouse. We were greeted by Gary Lance who owns the golf club and
he said he would meet us later for a drink. After the golf, drinks and food it was back to Emerald Resort to meet a few other fanciers that were checking in during the day. As we walked in we were greeted by Richard Newton and Andrea Taylor,
Gerry McCourt and Kathleen, Karl & Nicola Donnelly and Megan & Riley, and we joined them for a few drinks before going back to get showered and changed for the evening. We all met later and Tad and myself went out to the Breeze Restaurant for a meal before returning for a few more drinks with fanciers at the bar.

Thursday morning soon dawned and it was time to go for breakfast, where we once
again met lots of fanciers we had not seen since last year. After breakfast it was time for the pigeons to be basketed for The 23rd SAMDPR, the loft staff now have this off to a fine art. Soon the basketing and loading of the baskets was completed and the transporter took them on a short journey to the E&E Centre at Emerald Resort, Hotel & Casino just across the Vaal River in Vanderbijlpark where the pigeons were to be basketed for the Final Race. The transporter arrived and the pigeons were unloaded and everything was set up at the E&E Centre at the Emerald Resort to start the race marking at about 12 o’clock and four marking tables were already set up and ready to go, the Auditors EW Coetzee & Associates were again all present and there were lots of willing fanciers were waiting to help with the basketing of the pigeons. The full baskets were taken off the transporter and into the E&E Centre and basketing officially started about 12.30. Corrie Naude explained the marking procedure to those fanciers that had offered to assist and soon we were on our way to get all the pigeons race marked. Everybody was complimenting the loft staff and race organisers the way the pigeons handled and many fanciers that have done this race marking for numerous years stated it was the best condition the pigeons had ever been in. This after a very trying and testing year in training and racing because of the heavy rain, thunderstorms and extreme temperatures during the race series, plus of course because training had actually started later than usual. However, as is usual with this great international race, if the pigeons are basketed for this Final Race then they sure are ready for their final hurdle. After about four hours the task was finally completed and thanks must go to all the pigeon fanciers and friends that assisted us during the race marking because without their help this massive task would have taken much longer to achieve. A few pigeons were taken out because of injuries and these were placed in separate baskets for the Veterinary Officer Dr. Piet van Zyl to check them out and in total 12 pigeons were withdrawn from the race as not being fit to compete. A few pigeons were given new electronic ring and these details were then added to the database and finally at about 17.00 the Auditors finally announced that we had basketed a total of 2,531 pigeons from 40 different countries for the 23rd SAMDPR.

After this massive task we all made our way back to the Emerald Resort Hotel which would be our base for the next few days to have a few drinks at the bar. After a few beers to unwind with fanciers from many different countries, it was off to the room to get showered and changed before going out for another event which had been organised for about 7pm on Thursday evening the race organisers had laid on something special and this was a two-hour sunset “BOOZE CRUISE” up and down the Vaal River which included drinks, light meals, refreshments and canapes. This was attended by lots of fanciers and friends and turned out to be a lovely way to start an event, the weather was fantastic and as we made our way back everybody experienced a fantastic African sunset. A fabulous evening was enjoyed by all that were present. It was also great to see all the loft lads present and enjoying themselves and meeting some of the pigeon fanciers from all over the world. Back to the bar in the hotel to have a few drinks and meet other fanciers which had arrived throughout the day and early evening.

Friday morning dawned and Sara Blackshaw (Director of Air Sport Internationale, The Presenters of the Race) had arranged for a Country Co-ordinator’s meeting to take place at 08.30 in the Kilimanjaro Room. Also in attendance were Michael Holt (Race Director), Pieter Saayman (Systems Administrator), Willi van Beers (Loft Manager), Marion Branford (Administration), Maitland White Blackshaw (Loft Assistant), Paul Smith (International Race Co-ordinator) and all the Country Race Co-ordinator’s that were attending the race. It is always an interesting meeting because you get different views from numerous countries. The trial period for 3 to 4 pigeons was now over and from now on it would be only teams of 4 pigeons from the 24th SAMDPR. Numerous other items were raised and discussed. Quarantine issues were talked about and minuted. Having three races a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays had been tried and was successful. Prize Money and Entry Fees was discussed and everybody will be notified of any changes or additions to the current structure. The new state of the art Benzing Electronic Clocking System had been fitted and completed and had worked well all through the race series. The meeting finally came to a close because two special events had also been arranged for later in the morning and they were a golf and a fishing tournament for those that wanted to participate. This meeting took about two hours and numerous things were discussed and then minuted.

I had entered the third SAMDPR 18 hole golf tournament, along with Tad, Sara and about 20 other pigeon fanciers from literally all over the world. The weather was ideal for golf and it was decided to play a best two ball score competition as it would be a quicker game. The plan was we played 9 holes and then stop for a beer/wine and a light lunch, kindly supplied by Air Sport Internationale, after this break we would then continue to play the last 9 holes. A very civilised way to play a golf tournament I thought. Thanks to Gary Lance, the owner of Heron Banks Golf & River Golf Club and all his staff for making us all so welcome. The winning team was led by Hein Beneke and three other golfers from South Africa and their team finished with 97 points. Our team of only three players finished second just one point behind with 96 points. A really close finish and enjoyed by all who participated.
I did not enter the first fishing competition on the Vaal River as I was playing golf but according to all those that participated it was a great way to spend a few hours. Air Sport Internationale had hired all the fishing rods and purchased the bait and I believe from what I was told it was exceptionally well supported and whilst there were not too many fish caught but as usual there were lots of stories about the one that got away. After the competition finished they all had a braai and a few drinks supplied by Air Sport Internationale. Well done to Willi van Beers for assisting with organising this extra bit of fun. Mike Ganus from United States of America was the winner with a really good fish, weighing it at 3.975kg, rumour has it he brought his own bait over from the States. Well if you have to do that to win, it must be worth it. No all joking apart, well done Mike on yet another 1st SAMDPR.

Another new venture was to hold a Ten Pin Bowling Competition after the fishing and the golf had finished and Mike Ganus was left in charge to organised this event. Quite a few players turned up for this competition and they all had a really great time. However, the winner turned out to be Mike Ganus from United States of America, who I was told by another competitor that he looked like a professional bowler. Seems like he did something else bar racing and breeding pigeons in his younger days. Well done Mike on yet another 1st SAMDPR.

For those that did not to participate in any of these activities this was a day of rest for most but for those involved in making sure the race goes ahead it was work as usual as everything had to be set up in the E&E Centre in the fantastic Emerald Resort, so that all visitors can enjoy the race during Saturday.

Friday evening at 19.30 was the Welcome Cocktail Party in the Kilimanjaro Room in the Emerald Resort Hotel, which was right next to the Restaurant and Bar area. The setting was outstanding and place was packed and food and drinks were available. After about one hour Sara Blackshaw took to the stage and gave a report on tomorrow’s race and she wished everybody success. The pigeons had arrived safely at the race point and had been fed and watered ready for the early morning liberation from Colesberg 521km (324 miles). Then with the assistance of Joan-e Holt (Public Relations) the race sponsors and all the Country Co-ordinator’s that were present were called up to the stage and given a small gift for all their hard work and efforts over the past year. The Official Race Sponsors were then called to the stage and they were as follows:- Peter Furstenberg from Shine Interactive, Keith McLintock & Brett Lindsay from Big Brave Digital, Deirdre Kallmeyer from African Olive Travels Concepts, Dr. Henk De Weerd from Belgica De Weerd Clinic, Sudhoff Veterinary, Brother Copiers, Medpet, Turf Pet Hyper, Benzing Electronic Clocking System, Frank Nebig from Animals To Fly (Shipping), The Racing Pigeon & International Pictorial and Pigeons On Line. Also two very special mentions were for Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and of course Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel. All of these were met with great applaud and the Country Co-ordinator’s that were present then had a team photograph taken. Then Sara Blackshaw announced the winners of the three special competitions held earlier in the day, and the winners of the golf tournament were Hein Beneke and his team from South Africa, unfortunately nobody was present to pick up the trophy from Sara Blackshaw. The winner of the fishing tournament was Mike Ganus from United States of America and he proudly walked to the stage to pick up the trophy, he was applauded by those present and I am sure he will be back to defend his title next year. Then it was the turn to present the winner of the Ten Pin Bowling Competition and once again it was Mike Ganus from United States of America who was the winner and once again he was applauded as he collected his trophy. Another double for this great fancier. He really came to win THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE but walked away with two nice trophies for his efforts. Just as well Mike does not play golf because he could have won all three competitions. Yet another well supported event and place was buzzing with excitement for what tomorrow might bring for one lucky fancier or syndicate. When the event ended it was a short move to the outside in a marquee with its own bar and waiters for some live music with our resident singer John Dragon from Ireland, who now works in Tenerife most of the time, who kept everybody entertained until the early hours and a great time was had by all who were present. It really was a great way to finish off a wonderful day.

Saturday morning dawned and we went down for breakfast, it was a beautiful day for a pigeon race, albeit the wind was a bit on the fresh side.

THE FINAL RACE took place on Saturday 2nd February 2019 and liberation was at 06.00 from Colesberg 521km (324 miles), fine and cool conditions with a light North East wind and no storms were forecast and it looked like a perfect day for a race of this quality. The race entry consisted of 2,531 pigeons from 40 different countries and was made up as follows:- Australia 4, Austria 17, Bahrain 2, Belgium 111, Bosnia & Herzegovina 1, Bulgaria 11, Canada 43, China 16, Croatia 2, Czech Republic 52, Denmark 29, Egypt 6, France 15, Germany 579, Greece 4, Iraq 3, Ireland 58, Italy 16, Kuwait 220, Moldova 1, Morocco 2, Namibia 3, Netherlands 101, Norway 10, Poland 65, Portugal 4, Puerto Rico 2, Qatar 17, Romania 50, Saudi Arabia 41, Slovakia 25, Slovenia 1, South Africa 580, Spain 7, Sweden 3, Switzerland 11, Trinidad 2, United Arab Emirates 26, United Kingdom 138 and United States of America 253. This total was made up of 1,951 International pigeons and 580 pigeons from South Africa.

There were just 12 pigeons in the Hold Back List that were not basketed because they had been deemed unfit to compete by the Veterinary Officer Dr. Piet van Zyl, these were made up as follows:- 1 from Germany, 1 from Iraq, 1 from Italy, 3 from Kuwait, 5 from South Africa and 1 from United Kingdom. If any of these were paid up entries the owners will get a refund as per the rules of the race.

After a nice breakfast we made our way over to the E&E Centre and it was starting to fill up with many fanciers from all over the world, plus of course lots of South African fanciers and friends that were turning up to enjoy the race day activities. It was good to see the trade stands that had supported this event doing good business and my friend for many years Allan Jordaan was interviewing fanciers and other people on the stage. Food and drinks were available and the big screen on the stage was showing the Hot Spot Car Races that had taken place during the 2018/19 race series. Then the Final Race liberation was shown on the two big screens in the hall, it really was a great liberation and the pigeons cleared the race point in minutes. Lunch had been laid on in the E&E Centre for all that had tickets and that started at 12 noon and the tables were soon full of pigeon fanciers and friends from all over the world having a good time and talking about what might be about to happen, all hoping that the first pigeon over the winning line would be theirs or if not one from a fellow countryman or somebody they knew.

The E&E Centre was filling up and it was estimated that there were around 1,500 fanciers and friends in the hall and numbers were still increasing. Lots of fanciers had travelled from all over South Africa to view and be part of the race as it actually happened and to be part of a wonderful experience. I finally left the E&E Centre for the race loft with Michael Holt and Pieter Saayman at about 12.30 and we arrived at the loft about 10 minutes later, everything was already set up and ready to go, all the final checks were done and found to be working perfectly and it was now time to start looking into the sky. I predicated the winning pigeon would take about eight to eight and a half hours to cover the 324 mile journey, just around 40 miles per hour, so my estimated arrival time would be between 14.00/14.30. However, as usual I was out spotting well before this estimated arrival time. Then all of a sudden at 14.17 a small gang of 4 pigeons came bang on line hit the trapping area and were all clocked within 9 seconds of each other, everybody present now held their breath hoping it was their pigeon that went through the trap first, then the massive screens showed the winning pigeon to take 1st OPEN was TEAM BRANDY with pigeon named PREMIER MY PRICE clocked at 14.17.36.90 and bred by MANFRED SCHMIDT & MARTINA BAU from GERMANY. Then 2nd OPEN went to RUNE RASMUSSEN from DENMARK, 3rd OPEN went to HOLTS LOFT from UNITED STATES of AMERICA, 4th OPEN went to PIPA ELITE CENTER from BELGIUM. Just 3 minutes later a further 4 pigeons arrived bang on line at 14.20, these were all clocked within 29 seconds, followed by another small gang at 14.22 and another small gang at 14.25. See the results below for the top 50 pigeons or go onto www.samdpr.com to view the full race result. The pigeons continued to roll in all afternoon with all 300 cash prize being taken by 18.36.

LIVESTREAM (YOUTUBE’S NEW LIVE BROADCASTING PLATFORM) was available to watch online on the SAMDPR Website and pigeon fanciers from literally all over the world were logging on to watch the race unfold. Keith McLintock & Brett Lindsay and Big Brave Digital and staff are the company involved with this side of the race. The figures run into thousands watching at the same time. Keith Lindsay was at the race loft doing interviews were going out live, plus Facebook and Twitter. These were seen by thousands of fanciers, friends and people all over the world. The work and effort these guys put into doing this job professionally is remarkable, everything has to be done correctly for it to be seen by all who log on to watch what they cover. They also filmed at all the 5 Hot Spot Car Races and the liberation and of course The Final Race. This gives all the pigeon fanciers or interested parties all over the world the chance to view these events LIVE and as they actually happen. THESE GUYS DO A SUPERB JOB AND ARE WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD. Special words of praise must also go to Keith McLintock & Brett Lindsay and staff from Big Brave Digital and also to Peter Furstenberg and his staff from Shine Interactive, they do a wonderful job with all the media and technical worldwide coverage, that is watched literally all over the world. They do a magnificent job. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS.

CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING THE COVETED 1st OPEN PRIZE went to TEAM BRANDY from GERMANY with their superb pigeon named PREMIER MY PRICE ring number DV-01233-18-2080 bred by MANFRED SCHMIDT & MARTINA BAU which was officially clocked at 14.17.36.90 to record a velocity of 1149ypm, 1047 m/m, 17.45 m/s (39mph) winning a GOLD MEDAL, SUPERB TROPHY, WINNER’S JACKET and THE WINNER’S CHEQUE for US$200,000 (£160,000). Also winning Open and German Nominations, plus the Zandy Meyer Memorial Mercedes SLK Car Nomination and walked away with a staggering total of US$293,429 (£234,743).
This pigeon then sold for an amazing ZAR350,000 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (US$26,042) to Mike Ganus from United States of America. Then 2nd Open Rune Rasmussen from Denmark with pigeon named Okutanrune bred by Rune Rasmussen & Mustafa Okutan, which was officially clocked at 14.17.38.08, winning a GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$125,000 (£100,000), 3rd Open Holts Loft from United States of America with pigeon named Little Spirit bred by Tim Holt which was officially clocked at 14.17.38.98, winning a GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$75,000 (£60,000), 4th Open PIPA Elite Center from Belgium with pigeon named PEC 467 bred by PIPA Elite Center, winning GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$50,000 (£40,000), this pigeon was officially clocked at 14.17.45.82, 5th Open Ken Easley from United States of America with pigeon named BB 8 bred by Ken Easley winning a GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$35,000 (£28,000), this pigeon was officially clocked at 14.20.01.78, this pigeon also won the KNOCKOUT COMPETITION and US$25,000 (£20,000), 6th Open Team Valya + Rosen Dobrevi from Bulgaria with pigeon named Miss Kriss bred by Team Valya + Rosen Dobrevi winning a GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$20,000 (£16,000), this pigeon was officially clocked at 14.20.08.61, 7th Open Club Pretoria Oos Wedvlugduiwe Klub from South Africa with pigeon named Jadzia bred by Triple J Lofts winning a GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$17,500 (£14,000), this pigeon was officially clocked at 14.20.11.10, 8th Open Ganus Family Loft from United States of America with pigeon named JAZZ MAN bred by Mike Ganus winning a GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$15,000 (£12,000), this pigeon was officially clocked at 14.20.32.17, 9th Open SG Eschenberg u Sohn from Germany with pigeon named Gusion bred by Eschenberg u Sohn winning a GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$12,500 (£10,000), this pigeon was officially clocked at 14.22.22.07, 10th Open Rivera Loft from United States of America with pigeon named AMA1 bred by Jose Rivera winning a GOLD MEDAL, Trophy and US$10,000 (£8,000), this pigeon was officially clocked at 14.22.48.15, 11th Open Club Ignacio Dorronsoro from United States of America with pigeon named Lucia 2 bred by Ignacio Dorronsoro winning US$7,000 (£5,600), 12th Open Ervin Laro from Italy with pigeon named World Champion Rankin bred by Ervin Laro winning US$7,000 (£5,600), 13th Open Juergen Stefaniszyn from Germany with pigeon named Sylt Lilla 6 bred by Juergen Stefaniszyn winning US$7,000 (£5,600), 14th Open Ervin Laro from Italy with pigeon named Ivano bred by Ervin Laro winning US$7,000 (£5,600), this pigeon and the one that took 12th Open won the 2-Bird Average & US$2,000, 15th Open Ringostar Syndicate from Kuwait with pigeon named Naser 8 bred by Abdullah Buhemeed winning US$7,000 (£5,600), 16th Open Robert Darr – Donald Bicknell from United States of America with pigeon named DB12 bred by Robert Darr – Donald Bicknell winning US$5,000 (£4,000), 17th Open Robert Darr – Donald Bicknell from United States of America with pigeon named DB41 bred by Robert Darr – Donald Bicknell winning US$5,000 (£4,000), 18th Open Alp Race Team from Switzerland with pigeon named Bluebell bred by Simon Wolf winning US$5,000 (£4,000), 19th Open Team Sasse – Wezel from Germany with pigeon named NL CdD – Hurri 3 bred by SG Sasse winning US$5,000 (£4,000), 20th Open Johann Seitz from Germany with pigeon named M 938 bred by Johann Seitz winning US$5,000 (£4,000), 21st Open Team Sigi from Germany with pigeon named Schneewitteken bred by Sigrun Kehrer winning US$3,500 (£2,800), 22nd Open Kevin Lee from United States of America with pigeon named Targoviste745x35521 bred by Kevin Li winning US$3,500 (£2,800), 23rd Open Team Ettrick from United Kingdom with pigeon named Ettrick Angle bred by Bobby Dalziel winning US$3,500 (£2,800), 24th Open E Tufte – O Hegland from Denmark with pigeon named Ole 1 bred by Ole Hegland winning US$3,500 (£2,800) and 25th Open Team Pahnke – Gockel from Germany with pigeon named Golden Blackjack bred by Erhard Pahnke winning US$3,500 (£2,800). There are another 275 Cash Prizes that were won. For the full race result please log on to the official SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com where you can see what time all the pigeons were officially clocked and what they all actually won. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS ON THE DAY.

There were 300 cash prizes so that means another 275 cash prizes were up for grabs. I would love to list all 300 winners but unfortunately, limited space does not allow this to happen. A total of 339 pigeons were officially clocked on the day up to 19.28 and 4 of these were NON-ACTIVATED PIGEONS or DEFAULTER PIGEONS. One pigeon was clocked during the darkness at 01.30. There were 9 different countries represented in the top 20 and 8 minutes 04.45 seconds between these pigeons. The top 50 pigeons had 14 different countries represented in this result and there was 43 minutes 01.41 seconds between the top 50 and then a total of 22 different countries were represented in the top 100 in the Open in this race and there was 1 hour 40 minutes 58.51 seconds between the top 100 in this race. A total of 1,205 pigeons had been officially clocked by Sunday evening, then 1,299 by Monday evening. More pigeons were clocked over the next few days bring the total to 1,374 pigeons. A later Loft List on the SAMDPR Web Site shows 1,414 pigeons have made it back to the loft in Heron Banks Golf & River Estate. More pigeons will work back, so if yours is still missing, keep your eye on the Loft Lists as these will be updated as pigeons return back to the race loft. Full results can be seen on www.samdpr.com

CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 23rd OPEN went to TEAM ETTRICK with pigeon named ETTRICK ANGLE bred by BOBBY DALZIEL from SELKIRK, which was officially clocked at 14.27.01.36 which won a cool US$3,500 (£2,800) for its efforts. Well done Bobby, your first attempt at the SAMDPR, your pigeons did exceptionally well right through the race series. Then 2nd UK, 27th Open Scotland’s Own Syndicate with pigeon named Young Reekie bred by W. Kinnear & Son from Edinburgh, which won US$3,500 (£2,800), 3rd UK, 33rd Open Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon named Stansted Gold Charm bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, which won US$3,000 (£2,400), 4th UK, 36th Open TadT with pigeon named Big Bopper bred by Tad Truszkowski and Vince Crossley from Melton Mowbray, which won US$3,000 (£2,400), 5th UK, 45th Open Millys Loft with pigeon named Dundee Babe bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, which won US$2,500 (£2,000), 6th UK, 49th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon named Stansted Gold Bullet bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, which won US$2,500 (£2,000), 7th UK, 67th Open another for Team Ettrick with pigeon named Ettrick Pride bred by Booby Dalziel from Selkirk, which won US$2,000 (£1,600), 8th UK, 84th Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon named Zandys Princess bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, which won US$1,750 (£1,400), 9th UK, 91st Open Rixshaw with pigeon named Diddy Man bred by Len Rix from Mildenhall, which won US$1,750 (£1,400), 10th UK, 92nd Open another for Millys Loft with pigeon named Hot Dundee, which won US$1,750 (£1,400), 11th UK, 105th Open Brian Clayburn with pigeon named Duration bred by Brian Clayburn from Ackworth, which won US$1,500 (£1,200), 12th UK, 107th Open another for Brian Clayburn with pigeon named Another Touch bred by Brian Clayburn from Ackworth, which won US$1,500 (£1,200), 13th UK, 136th Open
Bet-Right Lofts with pigeon named Solo bred by Jeremy Wright from Lutterworth, which won US$1,250 (£1,000), 14th UK, 138th Open John Cooper with pigeon named Welsh Boy with pigeon bred by John Cooper from Pontypridd, which won US$1,250 (£1,000), 15th UK, 147th Open Obelisk Syndicate with pigeon named Blue Obelisk with pigeon bred by the late Derek Nicholls from Premier Stud and entered by Clive Barrett from Taunton, which won US$1,250 (£1,000), 16th UK, 186th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with pigeon named Zandys Dynasty bred Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, which won US$1,100 (£880), 17th UK, 194th Open another for Bet-Right Lofts with pigeon named Blue Train bred by M. Betts and entered by Jeremy Wright from Lutterworth, which won US$1,100 (£880),18th UK, 200th Open Team Lincs with pigeon named Waddington bred by Paul & Tracey Stacey from Sleaford, which won US$1,100 (£880), 19th UK, 210th Open another for Team Lincs with pigeon named Cadney bred by Paul & Tracey Stacey from Sleaford, which won US$1,000 (£800), 20th UK, 239th Open another for Millys Loft with pigeon named Not You Again Dundee bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, which won US$1,000 (£800), 21st UK, 248th Open another for Millys Loft with pigeon named Pull The Pin Dundee bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, which won US$1,000 (£800), 22nd UK, 252nd Open Team Islwyn with pigeon named Ben bred by Robert Jones from Port Talbot which won US$500 (£400), 23rd UK, 282nd Open another for Zandys Dream Team with pigeon named Zandys Prince bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, which won US$500 (£400)
and 24th UK, 299th Open Pet Shop Boys & Girls with pigeon named Astons Girl bred by John Alderslade from Bridlington, which won US$500 (£400). A total of 83 United Kingdom pigeons were officially recorded, which was a fantastic result for the UK Team. WELL DONE TO ALL, A FANTASTIC TEAM PERFORMANCE.

THE UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE for the first nominated pigeon clocked in the Final Race went to PAUL SMITH SYNDICATE with pigeon named STANSTED GOLD CHARM bred by KEVIN HIBBERT from ROTHERHAM and entered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET, which won US$3,120 (£2,496) for its efforts. CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS GREAT WIN. For the full result see the SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com

THE UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES after 20 official races was 1st ZANDYS DREAM TEAM with pigeon named ZANDYS PRINCESS bred by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with a combined flying time of 40.20.22.81 up 13 places from the previous race. Then 2nd also went to Zandys Dream Team with pigeon named Zandys Prince bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet with a combined flying time of 41.31.50.69 up 6 places from the previous race. Interesting that both of these pigeons were bred from the same pair.
CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS SUPER PERFORMANCE. For the full result see the SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com

CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING 1st IRELAND, 56th OPEN went to MAURICE O’DONNELL with pigeon named LIADAIN 8 bred by MAURICE O’DONNELL, which was officially clocked at 15.05.00.00, winning US$2,000 (£1,600) for its efforts.
Then 2nd Ireland, 106th Open H+C Thorpe – McMorrow with pigeon named Alex 2, bred by H+C Thorpe – McMorrow, which won US$1,500 (£1,200), 3rd Ireland, 111th Open Pat Maher with pigeon named Lucky Gabby, bred by Pat Maher, which won US$1,500 (£1,200), 4th Ireland, 116th Open Philip & Mark Smith with pigeon named Rhys, bred by Philip & Mark Smith, which won US$1,500 (£1,200), 5th Ireland, 134th Open Green Team with pigeon named Grove Hill Gone Baby Gone, bred by MC Conlon, which won US$1,250 (£1,000), 6th Ireland, 135th Open PJ & Donal with pigeon named Apollo bred by Donal Begley, which won US$1,250 (£1,000), 7th Ireland, 211th Open Taximush with pigeon named Taxi Mush Blue bred by Garret Hensey, which won US$1,000 (£800), 8th Ireland, 258th Open Jackpot Lofts with pigeon named Amazing bred by Karl Donnelly, which won US$500 (£400), 9th Ireland, 265th Open Curtin Brothers with pigeon named Adam bred by Curtin Brothers, which won US$500 (£400), 10th Ireland, 284th Open Jos Reilly – Team Ireland with pigeon named Roco bred by Jos Reilly, which won US$500 (£400), then 11th Ireland, 287th Open Kallmeyer & Partners with pigeon named Rainbow Dash bred by H D A Kallmeyer. The Irish Team got 40 pigeons home. WELL DONE TO ALL THESE WINNERS.

THE IRISH COUNTRY CHALLENGE for the first nominated pigeon clocked in the Final Race went to PHILIP & MARK SMITH with pigeon named RHYS bred by PHILIP & MARK SMITH, which won US$520 (£416) for its efforts. WELL DONE TO THESE FANCIERS. For the full result see the SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com

THE IRISH COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES after 20 official races was 1st
PHILIP & MARK SMITH with pigeon named RHYS bred by PHILIP & MARK SMITH with a combined flying time of 40.21.13.60 unchanged from the previous race. Then 2nd went to Philip & Mark Smith with pigeon named Florance bred by Philip & Mark Smith with a combined flying time of 57.36.36.98 unchanged from the previous race. CONGRATULATIONS GUYS ON A GREAT RESULT. For the full result see the SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com

GLOBAL NOMINATIONS ON THE FINAL RACE amounted to a staggering US$210,059.65c (£168,048) which included 77 pigeons entered at US$1,000 (£800) per pigeon entry fee with the top prize worth a cool US$65,450 (£52,360) for the Zandy Meyer Memorial Mercedes Car Entry and a grand total of 918 pigeons including 57 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 17 pigeons from Ireland and a total of 4,490 Global Nominations were actually placed. Once again the UNITED KINGDOM TEAM members did really well with TADT taking 36th OPEN with pigeon named BIG BOPPER bred by TAD TRUSZKOWSKI and VINCE CROSSLEY from MELTON MOWBRAY, this pigeon won a cool US$6,596 (£5,277). Then MILLYS LOFT taking 45th OPEN with pigeon named DUNDEE BABE bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE that won US$5,100 (£4,080) for its efforts. THE IRISH TEAM had no winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THESE FANCIERS. IT REALLY HAS BEEN AN OUTSTANDING RACE SERIES FOR FANCIERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND AS THEY HAVE WON MORE THAN THEIR FAIR SHARE OF GLOBAL NOMINATIONS RIGHT THROUGH THE 2018/2019 RACE PROGRAMME.

REGIONAL NOMINATIONS FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM TEAM in the FINAL RACE amounted to only US$162.35c (£130) with only 4 pigeons entered with 10 Nominations. There were no winners so all the money will be refunded to those that entered pigeons.

REGIONAL NOMINATIONS FOR THE IRISH TEAM in the FINAL RACE amounted to no pigeons being entered.

THE OVERALL AVERAGES after 20 official races in the 2018/19 race series finished as follows:- 1st GERMANY, 1st OPEN and the 1st Prize of US$10,000 (£8,000) went to TEAM RUHR-HANS-JUERGEN THIELEN from GERMANY with pigeon named RUHR 11 bred by HANS-JUERGEN-THIELEN with a total combined flying time of 36.05.51.94 to cover the 20 races that counted, winning this category clearly by nearly 21 minutes, this pigeon moved up 71 places from the previous race. Then 2nd GERMANY, 2nd OPEN and the 2nd Prize of US$5,000 (£4,000) went to B v G RACING TEAM from GERMANY with pigeon named ROYAL JET JUNIOR bred by NORMAN BEHRENS-SOREN GREINERT with a total combined flying time of 36.26.19.62 to cover the 20 races that counted, this pigeon moved up 36 places from the previous race. Then 3rd GERMANY, 3rd OPEN and US$2,500 (£2,000) went to WA WALDOW + SILVIA THIEL from GERMANY with pigeon named WIND OF CHANGE bred by WA WALDOW + SILVIA THIEL with a total combined flying time of 36.42.06.20 to cover the 20 races that counted, this pigeon moved up 64 places from the previous race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 8th OPEN went to SCOTLAND’S OWN SYNDICATE with pigeon named YOUNG REEKIE bred by W KINNEAR & SON from EDINBURGH with a total flying time of 37.30.05.43 to cover the 20 races that counted, this pigeon moved up 310 places from the previous race. 1st IRELAND, 43rd OPEN went to PHILIP & MARK SMITH with their pigeon named RHYS bred by PHILIP & MARK SMITH with a total combined flying time of 40.21.13.60 in the 20 races that counted, this pigeon moved up 476 places from the previous race. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS IN THIS COMPETITION.

The 2-BIRD AVERAGE IN THE FINAL RACE carried a US$2,000 (£1,600) cash prize
and that was won by ERVIN LARO (Team 2) from ITALY with his pigeons named WORLD CHAMPION RANKIN (12th) and IVANO (14th) both bred by ERWIN LARO with a total velocity of 34.466 m/s. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 2nd OPEN was TEAM ETTRICK (Team 1) with pigeons named ETTRICK ANGLE (23rd) and ETTRICK PRIDE (67th) both bred by BOBBY DALZIEL from SELKIRK with a total velocity of 32.759 m/s. The UK Team members had 10 teams in the top 116 in this category. 1st IRELAND, 30th OPEN was GROVE HILL LOFTS (Team 1) with pigeons named GROVE HILL GONE BABY GONE (134th) and GROVE HILL MILLION DOLLAR BABY (333rd) both bred by MC CONLON with a total velocity of 24.527 m/s. WELL DONE TO ALL CONCERNED.

The 3-BIRD AVERAGE IN THE FINAL RACE carried a US$3,000 (£2,400) cash prize and was won by THOMAS AMMANN (Team 1) from GERMANY with pigeons named PILAR (35th), CEDRIC (72nd) and SCHATTENFELL (276th) all bred by THOMAS AMMANN with a total velocity of 44.252 m/s. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 6th OPEN was MILLYS LOFT (Team 2) with pigeons named HOT DUNDEE (93rd), PULL THE PIN DUNDEE (248th) and DUNDEE SMASH IT (527th) all bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE with a total velocity of 32.359 m/s. 1st IRELAND, 27th OPEN was KALLMEYER & PARTNERS (Team 1) with pigeons named RAINBOW DASH (287th), LADYGLITTERSPARKLES (705th) and DANNYTWILIGHTSPARKLE (1090th) all bred by H D A KALLMEYER with a total velocity of 21.726 m/s. WELL DONE TO ALL CONCERNED.

THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL MERCEDES BENZ CAR NOMINATION which has a US$1,000 (approx. £800) ENTRY FEE NOMINATION PER PIGEON also took place on the “FINAL RACE” and the winner of A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ CLK MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$65,450 (approx. £52,360). (ONLY “ACTIVATED” PIGEONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE FOR ANY OF THESE SPECIAL CASH PRIZES OR AWARDS). This treasured award this year was won by TEAM BRANDY with their pigeon named PREMIER MY PRICE bred by MANFRED SCHMIDT & MARTINA BAU from GERMANY that won 1st OPEN in THE FINAL RACE. THIS PIGEON BEAT 77 PIGEONS THAT WERE ENTERED INTO THIS PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITION. WHAT A FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT, WELL DONE TO THESE TWO GERMAN FANCIERS.

As per the race rules of this great International Race any UN-ACTIVATED pigeons
after one week after the 5th HOT SPOT CAR RACE has taken place are listed on the SAMDPR Website FOR SALE at US$1,100 (£880) each and anybody in the world can purchase any of these pigeons and whatever Prize Money they win in the Final Race goes to the new owners. However, if one of the UN-ACTIVATED pigeons that had been purchased wins a position in the top ten, the TROPHY and GOLD MEDAL goes to the person that originally entered it, plus the original owner gets any funds raised from the auction after the Final Race. This year 289 pigeons were NOT-ACTIVATED by their owners after Hot Spot Car Race 5 and when the list went on the SAMDPR Website a total of 247 of these were sold prior to the race, meaning that just 42 pigeons were actually not flying for Prize Money in the Final Race. As usual quite a few of these pigeons won Prize Money for their new owners. WELL DONE TO ALL CONCERNED.

THE KNOCKOUT COMPETITION for the 2017/18 race series offered a US$25,000 (£20,000) 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. THE FINAL RACE on SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2019 and just 56 top class pigeons were competing and the first pigeon clocked of these remaining 56 KNOCKOUT PIGEONS will walk away this coveted First Prize of US$25,000 (£20,000). I can now announce that the winner actually took 5th OPEN in THE FINAL RACE and was KEN EASLEY from UNITED STATES of AMERICA with pigeon named BB 8 and bred by KEN EASLEY. Only two UK pigeons were left in and 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 3rd OPEN was MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named DUNDEE BABE bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE. There were no IRISH pigeons left to compete in the Final Race. WELL DONE TO ALL THESE PIGEONS. THIS REALLY IS A GREAT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION THAT CREATES A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF INTEREST AND EXCITEMENT THROUGHOUT THE 2018/19 RACE SERIES.

 

Saturday evening was the Gala/Presentation Dinner and as I walked into the E&E Centre at 19.30 it looked stunning to say the least, fanciers and friend poured in and soon all the tables were full. Our superb Master of Ceremonies for the evening was once again Keith Lindsey who got everybody in the right mood before introducing Sara Blackshaw (Director of Air Sport Internationale) and she spoke about the tough race the pigeons had encountered today but as in most races there are winners and losers. She thanked everybody for their support and wished them all a safe journey home and hoped to see them all next year at the 24th SAMDPR. It was then the turn for Michael Holt (Race Director) who also had a few words to say about the training and racing that had already taken place during the 2018/19 race season and congratulated everybody on their achievements in the Final Race. Once again he stressed it had been a tough year with heavy rain, thunderstorms and record temperatures. Unfortunately, there is not a book written that tells you how to run a pigeon race, so we have learnt from scratch and found out what works and what is practical and what benefits all. Then Joan-e Holt (Public Relations) joined Sara Blackshaw (Director of ASI) the others and special awards were given out to Michael Holt (Race Director), Pieter Saayman (Systems Administration), Stephan Steenkamp (Systems Administration), Willi van Beers (Loft Manager), Andre van Wyk (Loft Manager), Corrie Naude (Convoyer/Trainer), Marion Branford (Administration), Joan-e Holt (Public Relations), Dr Piet van Zyl (Veterinary Officer), Maitland White Blackshaw (Loft Assistant) plus of course all the 10 Lofts Lads for all their hard work during the year. Once again it was mentioned that Gary Lance the owner of Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and of course the staff of Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel had gone out of their way to assist from the start, without their help and assistance we could never have hosted such a race, thanks again for all your help. All were given much applause. Hope I did not miss anybody out, if I did I apologise. All the top 10 prizes were presented to the winners and if they were not present the Country Co-ordinator was called up to collected their Trophy and Gold Medal, everybody that came to the stage were applauded. The evening was rounded off with some fantastic music, played by John Dragon, who Air Sport Internationale had asked to travel over from Tenerife to perform for us over the few days we were in Emerald Resort. Everybody enjoyed the music and entertainment. Once the evening quietened down we asked John to come back to the hotel and sing us a few more songs in the Bar area, he duly obliged and a good time was had by all who stayed up to listen to him.

After a fantastic evening of entertainment, food and drink it was once again time to say our goodbyes to many fanciers and friends and when this had been done, it was as usual the British, Irish groups that were last to leave the hall as they as usual were celebrating after a wonderful race day. Then it was back to the hotel bar to enjoy a few more drinks. As we arrived the place was packed and everybody was in great spirit, drinks were ordered and consumed and then more arrived, then somebody order some shots (Oh! Dear).

It should also be mentioned and noted once again the fantastic amount of work and effort Sara Blackshaw (Director of Air Sport Internationale) puts into this race, she works tirelessly to make sure that this pigeon race keeps where it has been for the last 23 years and that is without doubt THE BEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD.

Sunday morning dawned all too early and we all went down for breakfast, some later than others I hasten to say. A Loft Visit was arranged for these that wanted to see to the top ten pigeons. Sara Blackshaw who has a lovely house on Heron Banks Golf & River Estate had invited all fanciers and guests attending the SAMDPR to her home from 12 o’clock onwards to enjoy a few drinks and a lamb spit braai. Many attended this closing event and they were once again entertained by John Dragon and a good time was had by all who turned up. A great way to say our goodbyes and thankyous to all our fanciers and friends. Buses were supplied to bring people and return them to the Emerald Resort Hotel. Some fanciers and guests had to leave early to catch their transfers or flights but those that stayed all had a great afternoon. Many thanks Sara for your great hospitality, it was appreciated by all that attended.

It was once again great to meet up and talk to such world renowned fanciers as
Willi van Beers, Werner Waldow, Silvia Thiel, Klaus Stieneker, Hans Bruhl from Germany, Thomas Gyselbrecht (Pipa) and his wife, Michel Wouters and Ton de Kovel from Belgium, Henk Jurriens, Esther Bultman Noorderijk, Frank Nebig and Lizette Blokdijk, Fred Spronk from Netherlands, Corrie Naude, Andre van Wyk, Hein Beneke, Allan Jordaan, Joe Gomes, Butch Einkamerer, Mark Kitchenbrand, Eric Brown, Jurie & Daleen Erwee, Roger Harris, Dave Gilbert, Gary Fang, Rob Conradie, Samual Lofts all from South Africa, Gerry McCourt, Kathleen & Karl Donnelly from Ireland, Mike & Debbie Ganus, Daniel Hash, Tom Kuiper from United States of America, Thomas Zimmermann from Austria, Geoff and Carol Armand, Craig Hunt from Zimbabwe, Steven Fang from China, Stein & Benny Thorsen and their other four friends from Norway, Tad Truszkowski, Richard Newton and Andrea Taylor from United Kingdom plus Paul Stokes also from the United Kingdom who has recently moved out to South Africa a couple of years ago. Plus, over the race weekend I also talked to many other top renowned International and South African pigeon fanciers.

This year it was decided to try a different way to photograph all the pigeons that returned from the Final Race and this massive task was left to Maitland White Blackshaw. This was of course a tremendous amount of work but finally with the help and assistance of all the Loft Staff he completed this extremely frustrating project. I watched him photograph many of these world class winning pigeons and he took thousands of photographs which were then used for the SAMDPR Auctions all around South Africa. WELL DONE MAITLAND ON COMPLETING THIS MASSIVE TASK.

 

As the International Race Co-ordinator for the 23rd year Paul Smith would like to personally thank all the Country Race Shippers/Co-ordinators, Frank Nebig from Animals To Fly, Allan Jordaan the Master of Ceremonies at the E&E Centre, Hein Beneke the auctioneer, all the Loft Lads, Keith Lindsay Master of Ceremonies at the Welcome/Gala Dinners, Keith McLintock & Brett Lindsay from Big Brave Digital the Livestream Team, Peter Furstenberg from Shine Interactive and all the staff who work for the SAMDPR, all the backroom staff who we do not see and in fact anybody that has something to do for the SAMDPR a really BIG THANK YOU for all your help and assistance during the past year as without your help and support the race could not continue. I would also like to personally thank Sara Blackshaw (Director of Air Sport Internationale, The Presenters of this Race) for her continued great support and taking this great race forward into the future. CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYBODY, YOU ALL REALLY DO A FANTASTIC JOB.

***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** I am sorry that I can’t add all the information about
who bred all the pigeons or where they live but I can only publish details which I am
in possession of. If there are no details besides your winning pigeon or pigeons 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 like 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.

THE AUCTIONS of the top 50 winning pigeons had in the early years taken place the day after the race but this year once again it was decided to hold the auction two weeks after the race and run the auction from Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel on Saturday 16th February 2019. This gives the pigeons a chance to recover and also to be photographed before the pigeons are put online on the SAMDPR Auction Site. Hein Beneke (Auctioneer) was appointed to do the auction and at the same time we would also allow telephone bidding. This year I decided to stay a few extra days so that I could be present at the auction. The top 50 winning pigeons were placed on the SAMDPR Website Auction Site on their Home Page and this gave fanciers from all over the world an opportunity to their place bids on any of these pigeons for nearly two weeks prior to the actual auction taking place. These bids that were placed online would then be the opening bid when Hein opened the actual auction. The Top 50 pigeons would be shown on LIVESTREAM and then people in the room and phone bids would be accepted and the highest bidder would purchase the pigeon. Currently there will around 56 auctions in total of 24 pigeons at different venues all over South Africa and all can be seen by logging onto www.samdpr.com and looking for the Auction Section of the right hand side of the Home Page or hitting the Auction button at the bottom of the Home Page. So far there are nearly 1,500 pigeons to be offered for sale. If you wish to place a “BID” you can do so by filling in an “AUCTION REPORT FORM” which is on the SAMDPR Website for downloading. Depending if more pigeons arrive home later, then these extra pigeons may be added to the auctions already listed, please keep your eyes open to see where your pigeon/s are being sold. As usual the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel had many fanciers from all over South Africa attending and with many open phone lines which encouraged fanciers from all over the world to place their bids. The pigeons would be auctioned starting from 1st to 50th positions.

***AUCTION SELLING PRICES*** The first 25 Lots are as mentioned above in the
OPEN RESULTS and Lot 26 to 50 the owners/breeders can be found by logging onto the SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com and looking under the Auction Section. Lot 1 ZAR350,000 or approx. (US$26,042) (£19,808) (E22595), Lot 2 ZAR720,000 approx. (US$53,572) (£40,747) (E46,482), Lot 3 ZAR500,000 approx. (US$37,203) (£28,297) (E32,279), Lot 4 ZAR1.300000 approx. (US$96,726) (£73,572) (E83,925), Lot 5 ZAR220,000 approx. (US$16,369) (£12,451) (E14,203),
Lot 6 ZAR300,000 approx. (US$22,321) (£16,978) (E19,367), Lot 7 ZAR300,000 approx. (US$22,321) (£16,978) (E19,367), Lot 8 ZAR630,000 approx. (US$46,875) (£35,654) (E40,671), Lot 9 ZAR160,100 approx. (US$11,905) (£9,055) (E10,329),
Lot 10 ZAR70,000 approx. (US$5,208) (£3,962) (E4,519), Lot 11 ZAR55,000 approx. (US$4,092) (£3,113) (E3,551), Lot 12 ZAR40,100 approx. (US$2,984) (£2,269) (E2,589), Lot 13 ZAR45,000 approx. (US$3,348) (£2,547) (E2,905), Lot 14 ZAR42,000 approx. (US$3,125) (£2,377) (E2,712), Lot 15 ZAR55,000 approx. (US$4,092) (£3,113) (E3,551), Lot 16 ZAR27,500 approx. (US$2,046) (£1,556) (E1,775), Lot 17 ZAR39,000 approx. (US$2,902) (£2,207) (E2,518), Lot 18 ZAR27,000 approx. (US$2,009) (£1,528) (E1,743), Lot 19 ZAR23,000 approx. (US$1,711) (£1,302) (E1,485), Lot 20 ZAR24,000 approx. (US$1,786) (£1,358) (E1,550), Lot 21 ZAR20,100 approx. (US$1,496) (£1,138) (E1,298), Lot 22 ZAR25,100 approx. (US$1,868) (£1,420) (E1,620), Lot 23 ZAR23,000 approx. (US$1,711) (£1,302) (E1,485), Lot 24 ZAR30,000 approx. (US$2,232) (£1,698) (E1,937), Lot 25 ZAR30,000 approx. (US$2,232) (£1,698) (E1,937), Lot 26 ZAR220,000 approx. (US$16,369) (£12,451) (E14,203), Lot 27 ZAR85,000 approx. (US$6,325) (£4,810) (E5,487), Lot 28 ZAR20,000 approx. (US$1,488) (£1,132) (E1,291), Lot 29 ZAR100,000 approx. (US$7,440) (£5,659) (E6,456), Lot 30 ZAR40,000 approx. (US$2,976) (£2,264) (E2,582), Lot 31 ZAR35,000 approx. (US$2,604) (£1,981) (E2,260), Lot 32 ZAR27,500 approx. (US$2,046) (£1,556) (E1,775), Lot 33 ZAR49,000 approx. (US$3,646) (£2,773) (E3,163), Lot 34 ZAR22,000 approx. (US$1,637) (£1,245) (E1,420), Lot 35 ZAR30,000 approx. (US$2,232) (£1,698) (E1,937), Lot 36 ZAR38,000 approx. (US$2,827) (£2,151) (E2,453), Lot 37 ZAR21,000 approx. (US$1,563) (£1,188) (E1,356), Lot 38 ZAR21,000 approx. (US$1,563) (£1,188) (E1,356), Lot 39 ZAR9,100 approx. (US$677) (£515) (E588), Lot 40 ZAR65,000 approx. (US$4,836) (£3,679) (E4,196),
Lot 41 ZAR21,000 approx. (US$1,563) (£1,188) (E1,356), Lot 42 ZAR75,000 approx. (US$5,580) (£4,245) (E4,842), Lot 43 ZAR22,000 approx. (US$1,637) (£1,245) (E1,420), Lot 44 ZAR27,000 approx. (US$2,009) (£1,528) (E1,743), Lot 45 ZAR50,000 approx. (US$3,720) (£2,830) (E3,228), Lot 46 ZAR85,100 approx. (US$6,332) (£4,816) (E5,494), Lot 47 ZAR65,000 approx. (US$4,836) (£3,679) (E4,196), Lot 48 ZAR21,000 approx. (US$1,563) (£1,188) (E1,356), Lot 49 ZAR25,000 approx. (US$1,860) (£1,415) (E1,614), Lot 50 ZAR22,000 approx. (US$1,637) (£1,188) (E1,356). The top 50 pigeons fetched a staggering ZAR6.251500 Million Rand, or approx. US$465,142 or £353,792 or E403,583. The average price per pigeon worked out at a staggering ZAR125,030 or approximately US$9,303 or £7,076 or E8,072 each. This once again just goes to show the great value that top fanciers from all over the world put on pigeons that compete and win in the SAMDPR. Of course a BIG THANK YOU goes to HEIN BENEKE for his auctioneering skills and of course all the other SAMDPR staff and others that helped and assisted during the time it took to sell all these 50 top class winning pigeons, plus of course all pigeon fanciers from literally all over the world that placed bids and to those fanciers that were lucky enough to purchase any of these top class pigeons.

If you are interested in participating or acting a Country Race Team Shipper, then
please contact me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile number 07860-568216 or SMS or email on reglofts@aol.com and I will give you all the information that you require. This year there will only be one shipping date for The 24th SAMDPR will be around the middle of MAY 2019. I will confirm shipping dates once all the Import/Export Permits have been granted.

Please let me know ASAP if you would like to enter and how many pigeons you wish to enter into The 24th SAMDPR and which shipment you would like them to go out on. Your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated. Please contact me by telephone, email or mobile SMS an I will be only too pleased to send you out a PRESENTATION PACK, that contains ENTRY FORMS and everything else you need to know about the race. If you need to know anything else just pick up the telephone or email me, I will be only too pleased to assist in any way I can.

If you have any questions about any aspect of THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE, then can you 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.

Once again the “HITS” on the SAMDPR Web Site have been remarkable to say the
least and as soon as I get confirmed figures I will report them in a later International Press Release for all to see. In past years they have exceeded 80 million “HITS”. So once again this year I expect a figure in excess of 100 million “HITS” during the year.

If you wish to see photographs or short videos of things that happened during the 2018/19 race season, then please log onto the state of the art SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com and you can see a selection of photographs and short videos for all to see.

Many great statements over the years have been given or written by actual race
winners but the one that really stands out for me is what a past winner FILIP
NORMAN from BELGIUM said “That winning the Million Dollar Pigeon Race was better than winning his two Barcelona Nationals”. This just goes to show how important the SAMDPR is to the race winner wherever they come from.

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 AND I WILL PUT THEM ON MY EMAIL DATABASE AND I WILL THEN FORWARD THEM ALL THE INFORMATION BY EMAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS.

It would be remiss of me not to personally thank Gary Lance the owner of Heron
Banks Golf & River Estate and the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel and all the staff for the use of this fantastic venue, everything was outstanding to say the least and I know that everybody that visited the race this year really enjoyed this great place where everybody made you feel so welcome.

One thing is still for sure The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race is still the best and biggest one loft pigeon race in the world today and is the one that top fanciers all over the world want to do well in. It is run by a team of professionals and has paid out every dollar of its projected prize money every year for the past 23 years. One thing is for sure with this great race, that if you are lucky enough to get a top position in the Final Race, your pigeon or pigeons are really well rewarded. So why not enter some of your top class pigeons into the 24th SAMDPR or try to form a syndicate with your Club, Federation, Combine or National top flyers. Many fanciers from all over the world have scored in this prestigious race and in the 24th SAMDPR it could be your turn to hit the “JACKPOT” but first you have to enter some pigeons or be in it to win it. Once again, I am once again already looking forward to The 24th South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race.

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 2018/19 race series exceeds US$2.2 Million American Dollars or approximately £1.76 Million Pounds Sterling. No other one-loft race in the world today can boast of such massive pay outs and this race is now in its twenty fourth year and has for the last twenty three year’s 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 three races, prize money in excess of US$42 Million American Dollars (£29 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 24th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE will be slightly higher than as paid out for The 23rd SAMDPR. The FINAL RACE PRIZE MONEY paid out in the 23rd SAMDPR exceeded US$1.02 Million American Dollars or around £816,000 Million Pounds Sterling.

All the United Kingdom Team fanciers/entrants and syndicate shareholders are all 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 full race series. 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 pigeon fanciers and entrants all the information they need to know about all the pigeons that are in the race loft. Winning SAMDPR pigeons over the last few years have fetched figures of US$100,000 (£80,000). The pigeon that won 4th OPEN in the 23rd SAMDPR fetched a staggering ZAR1.3 MILLION SOUTH AFRICAN RANDS (US$96,726), (E83,925) or £73,571 STERLING. Just think next year it could be your time to hit the JACKPOT.

***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.

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). In the Final Race a staggering US$272,890 (£218,312) was up for grabs. Every year new figures are reached. What will it be in the 24th SAMDPR?

*****WHAT CAN NOW BE WON DURING THE 24th SAMDPR 2019/20 RACE SERIES.
The Prize Money for the FINAL RACE has been adjusted across the board with the top prizes increased. The total prize pay-out has also been increased. Prize monies for the 5 x HOT SPOT RACES, HOT SPOT ACE PIGEON and GRAND OVERALL AVERAGE winners have also been increased by a substantial amount. There will no longer be a New Motor Car for the first Activated Pigeon in the 5 x HOT SPOT RACES, now the winner will pick up a cool US$17,500 (£14,000), there will also be 19 other cash prizes with a graduating distribution from 2nd to 20th positions. Prizes, Nominations and Special Awards now add up to a staggering US$2.2 Million American Dollars £1.76 Million Pounds Sterling). There will be 5 x HOT SPOT RACES and each will now offer a massive US$49,500 (£39,600) split up as follows:- 1st US$17,500 (£14,000), 2nd US$10,000 (£8,000), 3rd US$5,000 (£4,000), 4th US$2,500 (£2,000), 5th US$2,000 (£1,600), 6th/10th US$1,250 (£1,000) each, 11th/15th US$750 (£600) each, 16th/20th US$500 (£400) each. Also a HOT SPOT ACE PIGEON AWARD with US$10,000 (£8,000) 1st prize for the best pigeon in these 5 x HOT SPOT RACES. A 2-BIRD AVERAGE COMPETITION and a US$2,000 (£1,600) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x HOT SPOT RACES & THE FINAL RACE. A 3-BIRD AVERAGE COMPETITION and a US$3,000 (£2,400) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x HOT SPOT RACES & THE FINAL RACE. THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR GRAND AVERAGE ACE PIGEON AWARD now carries US$50,000 (£40,000) in Prize Money, split into three super cash prizes with 1st US$25,000 (£20,000), 2nd US$15,000 (£12,000) and 3rd US$10,000 (£8,000) Cash Prizes for the 3 pigeons with the best Overall Average in all the Official Training Races over 50km (31 miles) and 5 x HOT SPOT RACES and THE FINAL RACE. There will also be a fantastic KNOCKOUT COMPETITION and US$25,000 (£20,000) Prize Money, which starts on the HOT SPOT RACE 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). ALL THIS INCREASED PRIZE MONEY SHOULD ENCOURAGE FANCIERS TO ACTIVATE THEIR RESERVE PIGEONS BEFORE HOT SPOT RACE 1, WHICH OF COURSE GIVES THEM ALL THE EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN ANY OF THE SPECIAL BIGGER CASH PRIZES. There will also be 3 x COUNTRY CASH PRIZES of US$125 (£100), US$75 (£60) and US$50 (£50) in each of the first 4 x HOT SPOT RACES (1 to 4). In the 5th HOT SPOT RACE US$70 (£56) from every entry will be added to the starting Prize Money of US$250 (£200) for the COUNTRY CHALLENGE. All the Prize Money will be paid out to the first three COUNTRY CHALLENGE entered pigeons in a ratio of 50%, 30% & 20%. The SAMDPR website will have an up to the date listing of which pigeons are entered and how much Prize Money will be flown for, plus and an ACE PIGEON COUNTRY CHALLENGE which will be won on THE FINAL RACE. There is an Entry Fee of US$120 (£96) per pigeon to enter these COUNTRY CHALLENGE COMPETITIONS and this has to be paid for before the basketing for the 3rd HOT SPOT RACE. The COUNTRY CHALLENGE ACE PIGEON, all countries participating will be given a US$200 (£160) starting Prize Money and US$40 (£32) from each COUNTRY CHALLENGE entry fee goes to the “WINNER TAKES ALL” cash prize, which will be awarded to the first COUNTRY CHALLENGE pigeon which is clocked in THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON FINAL RACE. The pigeon that wins this award will be named the COUNTRY CHALLENGE ACE PIGEON. It should also be mentioned that during the 2016/17 race series the UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE paid out £14,777 in PRIZE MONEY. Then in THE FINAL RACE on the 1st February 2020 there are also 10 MAGNIFICENT GOLD MEDALS to be won, worth well over US$1,000 (£800) each and now over US$1.40 Million American Dollars (£1.12 Million Pounds) in Prize Money & Nominations and 300 cash prizes being on offer. The Prize Money quoted above is at £1.25 Sterling to the US$ Dollar, this may of course change in the run up to THE FINAL RACE.

*****ENTRY FEES:- for THE 24th SAMDPR will remain at US$1,000 (£880) per pigeon. This assists in increasing the prize monies as shown above as well as covers the cost of running the event and importing pigeons to the race. An initial entry fee of US1,850 (£1,480) per team of 4 pigeons will be charged and will be made up as follows:- US$1,100 (£880) for the primary Activation and 3 non-refundable US$250 (£200) deposits for each of the 3 Reserve Pigeons. Any Reserve Pigeons can then be entered into the SAMDPR at any stage by paying the balance of US$850 (£680) per pigeon.

*****REFUNDS:- Refunds for lost paid up Reserve Pigeon will be changed to US$750 (£600).

*****FREE ENTRIES:- Free Entries from the previous season will be honoured and no initial fee will be charged on a Free Team, however the deposit of US$250 (£200) for each Reserve Pigeon needs to be paid when the pigeons are shipped. If any of the Reserve Pigeons need to be Activated, the entry fee of US$850 (£680) will need to be paid.

THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL MERCEDES BENZ CAR NOMINATION will have a US$1,000 (approx. £800) entry fee and will also take place on THE FINAL RACE on SATURDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2020 and the winning pigeon will win A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ SLK 555 MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$85,000 (approx. £68,000). (ONLY “ACTIVATED” PIGEONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE FOR ANY OF THESE SPECIAL CASH PRIZES OR AWARDS). This new competition was very well supported in its first year and had over 160 entries and was so successful that it also paid out a staggering 2nd prize of US$54,000 cash. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to win a fabulous new car. The 19th SAMDPR attracted about 140 entries and two staggering prizes were once again won by two worthy winners. The 20th SAMDPR attracted over 100 entries and the US$85,000 (£68,000) was won by Lloyd & Kelly from the UK, who actually won 37th OPEN in THE FINAL RACE. It was the first Activated pigeons and walked away with the top award. 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.

Something else worth mentioning that seven brand new motor cars have been won by fanciers representing the United Kingdom Team in the last few years, Robbie Prettejohn and Chris Gordon both won new motor cars during the 2005/6 race series and Paul & Dave McCarthy won one a new motor car during the 2006/7 series. During the 2011/12 race series fanciers from the United Kingdom 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. Fantastic news, ALISTAIR HOGG has also won a BRAND NEW MOTOR CAR in HSCR2 in the 2017/18 race series. WELL DONE ALISTAIR.

I would also just like to notify fanciers that my weekly “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”, “NEWSLETTERS” and “UPDATES” can now also be seen on the following pigeon web sites:- www.regencylofts.com www.iprr.co.uk www.elimarpigeons.com www.pigeonportal.com www.pigeonglobe.co.uk www.cyberpigeon.co.uk www.pigeonbasics.com www.starpigeons.com www.pigeonpixels.co.uk www.theloftreport.com www.oneloftracing.com www.pigeondigest.com www.sapigeon.co.za www.ukpigeonracing.co.uk
www.AvianExportServices.com www.pigeonnetwork.com www.toppigeon.co.za plus of course they will also be published in the “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” and “THE RACING PIGEON” weeklies and many other international world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy.

The race date for THE 24th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has now been finalised and confirmed by the race organisers and it will take place on SATURDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2020. 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.

*****SHIPPING DATE FOR THE 24th SAMDPR:- This year there will only be one shipping date and the pigeons will leave my home on SUNDAY 19th MAY 2019. Please try to get your pigeons to me either delivered by a Pigeon Courier or by hand before 14.00 on SUNDAY 19th MAY 2019. I strongly recommend that your pigeons are old enough to travel and that they are vaccinated against PMV at least 8/10 days before your send or deliver them to me. Please confirm with me how and when your pigeons will be arriving with me. Your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

If you have any queries, 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 always 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.
It would very remiss of me not to mention this great pigeon bred by Chris Turner & Debbie Neale from Coventry, which achieved the following race results through the 2018/2019 series:- 260th, 768th, 259th, 1302nd, 172nd HSCR1, 238th, 263rd, 23rd HSCR2, 298th, 72nd HSCR3, 213rd, 508th, 36th HSCR4, 207th, 345th, 1226th HSCR5, 176th, 188th, 18th then 877th FINAL RACE. She also won 1st UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE in HSCR2 & 4 with 7th in HSCR1 and 3rd in HSCR3. She also won $9,325 (£7,460) in Global Nominations and she also held onto the 1st OPEN HOT SPOT OVERALL AVERAGES, the 1st OPEN UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE AVERAGES & 1st OPEN OVERALL GRAND AVERAGES during the race series. It is now up for auction and should fetch a tidy sum. WELL DONE TO CHRIS & DEBBIE FOR BREEDING THIS LITTLE GEM.
***SPECIAL THANKS*** must go to my thirteen-year old grandson Harrison McGrath for assisting me with the photographs in this International Press Release, he just loves getting onto my computer and helping me out.
If you wish to know any more information on this prestigious international pigeon race please contact me ASAP or request a Presentation Pack which will give you all the information you require about entering this great race:-

Paul Smith, United Kingdom Race Team Co-ordinator/Shipper and International Race Co-ordinator for The 23rd South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, which took place at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel, South Africa on Saturday 2nd February 2019. Regency Lofts Limited,
2, Highmead, off Coltsfield, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. CM24 8LJ. England. Tel/Fax:- 01279-812005. (Int. Code:- +44-1279-812005). Mobile:- 07860-568216. Email Address:- reglofts@aol.com Regency Lofts Website:- www.regencylofts.com Skype Address:- talbot7944 Twitter Address:- PaulSmith@SmithReglofts
The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race Website:- www.samdpr.com