“TENTH INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”.
ON
THE 24th 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 1st FEBRUARY 2020.
A NEW SEASON STARTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE.
OVERALL PRIZE MONEY IS US$1.60 MILLION US DOLLARS
(£1.33 MILLION POUNDS).
1st PRIZE IS A STAGGERING US$300,000 (£250,000).
THE 5 x HOT SPOT RACES IN THE 2019/20 RACE SERIES WILL PAY OUT US$247,500 (£206,250) IN PRIZE MONEY.
36 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES ENTER 3,632 PIGEONS.
RACE RESULTS FOR TRAINING RACE 23,
TRAINING RACE 24 & TRAINING RACE 25.
This is my tenth International Press Release and it follows all my earlier nine International Press Releases which contained all the race results for Training Races 1 to 22 and also Hot Spot Races 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
TRAINING RACE 23, which was due to take place on Tuesday 21st January 2020 but was brought forward because of heavy rain forecast and it took place on Monday 20th January 2020 and the 1,531 pigeons were liberated all together from KOPPIES at 07.10 from 62km (39 miles) in cool conditions with a strong head wind, with a temperature of 16c (60f) and a steady race was anticipated. This total was made up of 1,244 International pigeons, which included 97 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 32 pigeons from Ireland, plus 287 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed 39 pigeons and this included 3 from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland.
Once again I was up bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft but unfortunately the LIVESTREAM was not working as the race lofts were experiencing internet connectivity problems. So it was a matter of just watching the Live Results to see who had won today. The SAMDPR staff said the video would be uploaded and fanciers could watch it later. When the LIVESTREAM was downloaded I then watched it and it was another beautiful morning in South Africa but very windy and yet another ideal racing day and at 08.06 a big gang of about 250 pigeons approached the race loft bang on line, swung round the race loft and then finally they hit the trapping area, as they hit the landing platform another big group of about 200 plus pigeons arrived and within 19.04 seconds the top 50 had been officially recorded. Over 600 pigeons were officially clocked within 2 minutes of the winner and 1,000 pigeons clocked within 4 minutes of the winner.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to RIVERA – HOLGUIN LOFT from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with pigeon named MUNECO bred by RIVERA – HOLGUIN LOFT, which was officially clocked at 08.06.47.35 to record a winning velocity of 1203ypm (1091.76m/m), (18.196m/s) or 41mph. This pigeon has been flying exceptionally well over the last 16 races and has won 31st, 3rd, 132nd, 94th, 168th, 142nd, 58th and now 1st OPEN and also 216th, 187th, 793rd, 29th & 112th in the 5 x HOT SPOT RACES. Taking 2nd G+P Racing from South Africa, 3rd Rolf Berger from Germany, 4th Syndicate Lofts UK from United Kingdom, 5th Ali Barrak Albadhani from Kuwait, 6th SG Kespohl – Nottebaum from Germany, 7th Willy van Hekken from Belgium, 8th Thorpe Zeballos from Ireland, 9th Hayder Al-Hadad from Kuwait, 10th Club Wynberg Homing Society from South Africa, 11th GT Family Loft from United States of America, 12th Ben Mathey from Kuwait, 13th WAR Syndicate from South Africa, 14th Tim Lucas from United States of America, 15th Wolfram Coesfeld from Germany, 16th Jackpot Lofts from Ireland, 17th Stephen Brothers from United States of America, 18th Renato CantA from Italy, 19th Karl Heinz & Timo Wagner from Germany, past winners of the SAMDPR with their outstanding pigeon named HEARTBEAT that is current holding 1st GERMANY, 1st OPEN in the Overall Averages after 27 races by over 46 minutes and 20th Wojciech A Handerek from United Arab Emirates. The top twenty in this result were separated by 05.51 seconds and had a total of 9 different countries represented and a total of 14 different countries represented in the top 50, with 50th being only 19.04 seconds away from the actual race winner. The top 5 positions today were all taken by pigeons from different countries. A total of 1,513 pigeons were officially clocked by 09.46, which included 96 pigeons from the United Kingdom and all 32 from Ireland leaving just 18 pigeons to return to the race loft. The final count on the day was 1,519 pigeons by 16.26, which left just 12 to return to the race loft.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 23 amounted to US$547.40cc (approx. £438) and had a total of 43 pigeons entered which included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland and there were 103 Nominations. There were no United Kingdom and no Irish winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 4th OPEN went to SYNDICATE LOFTS UK with pigeon named THE JEAN GENIE which was bred by PETER FOX from BANGOR, which was officially clocked at 08.06.48.36 just 01.01 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 21st Open Alistair Hogg with pigeon bred by Alistair Hogg from Winchburg, this pigeon has been flying well in its last 8 races and taken 111th, 26th, 60th, 84th, 9th, 36th, 33rd and now 21st OPEN, 3rd UK, 35th Open Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 4th UK, 40th Open TadT with pigeon bred by Tad Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 5th UK, 63rd Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 6th UK, 64th Open another Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 7th UK, 66th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 8th UK, 91st Open another for Syndicate Lofts UK with a second pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 9th UK, 97th Open Bet-Right Lofts enter by Jerry Wright from Lutterworth and with pigeon bred by Michael Betts from Doncaster, 10th UK, 104th Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 11th UK, 109th Open Berkshire Boys with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell from Dungarvan, 12th UK, 117th Open Zandys Dream Team from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa, 13th UK, 130th Open Scotlands Own Syndicate entered by Barry Kinnear from Edinburgh and with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs Trodden, 14th UK, 140th Open Team Islwyn with pigeon bred by Robert Jones from Port Talbot, 15th UK, 146th Open another for Berkshire Boys with pigeon bred by John & Lou McGee from France, 16th UK, 147th Open Team Ede with pigeon bred by Darren Ede from Southampton, 17th UK, 160th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with a second pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 18th UK, 182nd Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 19th UK, 195th Open Foster Sons & Daughter with pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss and 20th UK, 196th Open Essex Superstars with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh. A good result for the UK Team which had 20 pigeons in the top 200 in the Open. A total of 92 United Kingdom pigeons were officially clocked by 08.16, leaving 5 to return to the race loft. Then 4 more returned before 09.46, leaving just 1 to return to the race loft and this last one returned at 16.27, making a 100% return.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 23. There were no entries.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 8th OPEN went to THORPE ZEBALLOS with pigeon named WILLIE 2 bred by HERBIE THORPE, which was officially clocked at 08.06.49.14, just 01.79 seconds behind the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 16th Open Jackpot Lofts with pigeon bred by Karl Donnelly, 3rd Ireland, 79th Open Andy Quirke with pigeon bred by Andy Quirke, 4th Ireland, 125th Open Sean Hunt & Family with pigeon bred by Sean Hunt & Family, 5th Ireland, 241st Open Maurice O’Donnell with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell and 6th Ireland, 255th Open Moran, Bowden, Lopez, Vergara with pigeon bred by Andrew Moran. A good result for the Irish Team with 4 pigeons in the top 125 in the Open. A total of all the 32 Ireland pigeons were officially clocked by 08.16.
IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for HOT SPOT RACE 4. There were no pigeons entered.
THE OVERALL ACE PIGEON AVERAGES are now up and running and after 28 races stands as follows:- The 24th South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$25,000 (approx. £20,000), US$15,000 (approx. £12,000) and US$10,000 (approx. £8,000) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this category after The Final Race has been completed. This actually is a massive increase on the pay out over previous SAMDP Races. Holding 1st GERMANY, 1st OPEN goes to KARL HEINZ & TIMO WAGNER from GERMANY with their very consistent pigeon named HEARTBEAT bred by KARL HEINZ & TIMO WAGNER, with a combined flying time of 40.07.52.18 holding same place from the last race. This pigeon is leading this category by a clear 46 minutes. These top fanciers are past winners of the SAMDPR. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 8th OPEN goes to PAUL SMITH SYNDICATE from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named PAUL’S HERO bred by KEVIN HIBBERT from ROTHERHAM with a combined flying time of 41.34.44.14 down 1 place from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 58th OPEN goes to MORAN, BOWDEN, LOPEZ, VERGARA with pigeon named TEQUILA bred by ANDREW MORAN with a combined flying time of 42.56.15.82 down 1 place from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
LIVESTREAM was supposed to be up and running for TRAINING RACE 24, which took place on Thursday 23rd January 2020 but because of an internet fault this was not possible. The 1,574 pigeons were liberated all together from KOPPIES at 07.15 from 62km (39 miles) in fine and warm conditions with a little to no wind, with a temperature of 17c (62f) and a good steady race was anticipated. This total was made up by 1,286 International pigeons, which included 100 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 32 pigeons from Ireland, plus 288 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed no pigeons were held back and this included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland.
Once again I was up bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft but unfortunately for the second race in a row the Livestream was not working correctly because of an internet fault so it was just watch the results. By checking the race result it looks like a massive gang came together because nearly 500 pigeons were officially clocked within one minute of the winner. I watch the recorded return of the pigeons on YouTube on Saturday morning and it was a lovely morning in South Africa and bang on time at 08.04 three big gangs all arrived together and all hit the landing platform and within a minute nearly 500 pigeons were officially recorded.
CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to WAR SYNDICATE from SOUTH AFRICA with pigeon named ALIDAS and bred by ROBERT SCOTT, which was officially clocked at 08.04.35.00 to record a winning velocity of 1372ypm (1250.40m/m), (20.84m/s) or 46 mph. Taking 2nd Las Vladinir from Slovakia, 3rd Mohammed A Alfalah from Saudi Arabia, 4th Batista Toledo Loft from United States of America, 5th Holts Loft from United States of America, 6th G+P Racing from South Africa, 7th Buchloh – Kossow from Germany, 8th Reinhold Schaefer from Germany, 9th Team Frankenland from Germany, 10th Josef Schneider from Germany, 11th Salah Abu Rhama from Saudi Arabia, 12th Alfons Klaas from Germany, 13th Rivera – Hoguin Loft from United States of America, same pigeon that won 1st Open in the previous race, 14th Dennis Veugelers Racing Pigeons from Netherlands, 15th Ben Mathey from Kuwait, 16th Alp Racing Team from Switzerland, 17th Bader M F Al-Jwesr from Kuwait, 18th Team Taubenmarkt Sinkingen from Germany, 19th Salah Qathban from Kuwait and 20th OLR Europa Master Pigeons from Romania. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 20.80 seconds and had a total of 9 different countries represented and a total of 13 different countries in the top 50, with 50th being just 28.41 seconds away from the actual race winner. Nearly 500 pigeons clocked within one minute of the race winner. A total of 1,553 pigeons were officially clocked by 08.47, which included 92 pigeons from the United Kingdom and all 32 from Ireland leaving just 42 pigeons to return to the race loft. The by 16.40 a total of 1,553 pigeons were recorded, leaving 21 still to return to the race loft.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 24 amounted to US$974.95c (approx. £780) and had a total of 59 pigeons entered which included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland and there were a total of 165 Nominations. There was one United Kingdom or Irish winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 21st Open Alistair Hogg with pigeon bred by Alistair Hogg from Winchburg, this pigeon has been flying well in its last 9 races and taken 111th, 26th, 60th, 84th, 9th, 36th, 33rd, 21st and now 21st OPEN. Taking 2nd UK, 24th Open Team Lincs with pigeon bred by Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 3rd UK, 25th Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 4th UK, 28th Open Syndicate Lofts UK with pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 5th UK, 32nd Open another for Syndicate Lofts UK with a second pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 6th UK, 43rd Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 7th UK, 60th Open Scotlands Own Syndicate entered by Barry Kinnear from Edinburgh with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs Trodden, 8th UK, 70th Open another for Scotlands Own Syndicate entered by Barry Kinnear from Edinburgh with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs Trodden, 9th UK, 76th Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 10th UK, 83rd Open Bet-Right Lofts entered by Jerry Wright from Lutterworth with pigeon bred by Michael Betts from Doncaster, 11th UK, 89th Open Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 12th UK, 121st Open Essex Superstars with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 13th UK, 131st Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 14th UK, 141st Open another for Millys Loft with a fourth pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 15th UK, 153rd Open Team Ettrick with pigeon bred by Bobby Dalziel from Ettrick, 16th UK, 184th Open another Bet-Right Lofts with pigeon bred by Jerry Wright from Lutterworth, 17th UK, 195th Open another for Millys Loft with a fifth pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 18th UK, 212th Open another for Team Lincs with a second pigeon bred by Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 19th UK, 232nd Open Brian Clayburn with a pigeon bred by Brian Clayburn from Ackworth, a past SAMDPR winner and 20th UK, 259th Open another for Essex Superstars with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh. A good race for the United Kingdom Team with 17 pigeons in the top 195 in the Open and a total of 98 pigeons being officially clocked by 08.12, leaving just 2 pigeons to return to the race loft.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 24. There were no entries.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 108th OPEN went to THORPE ZEBALLOS with pigeon named WILLIE 2, bred by HERBIE THORPE which was officially clocked at 08.05.15.03, just 40.03 seconds after the actual race winner. This is the second race on the trot that this pigeon has won 1st Ireland, also won 136th, 182nd, 57th, 194th, 161st, 14th & 8th Open. Taking 2nd Ireland, 191st Open Safet Duran with pigeon bred by Safet Duran, 3rd Ireland, 344th Open Andy Quirke with pigeon bred by Andy Quirke, 4th Ireland, 389th Open Maurice O’Donnell with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell, 5th Ireland, 394th Open Peter Lucas with pigeon bred by Peter Lucas and then 6th Ireland, 487th Open Jackpot Lofts with pigeon bred by Karl Donnelly. A good result for the Irish Team with all 32 pigeons being officially clocked by 08.12, leaving no pigeons missing.
IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS in TRAINING RACE 24. There were no entries.
THE OVERALL ACE PIGEON AVERAGES are now up and running and after 28 races stands as follows:- The 24th South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$25,000 (approx. £20,000), US$15,000 (approx. £12,000) and US$10,000 (approx. £8,000) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this category after The Final Race has been completed. This actually is a massive increase on the pay out over previous SAMDP Races. Holding 1st GERMANY, 1st OPEN goes to KARL HEINZ & TIMO WAGNER from GERMANY with pigeon named HEARTBEAT bred by KARL HEINZ & TIMO WAGNER with a combined flying time of 40.57.57.43 holding same place from the last race, these fanciers are past SAMDPR winners. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 8th OPEN goes to PAUL SMITH SYNDICATE from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with a combined flying time of 42.26.11.89 with pigeon named PAUL’S HERO bred by KEVIN HIBBERT from ROTHERHAM holding same place as the last race. 1st IRELAND, 56th OPEN goes to MORAN, BOWDEN, LOPEZ, VERGARA with pigeon named TEQUILA bred by ANDREW MORAN with a combined flying time of 43.49.26.03 up 2 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 25, which was supposed to take place on Saturday 25th January 2020 but because of heavy rain forecast, it was changed to Sunday 26th January 2020 and the 1,572 pigeons were liberated all together from KOPPIES at 07.15 from 62km (39 miles) in fine and warm conditions with a light head wind, with a temperature of 19c (66f) and a good steady race was anticipated. This total was made up by 1,283 International pigeons, which included 101 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 32 pigeons from Ireland, plus 289 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed no pigeons were held back and this included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland.
Once again I was up bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and it was another beautiful morning in South Africa and an ideal racing day and at 08.06 a gang of about 200 pigeons approached the race loft bang on line, swung round a couple of times and then they hit the trapping area and within a few minutes literally hundreds of pigeons had been officially recorded.
CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to ALISTAIR HOGG from WINCHBURG, UNITED KINGDOM with pigeon named ALI’S DREAM bred by ALISTAIR HOGG, which was officially clocked at 08.06.58.34 to record a winning velocity of 1320ypm (1192.92m/m), (19.882m/s) or 45 mph. This pigeon is really in top form because in its last 10 races it has won 118th, 26th, 60th, 84th, 9th, 36th, 33rd, 21st, 21st and now 1st OPEN. Taking 2nd Koopman Racing Team from Netherlands, this pigeon had previously won 1st, 12th, 37th, 33rd and now 2nd Open, 3rd Hagemann Racing Team from Germany, 4th Team Scherre – Pitz from Germany, 5th Thomas Sauer from Germany, 6th SC Schmidt-Bau from Germany, 7th Franz Kleinhans from Germany, 8th Team Wagner – Du Randt from Germany, 9th Team Frankenland from Germany, 10th Team Sitting Bull from Germany, 11th Irish Syndicate from United States of America, 12th Paul Smith Syndicate from United Kingdom, 13th Reinhard Schaefer from Germany, 14th PIPA Elite Center from Belgium, 15th Saad Aljuwaikh from Kuwait, 16th another for PIPA Elite Center from Belgium, 17th Club Zwartkop Wedvlug Duiwe Klub from South Africa, 18th Syndicate Lofts UK from United Kingdom, 19th Khalid Al Emadi from Qatar and 20th Chris Wheeler from South Africa. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 17.02 seconds and had a total of 8 different countries represented and a total of 11 different countries in the top 50, with 50th being just 38.26 seconds away from the actual race winner. A total of 1,543 pigeons were officially clocked by 18.27, which included 97 pigeons from the United Kingdom and all 32 from Ireland leaving just 31 pigeons to return to the race loft. More pigeons returned early on the Monday morning.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 25 amounted to US$1,320.05c (approx. £1,056) and had a total of 70 pigeons entered which included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland and there were a total of 191 Nominations. There were no United Kingdom or Irish winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 1st OPEN went to the ALISTAIR HOGG, with pigeon named ALI’S DREAM which was bred by ALISTAIR HOGG from WINCHBURG, which was officially clocked at 08.06.58.34. This pigeon is bang on form because in its last 10 races it has won 118th, 26th, 60th, 84th, 9th, 36th, 33rd, 21st, 21st and now 1st OPEN. Also won 8th, 1st, 3rd, 6th, 1st, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, 1st UNITED KINGDOM in its last 10 races. GOOD LUCK ALI IN THE FINAL RACE. Taking 2nd UK, 12th Open Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 3rd UK, 18th Open Syndicate Lofts UK with pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 4th UK, 26th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 5th UK, 28th Open Foster Sons & Daughter with pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss, 6th UK, 48th Open Team Ede with pigeon bred by Darren Ede from Southampton, 7th UK, 73rd Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 8th UK, 109th Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 9th UK, 117th Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 10th UK, 146th Open Team Islwyn with pigeon bred by Robert Jones from Port Talbot, 11th UK, 162nd Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate from Stansted Mountfitchet with a second pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 12th UK, 167th Open another for Millys Loft with a fourth pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 13th UK, 170th Open another for Team Ede with a second pigeon bred by Darren Ede from Southampton, 14th UK, 175th Open Berkshire Boys with pigeon bred by John & Lou McGee from France, 15th UK, 196th Open another for Foster Sons & Daughter with a second pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss, 16th UK, 258th Open Zandys Dream Team from Stansted Mountfitchet with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa, 17th UK, 260th Open another for Millys Loft with a fifth pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 18th UK, 268th Open Bet-Right Lofts entered by Jerry Wright from Lutterworth and with pigeon bred by Michael Betts from Doncaster, 19th UK, 289th Open Scotlands Own Syndicate entered by Barry Kinnear from Edinburgh with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs Trodden and then 20th UK, 297th Open Guys Loft Elite with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton. The United Kingdom Team had 15 pigeons clocked in the top 196 in the Open, which in itself was a remarkable performance. A reasonable race for the United Kingdom Team with a total of 97 pigeons being officially clocked by 18.27, leaving just 4 pigeons to return to the race loft. Another UK pigeon returned early on Monday morning.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 25. There were no entries.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 68th OPEN went to SAFET DURAN with pigeon named BOSNIAN ARROW bred by SAFET DURAN which was officially clocked at 08.07.44.74, just 46.40 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 97th Open Thorpe Zeballos with pigeon bred by Herbie Thorpe, 3rd Ireland, 133rd Open Andy Quirke with pigeon bred by Andy Quirke,4th Ireland, 179th Open another for Andy Quirke with a second pigeon bred by Andy Quirke, 5th Ireland, 188th Open Joe Kennedy & Son with pigeon bred by Joe Kennedy & Son and then 6th Ireland, 411th Open another for Thorpe Zeballos with a second pigeon bred by Herbie Thorpe. A good result for the Irish Team with 32 pigeons being officially clocked by 13.53, leaving just no Irish pigeons missing.
IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS in TRAINING RACE 25. There were no entries.
THE OVERALL ACE PIGEON AVERAGES are now up and running and after 29 races stands as follows:- The 24th South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$25,000 (approx. £20,000), US$15,000 (approx. £12,000) and US$10,000 (approx. £8,000) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this category after The Final Race has been completed. This actually is a massive increase on the pay out over previous SAMDP Races. Holding 1st GERMANY, 1st OPEN goes to KARL HEINZ & TIMO WAGNER from GERMANY with pigeon named HEARBEAT bred by KARL HEINZ & TIMO WAGNER, with a combined flying time of 41.51.26.28 holding same place from the last race. These fanciers are past SAMDPR winners. This outstanding pigeon is 55 minutes clear of the next pigeon in this category with just the Final Race to go. So far it has won the following positions 57th, 7th, 11th, 271st, 295th, 255th, 73rd, 78th, 315th, 328th, 134th, 44th, 5th, 316th, 190th, 188th, 85th, 105th, 19th, 58th and now 145th OPEN, it also finished 8th HOT SPOT RACE AVERAGES. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 5th OPEN goes to PAUL SMITH SYNDICATE from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with a combined flying time of 43.20.51.45 with pigeon named PAUL’S HERO bred by KEVIN HIBBERT from ROTHERHAM up 3 places as the last race. 1st IRELAND, 57th OPEN goes to MORAN, BOWDEN, LOPEZ, VERGARA with pigeon named TEQUILA bred by ANDREW MORAN with a combined flying time of 44.49.43.15 down 1 place from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
Now we move on to THE FINAL RACE.
*****PLEASE NOTE:- This 2019/20 race programme below can be altered at any time, if the weather is not suitable another day will be selected. Also some of the race distances may alter slightly depending on the previous race or how the pigeons are coping with the earlier tosses and races. It should also be noted that there are more races in a week now, hopefully three a week and there are races now taking place on Sunday’s, Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Thursday’s and Saturday’s. It should also be mentioned that once the pigeons get to the 62km (39 miles) Training Point they go to this spot every day weather permitting for a Training Toss, however results are only published for an Official Training Race which are all listed below.
The remaining revamped Race Programme will be as follows:- The FINAL RACE now takes place on Saturday 1st February 2020 from 525km (326 miles). GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS & ENTRANTS.
The Race Organisers (Air Sport Internationale) and all the Official Loft Staff in South Africa wish all fanciers/entrants/syndicates and competitors from literally all over the world the best of luck during the forthcoming 2019/20 race series. You can of course follow all the progress of what is happening on the SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com
Of course, one of the main reasons for the success of this great race is the extremely professional way it has been run from the start and that they have always paid out all of their projected prize money every year since the race first started way back in 1997 and that is why it is now known the world over “AS THE BIGGEST AND GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD” and has been now been tagged as “THE RACE WITH THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD” and “THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN THE PIGEON WORLD”.
Numerous “Loft Reports”, “Updates”, “Photographs” and “Videos” have been placed on the informative SAMDPR website for all to see and these are all available now on the dedicated website www.samdpr.com You can also follow the SAMDPR on Facebook, with constant updates and short videos to view.
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 2019/20 race series exceeds US$1.55 Million American Dollars or approximately £1.29 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 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-three races, prize money in excess of US$43 Million American Dollars (£30 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 the slightly more than paid out for THE 23rd SAMDPR. The FINAL RACE PRIZE MONEY in The 24th SAMDPR now exceeds US$1.20 Million American Dollars or around £1 Million Pounds Sterling.
***WHAT CAN BE WON DURING THIS 2019/20 RACE SERIES*** Prizes and Special Awards now add up to a staggering US$1.55 Million American Dollars £1.29 Million Pounds Sterling). This total includes US$247,500 (£206,250) in 100 Hot Spot Cash Prizes over the 5 x Hot Spot Races as follows:- In each Hot Spot Race 1st US$17,500 (£14,583), 2nd US$10,000 (£8,333), 3rd US$5,000 (£4,167), 4th US$2,500 (£2,083), 5th US$2,000 (£1,667), 6th to 10th US$1,250 (£1,042) each, 11th to 15th US$750 (£625) each and 16th to 20th US$500 (£417) each. ONLY ACTIVATED PIGEONS CAN WIN ANY OTHER THESE CASH PRIZES. THESE 20 CASH PRIZES WILL GO TO THE FIRST 20 ACTIVATED PIGEONS IN EACH OF THE 5 x HOT SPOT RACES. Then a US$10,000 (£8,333) Hot Spot Ace Pigeon Award for the best pigeon in these 5 races, A Two-Bird Average Competition and a US$2,000 (£1,667) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Hot Spot Races & The Final Race, A Three-Bird Average Competition and a US$3,000 (£2,500) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Hot Spot Races & The Final Race, The South African Million Dollar Ace Pigeon Award carries US$50,000 in Prize Money, split into three cash prizes with 1st US$25,000 (£20,833), 2nd US$15,000 (£12,500) and 3rd US$10,000 (£8,333) Cash Prizes for the 3 pigeons with the best overall average in all the Official Training Races and 5 x Hot Spot Races and The Final Race. There will also be an overall Knockout Winner Competition and US$25,000 (£20,833) Prize Money, which starts on the 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 exciting competition). There will also be 3 x Country Cash Prizes of US$125 (£104), US$75 (£63) and US$50 (£42) in each of the first 4 x Hot Spot Races (1 to 4). In the 5th Hot Spot Race US$70 (£58) from every entry will be added to the starting Prize Money of US$250 (£208) 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 (£100) 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 (£167) starting Prize Money and US$40 (£33) 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 pendants to be won worth well over US$1,000 (£833) each and now over US$1.20 Million American Dollars in Prize Money (£1 Million Pounds) and 300 cash prizes being on offer. These estimations are done at US$1.20 to the Pound Sterling. This could of course change on the Final Race.
THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL CAR NOMINATION will also take place on the “FINAL RACE” and the Entry Fee is US$1,000 (approx. £833) per pigeon and the winner will win be A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ SLK 555 MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$85,000 (approx. £70,833). (ONLY “ACTIVATED” PIGEONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE FOR ANY OF THESE SPECIAL CASH PRIZES OR AWARDS). This new competition was very well supported in its first year and had over 160 entries and was so successful that it also paid out a staggering 2nd prize of US$54,000 cash. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to win a fabulous new car. The 19th SAMDPR attracted about 140 entries and two staggering prizes were once again won by two worthy winners. The 20th SAMDPR attracted over 100 entries and the US$85,000 (£68,000) was won by Lloyd & Kelly from the UK, who actually won 37th OPEN in the FINAL RACE. It was the first Activated pigeons and walked away with the top award. In The 21st SAMDPR Michael Mellor from Crewe was the runner-up for this prestigious award, with over 100 entries, which once again just goes to show that the UK pigeons will hold their own against the best pigeons in the world. In The 22nd SAMDPR, Karl Donnelly from Ireland won this fantastic prize, when his pigeon won 5th OPEN.
PRIZE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE 24th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR FINAL RACE, WILL NOW BE AS FOLLOWS:- 1st US$300,000 (approx. £250,000), 2nd US$150,000 (approx. £125,000), 3rd US$100,000 (approx. £83,333), 4th US$75,000 (approx. £62,500), 5th US$50,000 (approx. £41,667), 6th US$25,000 (£20,833), 7th US$20,000 (£16,667), 8th US$15,000 (£12,500), 9th US$12,500 (£10,417), 10th US$10,000 (approx. £8,333), 11th/15th US$7,500 (approx. £6,250) each, 16th/20th US$5,000 (approx. £4,167) each, 21st/25th US$4,000 (approx. £3,333) each, 26th/30th US$3,500 (approx. £2,917) each, 31st/40th US$3,000 (approx. £2,500) each, 41st/50th US$2,500 (£2,083) each, 51st/75th US$2,000 (£1,667) each, 76th/100th US$1,500 (£1,250) each, 101st/125th US$1,250 (£1,042) each, 126th/150th US$1,100 (£917) each, 151st/200th US41,000 (£833) each, 201st/250th US$750 (£625) each, then 251st/300th US$500 (£417) each. (Subject to terms and conditions of entry). The actual cash prizes stated above represent exchange rates (US$1.20 to the Pound Sterling) 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$1.30 Million American Dollars (£1.08 Million Pounds Sterling) Prize Money will be paid out in this FINAL RACE.
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.toppigeon.co.za www.ukpigeonracing.co.uk www.AvianExportServices.com www.pigeonnetwork.com plus of course they will also be published in the “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” and “THE RACING PIGEON” weeklies and many other international world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy.
The race date for THE 25th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has already been provisionally agreed and confirmed by the race organisers as SATURDAY 30th JANUARY 2021. (However, this date is still awaiting final confirmation). This will be the 25th anniversary of this great race and it is sure to be a very special occasion with lots of interesting things going on to celebrate this outstanding achievement.
If you are interested in participating, helping us or acting a Country Race Team Co-ordinator or 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 25th SAMDPR will take about the middle of MAY 2020 and then the second one should be around the middle of JUNE 2020. 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 as much 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.
I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE BY WSHING ALL COMPETITORS/ENTRANTS & SYNDICATES WORLDWIDE THE BEST OF LUCK IN THE FINAL RACE.
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 24th 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 1st February 2020. 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