“THIRD 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 RACES 7, 8 & 9.
This is my third International Press Release and it follows my earlier two International Press Releases which contained all the race results for Training Races 1 to 6. All of these races were from 45km (28 miles) and the pigeons gained great experience from this early road work.
The Loft Staff & Management thought that the pigeons needed some extra work before going to HOT SPOT RACE 1 which was going to be held on Saturday 30th November 2019 from 115km (71 miles) but they have now altered the Race Programme slightly and moved HOT SPOT RACE 1 to Saturday 7th December 2019 from 165km (103 miles), followed by HOT SPOT RACE 2 on Saturday 14th December 2019 from 210km (130 miles). Training Race 12 will now take place on Saturday 30th November 2019 from 115km (71 miles). See the new updated Race Programme later in this International Press Release. By altering the Race Programme slightly by just one week will give the pigeons more 62km (39 miles) Training Races and daily Training Tosses, which of course will give the pigeons more experience in the run up to the longer five HOT SPOT RACES.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 7, which took place on Saturday 16th November 2019 and the 2,858 pigeons were liberated all together from Koppies at 07.00 from 62km (39 miles) in fine and clear conditions with a moderate wind, with a temperature of 17c (62f) and a good steady race was anticipated. This total was made up by 2,414 International pigeons, which included 211 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 59 pigeons from Ireland, plus 444 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed 11 pigeons were held back and this included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland.
I logged on bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and it was a beautiful morning in South Africa and all of all of a sudden a big gang of pigeons approached the loft at 07.55 swung round the loft and were then immediately joined by another similar sized group, they all landed and then started to trap and as usual it was the first through the traps was the winner. Once again within a few minutes literally hundreds had returned home and all looked good for excellent race and good returns.
CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to RMG RACING TEAM ZA from SOUTH AFRICA with pigeon named CHARMED bred by RHODA + NEWMAN, which was officially clocked at 07.55.17.35 to record a winning velocity of 1248ypm (1121.40m/m), (18.69m/s) or 42mph, this is the second time this partnership have won 1st OPEN in this race series as they also won 1st OPEN in TR4 with a different pigeon. 2nd Petar + Kiril Raponski from Bulgaria, 3rd Team Rien van Oss en zn from Netherlands, 4th another for Team Rien van Oss en zn from Netherlands, 5th Aldahoum Team Loft from Kuwait, this pigeon was pooled all the way, 6th DEFAULTER PIGEON, 7th TadT from United Kingdom, this pigeon had won 1st UK, 44th Open the previous race, 8th Syndicate Loft UK from United Kingdom, 9th Marzooq Al-Asfar from Kuwait, 10th Heinz+Annette Missy + WA Waldow from Germany, 11th Du Preez – Deetlefs from South Africa, 12th Saad R Alabhoul from Kuwait, 13th Alp Racing Team from Switzerland, 14th SG Kespohl – Nottebaum from Germany, 15th Botha Lofts from South Africa, 16th DEFAULTER PIGEON, 17th Thomas Breen from South Africa, 18th Paul Smith Syndicate from United Kingdom, 19th Rivera – Holguin Loft from United States of America and 20th ShiKluRy from Germany. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 10.37 seconds and had a total of 8 different countries represented and a total of 10 different countries in the top 50, with 50th being just 1 minute 56.41 seconds away from the actual race winner. A total of 2,873 pigeons were officially clocked by 17.25, which included 208 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 56 from Ireland leaving just 75 pigeons to return to the race loft.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 7 amounted to US$3,447.60c (approx. £2,759) and had a total of 217 pigeons entered which included 3 from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland and there were a total of 577 Nominations. There were no United Kingdom or Irish winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 7th OPEN went to the TADT, with pigeon named BLUE SILVER which was bred by TAD TRUSZKOWSKI from MELTON MOWBRAY, which was officially clocked at 07.55.27.72, just 10.37 seconds after the actual race winner. This pigeon had also won 1st UK, 44th OPEN in the previous race. Taking 2nd UK, 8th Open Syndicate Lofts UK with pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 3rd UK, 19th Open Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 4th UK, 21st Open William Donachie with pigeon bred by William Donachie from Dundee, 5th UK, 23rd Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa, 6th UK, 27th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 7th UK, 37th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa, 8th UK, 39th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 9th UK, 41st Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a third pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa, 10th UK, 45th Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 11th UK, 51st Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 12th UK, 74th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a fourth pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa, 13th UK, 77th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 14th UK, 92nd Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 15th UK, 95th Open Essex Superstars with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 16th UK, 89th Open another for Essex Superstars with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 17th UK, 126th Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 18th UK, 130th Open Pieter Oberholster with pigeon bred by Pieter Oberholster from Keysoe, 19th UK, 137th Open Gerry Francis (Past England Football Captain) with pigeon bred by Gerry Francis from Bracknell, and then 20th UK, 141st Open another for Millys Loft with a fourth pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe. Another fantastic race for the United Kingdom Team with a total of 208 pigeons being officially clocked by 17.25, leaving just 3 pigeons to return to the race loft. The United Kingdom Team had 20 pigeons clocked in the top 141 in the Open, which in itself was a remarkable performance.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 7. There were no entries.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 80th OPEN went to PETER LUCAS with pigeon named ULYSES, bred by PETER LUCAS which was officially clocked at 07.57.31.13, just 2 minutes 13.78 seconds after the actual race winner. This pigeon is also holding onto 1st Ireland, 127th Overall Averages after 7 races. Taking 2nd Ireland, 134th Open another for Peter Lucas with a second pigeon bred by Peter Lucas, 3rd Ireland, 132nd Open Joe Kennedy & Son with a pigeon bred by Joe Kennedy & Son, 4th Ireland, 207th Open Safet Duran with pigeon bred by Safet Duran, 5th Ireland, 209th Open Andrew Quirke with pigeon bred by Andrew Quirke and then 6th Ireland, 241st Open Thorpe Zeballos with pigeon bred by Herbie Thorpe. A good result for the Irish Team with 58 pigeons being officially clocked by 17.25, leaving just 3 pigeons missing.
IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS in TRAINING RACE 7. There were no entries.
THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after seven races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to TEAM GIBB-BRUIN-GILBERT from SOUTH AFRICA with pigeon named IMPI bred by GILBERT+BRUIN+GIBB, with a combined flying time of 05.05.15.31 up 1 place from the last race.
This pigeon has won 32nd, 38th, 72nd, 158th, 20th, 137th and now 54th OPEN in the first 7 races.
1st UNITED KINGDOM, 24th OPEN goes to PAUL SMITH SYNDICATE with pigeon named PAULS HERO bred by KEVIN HIBBERT in ROTHERHAM, with a combined flying time of 05.18.37.84 down 6 places from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 127th OPEN goes to PETER LUCAS with pigeon named ULYSES bred by PETER LUCAS with a combined flying time of 05.28.38.55 up 139 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 8, which took place on Tuesday 19th November 2019 and the 2,700 pigeons were liberated all together from Koppies at 07.10 from 62km (39 miles) in fine and warm conditions with a strong head wind, with a temperature of 23c (74f) and a good steady race was anticipated. This total was made up of 2,276 International pigeons, which included 198 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 52 pigeons from Ireland, plus 424 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed 14 pigeons 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 a beautiful morning in South Africa and an ideal racing day and I predicted it would take 59 minutes and at 08.58 a gang of about 30 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 on winning 1st OPEN goes to RMG RACING TEAM ZA from SOUTH AFRICA with pigeon named CHARMED bred by RHODA + NEWMAN, which was officially clocked at 08.08.49.70 to record a winning velocity of 1164ypm (1053.90m/m), (17.565m/s) or 40mph. This pigeon also won 1st OPEN in TR7 and another one of their pigeons Mnr G won 1st OPEN in TR4, an outstanding start to this race series. Taking 2nd Nawaf Al Rumaihi from Qatar, 3rd Triple J Lofts from South Africa, 4th Team Ruhr – Hof-Paul-Sta-Sti from Germany, 5th Al Khaleej Loft from Kuwait, 6th Alhamli Team from United Arab Emirates, 7th Buchloh – Kossow from Germany, 8th Neighbourhood Bullies from United States of America, 9th Khalid Al-Sulaiti from Qatar, 10th Saad R Alabhoul from Kuwait, 11th Nabeel Albaker from Kuwait, 12th Jackpot Lofts from Ireland, 13th another for Triple J Lofts from South Africa, 14th another for Buchloh – Kossow from Germany, 15th PJ Pigeons from Slovakia, 16th Al Khaleej Loft from Kuwait, 17th Ignace Vercauteren from Belgium, 18th Thomas Breen from South Africa, 19th Midland Lofts from South Africa and 20th Bill Ensign from United States of America. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 2 minutes 25.22 seconds and had a total of 9 different countries represented and a total of 12 different countries represented in the top 50, with 50th being just 3 minutes 39.40 seconds away from the actual race winner. A total of 2,637 pigeons were officially clocked by 16.58, which included 191 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 51 from Ireland leaving just 63 pigeons to return to the race loft.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 8 amounted to US$2,753.15c (approx. £2,203) and had a total of 184 pigeons entered which included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland and there were 513 Nominations. There was no United Kingdom or Irish winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 22th OPEN went to TADT with pigeon named BLUE SILVER which was bred by TAD TRUSZKOWSKI from MELTON MOWBRAY, which was officially clocked at 08.11.20.94 just 2 minutes 31.24 seconds after the actual race winner. This pigeon is bang on form and has so far won 1st UK, 44th OPEN in TR6, 1st UK, 7th OPEN in TR7 and now 1st UK, 22nd OPEN in TR8, a remarkable achievement to say the least. Taking 2nd UK, 42nd Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa from Crewe, 3rd UK, 21st Open Team Islwyn with pigeon entered by Robert Jones from Port Talbot, 4th UK, 89th Open Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 5th UK, 102nd Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a pigeon bred by Hein Beneke from South Africa, 6th UK, 112th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 7th UK, 116th Open Team Ede with pigeon bred by Darren Ede from Southampton, 8th UK, 141st Open Foster Sons & Daughter with pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss, 9th UK, 154th Open Syndicate Lofts UK with a pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor,
10th UK, 176th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 11th UK, 178th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 12th UK, 193rd Open another for Syndicate Lofts UK with a second pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 13th UK, 194th Open Essex Superstars with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 14th UK, 197th Open Berkshire Boys with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell from Dungarvan, 15th UK, 198th Open Rutland Lofts with pigeon bred by Tony Whitehouse from West Bromwich, 16th UK, 206th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 17th UK, 227th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 18th UK, 238th Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Tony Guy from Wolverhampton, 19th UK, 260th Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa and 20th UK, 262nd Open another for Foster Sons & Daughter with a second pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss. Another great result for the UK Team with 20 pigeons in the top 262 in the Open. A total of 191 United Kingdom pigeons were officially clocked by 16.58, leaving just 7 to return to the race loft.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 8. There were no entries.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 12th OPEN went to JACKPOT LOFTS with pigeon named IRISH PRIDE bred by KARL DONNELLY, which was officially clocked at 08.11.01.68, just 2 minutes 11.98 seconds behind the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 167th Open Andrew Quirke with pigeon bred by Andrew Quirke, 3rd Ireland, 242nd Open Sean Hunt & Family with pigeon bred by this partnership, 4th Ireland, 323rd Open another for Sean Hunt & Family with a second pigeon bred by this partnership, 5th Ireland, 347th Open Maurice O’Donnell with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell and 6th Ireland, 395th Open another for Andrew Quirke with a second pigeon bred by Andrew Quirke. A total of 51 Ireland pigeons were officially clocked by 16.58, leaving just 1 to return to the race loft
IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 8 had no pigeons entered.
THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after eight races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to HOLTS LOFT from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with pigeon named CIERRA bred by TIM HOLT, with a combined flying time of 06.14.25.71 up 4 places from the last race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 16th OPEN goes to TEAM ISLWYN with pigeon named SEREN bred by ROBERT JONES from PORT TALBOT, with a combined flying time of 06.27.46.19 up 62 places from the last race.
1st IRELAND, 96th OPEN goes to PETER LUCAS with pigeon named ULYSES bred by PETER LUCAS with a combined flying time of 06.41.44.35 up 31 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 9, which took place on Thursday 21st November 2019 and the 2,676 pigeons were liberated all together from Koppies at 07.05 from 62km (39 miles) in fine and cool conditions with a light head wind, with a temperature of 17c (62f) and a good steady race was anticipated. This total was made up of 2,258 International pigeons, which included 196 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 53 pigeons from Ireland, plus 418 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed 22 pigeons and this included 1 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 a beautiful morning in South Africa and yet another ideal racing day and at 07.53 a gang of about 60 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 on winning 1st OPEN goes to RON PAIRAN from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with pigeon named INVINCIBLE 2 bred by RON PAIRAN, which was officially clocked at 07.53.47.01 to record a winning velocity of 1400ypm (1270.92m/m), (21.182m/s) or 48mph. Taking 2nd Dietmar Halatschek from Austria, 3rd Lafi Al-Azmi from Kuwait, 4th Ahmed Mohammed Al-Jawasri from Kuwait, 5th MA Nel from South Africa, 6th Crazy Al & Carlton Kroese from United States of America, 7th another for Dietmar Halatschek from Austria, 8th Connie Hattingh from South Africa,
9th Kolvenbag & Son from United States of America, 10th Thorsten Daum – Walter Thun from Germany, 11th Michel De Becker from South Africa, 12th Dirk Rosslee from South Africa, 13th Wolfram Coesfeld from Germany, 14th DEFAULTER PIGEON, 15th Syndicate Lofts UK from United Kingdom, 16th Du Preez – Deetlefs from South Africa, 17th Bushmaster Loft from Puerto Rico, 18th VIP Lofts from South Africa, 19th Reiner Linsen from Germany and 20th Kevin Li from United States of America. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 16.31 seconds and had a total of 7 different countries represented and a total of 10 different countries represented in the top 50, with 50th being just 29.99 seconds away from the actual race winner. A total of 2,645 pigeons were officially clocked by 15.41, which included 192 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 50 from Ireland leaving just 31 pigeons to return to the race loft.
GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 9 amounted to US$2,759.10c (approx. £2,208) and had a total of 170 pigeons entered which included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland and there were 465 Nominations. There was no United Kingdom or Ireland winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 15th 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 07.54.00.40 just 13.39 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 27th Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 3rd UK, 32nd Open Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 4th UK, 36th Open Murray & Mills with pigeon bred by this partnership from Leeds, 5th UK, 59th Open Obelisk Syndicate with pigeon bred by Derek Nicholls from Barry and entered by Clive Barrett from Taunton, 6th UK, 75th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 7th UK, 76th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 8th UK, 78th Open Foster Sons & Daughter with pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss, 9th UK, 86th Open Scotlands Own Syndicate with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs Trodden and entered by Barry Kinnear from Edinburgh, 10th UK, 97th Open Team Lincs with pigeon bred by Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 11th UK, 121st Open Team Ede with pigeon bred by Darren Ede from Southampton, 12th UK, 136th Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke from South Africa, 13th UK, 160th Open TadT with pigeon bred by Tad Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, this pigeon had won 1st UK for the last 3 races and also took 44th, 7th and 22nd Open, 14th UK, 180th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 15th UK, 190th Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 16th UK, 191st Open another for Team Ede with a second pigeon bred by Darren Ede from Southampton, 17th UK, 206th Open Team Islwyn with pigeon for the Robert Jones from Port Talbot, this pigeon is currently holding 1st UK, 11th OPEN in The Overall Grand Averages,18th UK, 213th Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 19th UK, 220th Open another for Foster Sons & Daughter with a second pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss and 20th UK, 245th Open William Donachie with pigeon bred by William Donachie from Dundee. An outstanding result for the UK Team which had 17 pigeons in the top 206 in the Open. A total of 192 United Kingdom pigeons were officially clocked by 15.41, leaving just 4 to return to the race loft.
UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 9. There were no entries.
CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 52nd OPEN went to JACKPOT LOFTS with pigeon named IRISH EYES ARE SMILING bred by KARL DONNELLY, which was officially clocked at 07.54.18.20, just 31.19 seconds behind the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 67th Open another for Jackpot Lofts with a second pigeon bred by Karl Donnelly, 3rd Ireland, 140th Open Joe Kennedy & Son with pigeon bred by Joe Kennedy & Son, 4th Ireland, 174th Open Andy Quirke with pigeon bred by Andy Quirke, 5th Ireland, 200th Open Spital House Loft with pigeon bred by John Webb O’Rourke and 6th Ireland, 254th Open Jackpot Lofts with a third pigeon bred by Karl Donnelly. A total of 50 Ireland pigeons were officially clocked by 15.41, leaving just 3 to return to the race loft.
IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 9 had no pigeons entered.
THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after nine races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to HOLTS LOFT from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with pigeon named CIERRA bred by TIM HOLT, with a combined flying time of 07.06.01.63 holding same place from the last race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 11th OPEN goes to TEAM ISLWYN with pigeon named SEREN bred by ROBERT JONES from PORT TALBOT, with a combined flying time of 07.18.09.29 up 5 places from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 159th OPEN goes to SEAN HUNT & FAMILY with pigeon named CORNSHORE 1 bred by SEAN HUNT & FAMILY with a combined flying time of 07.43.08.81 up 38 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.
Now we move on to TRAINING RACES 10 & 11 with a liberation point Koppies 62km (39 miles) and then TRAINING RACE 12 from 115km (71 miles) from the Race Loft.
*****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:- Official Training Race 10 on Saturday 23rd November 2019 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 11 on Wednesday 27th November 2019 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 12 on Saturday 30th November 2019 from 115km (71 miles), followed by Training Race 13 on Wednesday 4th December 2019 from 62km (39 miles). Then HOT SPOT RACE 1 will take place on Saturday 7th December 2019 from 165km (103 miles), followed by Training Race 14 on Wednesday 11th December 2019 from 62km (39 miles). Then HOT SPOT RACE 2 will take place on Saturday 14th December 2019 from 210km (131 miles), followed by Training Race 15 on Wednesday 18th December 2019 from 62km (39 miles). Then HOT SPOT RACE 3 will take place on Saturday 21st December 2019 from 265km (165 miles), followed by Training Race 16 on Tuesday 24th December 2019 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 17 on Saturday 28th December 2019 from 115km (71 miles). We then move into the New Year and start with Training Race 18 on Wednesday 1st January 2020 from 62km (39 miles). Then HOT SPOT RACE 4 on Saturday 4th January 2020 from 300km (186 miles), followed by Training Race 19 on Tuesday 7th January 2020 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 20 on Thursday 9th January 2020 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 21 on Saturday 11th January 2020 from 115km (71 miles), followed by Training Race 22 on Wednesday 15th January 2020 from 62km (39 miles), followed by HOT SPOT RACE 5 on Saturday 18th January 2020 from 350km (217 miles), followed by Training Race 23 on Tuesday 21st January 2020 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 24 on Thursday 23rd January 2020 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 25 on Saturday 25th January 2020 from 62km (39 miles). A few more short training tosses will take place over the next few days with basketing taking place on Thursday 30th January 2020. Then the FINAL RACE takes place on Saturday 1st February 2020 from 525km (326 miles).
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.
The team of pigeons will not be rushed and the vastly experienced loft staff are very confident that within a few weeks these athletes of the skies will be back on track and ready for the big task in front of them. You can of course follow all the progress of what is happening on 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.
***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.
All Training Races, Hot Spot Races and The Final Race will now count towards The 24th South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$25,500 (approx. £21,250), US$15,000 (approx. £12,500) and US$10,000 (approx. £8,333) 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.
NOMINATION RACES will be held and officially start on TRAINING RACE 1, plus the HOT SPOT 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and of course the FINAL RACE. See the SAMDPR Website for full details. All these races will have US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 COUNTRY/REGIONAL and US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 GLOBAL NOMINATIONS which can be placed on THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR Web Site. If you wish to enter any of these NOMINATIONS, you will have to have credit in your ASI Master Account. If you do not have any credit in your own personal Air Sport Account then please forward funds to your Country Race Co-ordinator/Shipper so that this can then be transferred to your Master Account in time to get your NOMINATIONS placed. Please do not leave it to the last minute to transfer funds as the transfer may not go through in time and this could result in your pigeon or pigeons not winning what they should be rewarded with.
It should be mentioned that GLOBAL & COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS during the 2015/16 race series actually paid out a staggering total of US$546,280 (£437,000). This sum also increased during the 2017/18 race series. Once again during the 2018/19 race series the sum paid out exceeded the previous year, which again just goes to show that fanciers just love to have a gamble on the race.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONCERNED AND REGULAR “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES”, “NEWSLETTERS” AND “UPDATES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO ALL COMPETITORS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATE SHAREHOLDERS ON A WEEKLY BASIS BY EMAIL OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. ALSO WEEKLY “PRESS RELEASES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO BOTH OUR TWO PIGEON PUBLICATIONS NAMELY THE “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” AND “”THE RACING PIGEON” PLUS IT WILL ALSO BE ON MY REGENCY LOFTS WEB SITE www.regencylofts.com FOR ALL TO VIEW.
This is the “TWENTY-FOURTH YEAR” since this great International One Loft Race started and every year since day one the Organising Committee have created new competitions and I assume that this year will be no exception, more on this subject will be published as details come through from the race organisers.
“TRIP OF A LIFETIME” Deirdre Kallmeyer who owns and runs African Olive Travel Concepts in South Africa (www.aotc.co.za) is now acting as the official travel company for the SAMDPR and all booking must be done through her and her company. So if you want to be part of the vibe and thrill of The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, then why not join us at out new home at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel and experience the race weekend schedule and events. African Olive Travel Concepts have put together accommodation packages catering for all tastes and budgets and a variety of pre and post touring options to explore the region. The venue and location will be the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel which is situated on the lush banks of the Vaal River in Gautang, South Africa a mere hour’s drive from O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The extensive property, along 7km’s of river frontage, is the ideal location for a fun-filled family getaway. The Resort offers an array of accommodation options, restaurants, entertainment like the all-year-round Water Park – Aquadrome, to Animal World Zoo and game drive, ten pin bowling, outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, water skiing as well as the famous Emerald African Spa. Just across the Vaal River you can enjoy a round of golf on the outstanding Heron Banks Golf & River Estate, which is where the pigeon loft is situated. There are 3 accommodation options available at the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel catering for and style and budget. Option 1, you could book to stay in the 4-star Emerald Hotel where you will instantly notice the luxurious North-East African inspired décor. A sanctuary set far from the bustling bog city, the 4-star hotel’s 75 twin/double rooms and two superb suites offer you spacious comfort and all of the amenities you could need. All rooms have Air-conditioning, Digital Safe, Telephone, Hairdryer, TV selected channels, internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. Option 2, hidden away in a natural setting, the secure, luxurious Bush Lodges offer guests two-bedroom units styled to resemble the safari lodges of the Serengeti, adventure awaits just outside of these semi self-catering lodges, built for ultimate comfort and in luxurious style. Option 3, step into adventure and book one of the comfortable, self-catering River Resort Chalets that provides two, four and six sleeper units, ideal for a weekend getaway or longer stays. These are situated just a quick walk from the banks of the Vaal River, the chalets offer guests easy access to a range of adventures including boating facilities for the water sport enthusiasts.
For anybody intending to travel out for the race weekend or longer, please log onto www.samdpr.com and hit the Accommodation button at the bottom of the home page, there you find a “SPECIAL 3 & 4 NIGHTS PACKAGE”, which includes all the official functions and dates. Both these packages represent great value for money. Road Transfers to and from Emerald Resort can also be arranged by African Olive Travel Concepts. If you or any friends wish to do pre or post travel bookings, Deirdre will be only too pleased to give you prices, just tell her what and where you would like to go. All bookings must be done directly through the sole agent Deirdre Kallmeyer at African Olive Travel Concepts (www.aotc.co.za) or email deirdre@aotc.co.za
***SPECIAL NOTIFICATION*** One point that should be pointed out to all competitors and entrants is that only your NUMBER 1 pigeons is “ACTIVATED” (FULLY PAID UP ENTRY). If of course you entered a “TEAM OF 4” and you lost your first 3 pigeons, your fourth pigeon would then be your “ACTIVATED PIGEON”. If you were unlucky enough to lose all your 4 pigeons in any of your “TEAMS” and they had won no “Special Prize Money” in the new HOT SPOT 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 then you are entitled to a “FREE ENTRY” into the 25th SAMDPR and all you have to pay is the official shipping and export costs to your Country Co-ordinator/Shipper. This offer can only be actioned once, for example if you lost your team in your first year, you would get a “Free Entry” the following year but then if you lost all your pigeons in that year, the “Free Entry” offer then does not count. This of course represents great value for your money. All the pigeons go to every training toss, Mid-Week and Saturday races providing they are fit enough but can only compete for any of the allocated PRIZE MONEY or SPECIAL AWARDS in the 5 x HOT SPOT RACES if they are “ACTIVATED” and that means that these must be paid for prior to the HOT SPOT 1, which is due to take place on SATURDAY 30th NOVEMBER 2019 from 165km (approx. 103 miles). The cost to “ACTIVATE” these “RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS” is US$1,100 (approx. £916) (THIS OF COURSE MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE AT THE TIME OF ACTIVATION) but that will then entitle all these fully paid up pigeons (ACTIVATED) to compete and be eligible to fly for all the extra cash prizes and special awards that amounts to over US$318,000 (approx. £265,000). The one thing to remember is that once your reserve pigeon or pigeons are fully paid for, if then they get lost and have won no Prize Money or Special Awards in the Special Money Races, then you will get US$1,000 paid back into your ASI Account, which can then be used to purchase another pigeon at a later date and be entered into The Final Race under your name or syndicate or even under another name of your choice. So as you can see it is “BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY” and pay for them early, after all you have nothing to lose.
HOW MANY OTHER ONE LOFT PIGEON RACES IN THE WORLD OFFER THIS SORT OF OPTION TO COMPETITORS AND ENTRANTS?
***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$50,500 in Prize Money, split into three cash prizes with 1st US$25,500 (£21,250), 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 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 RACE & US$1,000 (approx. £833) NOMINATION will also take place on the “FINAL RACE” and the winning will be A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ SLK 555 MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$85,000 (approx. £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.
Something else worth mentioning that seven brand new motor cars have been won by fanciers representing the United Kingdom Team in the last seven years, Richard Elliott/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 UK won a staggering 3 x brand new motor cars and these were won by Nev & Angi Evans & Steve Cuthbert, Robert & Peter Montila and then Phil Bond. Alistair Hogg also won a brand new motor car during the 2017/18 race series. This in itself was an outstanding team performance. No other country has ever won three cars on the trot. Also an Irish fancier named John Nash also won a brand new motor car in the 2008/9 race series. I am very hopeful that somebody from the United Kingdom or Ireland will also win some of this newly allocated Prize Money in the 2019/20 race series. GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS.
I would also just like to notify fanciers that my weekly “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”, “NEWSLETTERS” and “UPDATES” can now also be seen on the following pigeon web sites:- www.regencylofts.com www.iprr.co.uk www.elimarpigeons.com www.pigeonportal.com www.pigeonglobe.co.uk www.cyberpigeon.co.uk www.pigeonbasics.com www.starpigeons.com www.pigeonpixels.co.uk www.theloftreport.com www.oneloftracing.com 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 FEBRUARY 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 you wish to know any more information on this prestigious international pigeon race the please contact me ASAP of log onto the SAMDPR Website at www.samdpr.com
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