FIRST INTERNATIONAL PRESS REPORT 19th SAMDPR -

[willie reynolds]

“FIRST INTERNATIONAL PRESS REPORT”
THE 19th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR
(THE RACE WITH THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD)
(THE GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD)
DUE TO BE HELD IN LINBRO PARK, SANDTON,
SOUTH AFRICA ON SATURDAY 24th JANUARY 2015.


ANOTHER RACE SEASON STARTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE.

THE NEW HOTEL HOSTING THE 19th SAMDPR WILL BE THE FIVE STAR HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, ROSEBANK, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA.

A FANTASTIC RACE ENTRY WITH WELL OVER 5,500 PIGEONS BEING ENTERED IN THE 2014/15 SERIES FROM 38 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

THE UNITED KINGDOM RACE TEAM STARTS OFF THIS NEW 2014/15 RACE SEASON WITH 1ST OPEN IN THE FIRST PRE-TRAINING RACE.

Another exciting racing season is in front of us with a fantastic new updated web site, making it far easier for all concerned to look and study all the information available for all to see. Hopefully fanciers all over the world will appreciate the massive amount of work put in by Michael Holt (Systems Administrator) Pieter Saayman (Assistant Systems Administrator) and Peter Furstenberg from Shine Interactive and his staff who have all helped to redesign this state of the art web site www.samdpr.com It should also be mentioned that Willi van Beers from Germany has been appointed as Race Manager and will work closely with the rest of the loft staff. Joan-e Holt (Public Relations) and Deirdre Kallmeyer from African Olive Concepts (The Official Travel Company) have also been extremely busy looking and then selecting a brand new venue for the 19th SAMDPR and I can now tell you that the fantastic HYATT REGENCY HOTEL (5 STAR), ROSEBANK has finally been selected to host the events during the race weekend in January 2015. So once again, exciting times are in front of this prestigious international pigeon race as it moves forward into the future.

This spectacular international pigeon race is now in its nineteenth year and started off with under 1,000 pigeons in its first year way back in 1997, since then entries have increased and in the 7th Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race in 2003 it attracted an entry of 2,473 pigeons, then the 8th SCMDPR in 2004 attracted 3,703 pigeons, however, the 9th SCMDPR in 2005 attracted a staggering 5,096 pigeons. In a space of two years the entries actually doubled. After the record breaking entry of 5,096 pigeons that were entered into the 9th SCMDPR in 2005, which was made up of 3,711 International pigeons and 1,385 South African entries and were entered from 30 different countries. Then in the 10th SCMDPR held in 2006 we had a total of 4,649 pigeons entered, which was made up of 3,504 International and 1,145 South African entries that were entered by 28 different countries. This was then followed by 4,936 pigeons being entered into the 11th SCMDPR in 2007, which consisted of 3,462 International and 1,474 South African entries. When you consider all the problems and restrictions that have been implemented because of outbreaks of Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease around the world over the last few years, plus many other one loft races trying to compete with the SCMDPR, it really is truly amazing that entries have managed to stay so high, especially when you consider that Mainland China entered 413 pigeons into the 2006 SCMDPR and have not been allowed to compete since. By losing these entries and those from other countries with restrictions has certainly stopped the organisers from smashing records on an annual basis. However, even after all the problems around the world that had affected the entries into the 12th SCMDPR to be held in 2008, the organising committee were still proud to announce that they had managed to get a grand total of 4,902 pigeons, which consists of 3,641 International and 1,261 South African pigeons entered into the race which was held in the fabulous Sun City, South Africa on Saturday 2nd February 2008. The 2009 race attracted 29 different countries and a record breaking entry of 5,576 pigeons and was held on January 31st and this total was made up of 4,496 International and 1,080 South African pigeons, with a total of 3,082 entries actually being sent to the Final Race after nearly 7,000 km (4,350 miles) of training. The entry for the 2010 SCMDPR once again exceeded the 5,000 mark for the third time and a grand total of 5,610 pigeons were officially entered by 30 participating countries and that number is made up of 4,693 International pigeons and 917 pigeons from South Africa who are of course the host country. Once again the International entry had been smashed by a staggering 187 pigeons. When one considers that most of the world was in a massive recession it once again just goes to prove to pigeon fanciers all over the world that this is the race they would all like to win. Once again the entry for the 15th anniversary race was a staggering 6,611 pigeons entered from 36 different countries, which is a massive overall increase of 1,001 pigeons and quite a few new countries getting involved for the first time. The total number of entries is made up of 5,639 International entries and 972 from South Africa, which of course is the host country. Once again the International entries are up by a staggering 946 pigeons, which is fantastic when you think that the world is still coming out of a recession. The 16th SCMDPR once again attracted entries from 36 different countries and a staggering world record entry of 7,949 pigeons, which was made up by 6,831 International and 1,118 South African pigeons. The 17th SAMDPR was held in the new venue, which was the fabulous Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa on 2nd February 2013 and close on 8,000 pigeons were originally entered from 36 different countries. The 18th SAMDPR was also held at the new venue and attracted an entry of around 7,000 pigeons from 40 different countries. Once again the international entry totalled over 6,500 pigeons. Official entry figures are not currently to hand for THE 19th SAMDPR but it looks like a total of 38 different countries entered over 5,500 pigeons. As you see by these figures listed above the race has massive support from many different countries and that is because of the professional way this international pigeon race is run and because fanciers want to be part of and try to win “THE BIGGEST AND GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD TODAY”.

THE 19th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE, which is due to take place in the fabulous 5 STAR HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday 24th January 2015 has once again attracted yet another fantastic race entry from 38 different countries and the first Initial Loft Listing on the SAMDPR Web Site issued on Monday 13th October 2014 showed that a total of 4,698 pigeons were actually still in the lofts and the following countries are still currently represented:- AUSTRALIA (167), AUSTRIA (53), BAHRAIN (9), BELGIUM (208), BULGARIA (14), CANADA (57), CHINA (3), CROATIA (1), CZECH REPUBLIC (103), DENMARK (41), EGYPT (3), FRANCE (7), GERMANY (1,020), HUNGARY (7), IRAQ (18), IRELAND (70), ITALY (9), KUWAIT (247), MALTA (6), MOLDOVA (2), NETHERLANDS (340), NORWAY (26), POLAND (107), PORTUGAL (3), PUERTO RICO (3), QATAR (16), ROMANIA (51), SAUDI ARABIA (43), SLOVAKIA (77), SLOVENIA (21), SOUTH AFRICA (208), SWEDEN (14), SWITZERLAND (19), TURKEY (2), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (4), UNITED KINGDOM (306), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (812) and ZIMBABWE (9). The total number of pigeons listed above represents 4,104 pigeons, which means that there are a total of 594 pigeons that have still not been officially paid for. Quite a lot of these payments are still being processed and as soon as these are received by the Race Organisers these paid pigeons will be added to the Loft Listings. These figures above equate to 3,896 International and only 208 South African pigeons. This international pigeon race has proved once again that it really is the OLYMPICS GAMES in the pigeon world and has continually improved on a yearly basis.

During the colder months and whilst the two brand new lofts were empty, they were all completely cleaned, painted and sprayed and part of the top of the lofts and between the new lofts netting was placed so that the pigeons arriving from literally all over the world could see all around them before getting airborne. Also this year new temporary aviaries were also placed on top of the race lofts, which allows the pigeons to view the area around the lofts before being let out for the first time. This in my opinion is a great improvement and hopefully should improve the settling of these pigeons.

Of course, one of the main reasons for the success of this race is the extremely professional way it has been run from the start and that they have always paid out 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”.

For the first time ever during the quarantine period the loft floors were covered with shredded paper, which helps to soak and dry up the droppings from thousands of pigeons in the two lofts. Yet another first for the SAMDPR.

I think it should be mentioned that without Zandy Meyer (Race Director) at the helm anymore, as unfortunately he died on 30th June 2014 the “ADMINISTRATION & LOFT TEAM” below have worked extremely hard to firstly get all the pigeons trained and then logged on to the database system, so that all the entrants around the world can following the progress of their pigeons right through the race series. This in itself is a massive task and as usual they have come up trumps. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. If you wish to look at some superb photographs of pigeon lofts and the pigeons flying around the lofts, then please log on to www.samdpr.com

The Organising Committee, which now consists of Michael Holt (Race Director), Willi van Beers (Race Manager), Joan-e Holt, Public Relations, Marion Branford, Administration, Michael Holt, Systems Administrator, Pieter Saayman, Assistant Systems Administrator, Andre van Wyk, Dave van der Merwe (Trainers), Corrie Naude (Head Trainer), Loft Managers, plus of course Patrick Ngowangusha and all the seven other loft staff, Paul Smith, United Kingdom Shipper & International Race Co-ordinator, Cornay Smit, Attorney for Air Sport Internationale, Henri Stiglingh, International Ambassador, Dr. Marthinus Hartman, Chief Veterinary Officer from the University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort Veterinary Services, plus of course all the Country Shippers were once again looking to try to increase the entry for the nineteenth race. They knew that this would be a massive task but they felt that even with all the other one-loft races that were now up and running all over the world, beating the world record entry of last year ago could be achieved, providing we did not lose to many countries that had entered in past races. *****SPECIAL THANKS must of course also go to Sara Blackshaw who is a Director of Air Sport Internationale, who are The Presenters Of This Great Race for their continued support, Sara has worked very hard to keep the race going after the untimely death of Zandy Meyer (Race Director), plus of course we must also mention the fantastic 5 STAR HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, ROSEBANK, JOHANNESBURG for allowing us to use their fabulous facilities at this truly outstanding venue for this very prestigious international pigeon race weekend.

Of course, as mentioned earlier, we all knew that this would be a hard task and the first thing that was to be done was for the current web site to be upgraded once again so that even more information was available to the competitors/entrants. After months and months off hard work by Peter Furstenberg of Shine Interactive and his staff, plus Michael Holt and Pieter Saayman, Systems Administrators for Air Sport Internationale this has now been achieved as anybody logging onto the brand new state of the art revamped web site www.scmdpr.co.za will be able to see even more information is available. The “HITS” on this web site had increased from 3 million for the 2003 race to 5 million for the 2004 race and over 8 million for the 2005 race and over 14 million for the 2006 race series. Records seem to be broken each year and the 2006/7 race series attracted over 16 million “HITS” during the race series and during the 2007/8 race series the web site attracted over 20 million “HITS”. Once again another record was broken for the “HITS” during the 2008/9 race series with well over 25 million. Just to show fanciers/competitors and entrants how successful this new web site has been, during the 2009/10 race series the web site had a remarkable 48 million “HITS” over the 12 month period. These figures increased dramatically because of a brand new Information Portal and Twitter facilities that were added as extras during the 14th SCMDPR. During the full 2010/11 race series the “HITS” figures increased once again to a staggering 50 million. Once again during the 2011/12 racing series the “HITS” increased, with figures in the region of 60 million. During the 2012/13 race series the amount of “HITS” rose to around 70 million. Also during the 2013/14 race season the amount of “HITS” exceeded those of the previous year by a considerably number. This just goes to show the amount of interest that is shown in this great international pigeon race from pigeon fanciers literally all over the world. Information is on line for all to see, so why not join in the fun throughout the next few months and add this web site to your favourites list. If it is information you require, then this race certainly gives it to you or anybody that cares to log onto their fantastic state of the art web site.

The first loft report was issued on the SAMDPR Web Site on 18th August 2014 by Willi van Beers (Race Manager) and it stated as follows:- ‘When I got here the pigeons were still in quarantine. The quarantine has since been lifted. The birds are looking well. They have been checked by the veterinarians and found to be healthy. The training is starting with the routine work. The pigeons are being basketed into the race baskets and then moved on top of the lofts to the aviaries. Then they are being taught to run back into the traps and into the lofts to find their food. This was our first week of routine exercise. On week two birds were kept in the aviaries. The traps were being closed for about 3 hours. They then familiarised themselves with the environment. After the 3 hours the traps were opened and they were called in to feed. We put them on a special food mixture to reduce the weight so then they will be able to fly when the aviaries are being removed. This will be done in two weeks time so that they can start their free flight and training around the lofts. Dr. Francios Le Grange, the veterinarian appointed by the University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, comes for a weekly loft visit on Fridays. He inspects the lofts and if needed tests the birds. There is total control over the birds wellness and condition. I have already had our first monthly meeting with the veterinarians at the University.’ Please look at the photographs on the SAMDPR Web Site.’

A second loft report was issued on the SAMDPR Web Site on 8th September 2014 by Willi van Beers (Race Manager) and it stated as follows:- ‘On Sunday the 31st August 2014 the aviaries were pulled down and taken off the roofs. They have been washed and the pigeons could walk out of the lofts to run around freely and learn to fly up to the roofs for the first time by themselves. We taught them now for 3 weeks to use the traps and find the food and water in their compartments and they show us that they can do it on their own. It is always nice and exciting to see how quick the best pigeons from all over the world have learnt their lessons. The next 2 weeks we let them around freely and they will show us by flying more and more how good they are prepared for the next phase of training. Let me tell you about a fancier from the Netherlands who thought he would be cleverer than others. By cutting the first 3 flights of both wings, he thought he had a good idea. To all the European fanciers again: at the moment the pigeons are moulting their wing feathers and there are 3 left. The body moulting is finished and normally they start road training on these 3 feathers. So the Dutch fancier concerned was totally wrong to do this. My advice to all pigeon fanciers is to: “Please leave your pigeons as they are because if you pull the feathers they are then at a disadvantage for the training. We have written down the pigeons ring number and will keep a watch on it. Finally, I can let you know that we received the report of health from the University of Onderstepoort and it says that the pigeons are found healthy.’ If you wish to see photograph of this Dutch pigeon, then please log onto www.samdpr.com and view the picture.’

A third loft report was issued on the SAMDPR Web Site on 20th September 2014 by Willi van Beers (Race Manager) and it stated as follows:- ‘Let me first tell you that is very hot in Johannesburg. The last two weeks it has always been around 30 degrees (88f) and clear blue skies. Last weekend local club race birds coming home from 750km. It was an overnight race from an 07.15 liberation. Back to Linbro Park, we start at 06.00 in the morning to train the birds in the coolness of the new day. It takes us about a quarter of an hour to bring the pigeons in the air. Big packs climbing up and circle around Linbro Park and circle in a big doughnut chasing each other. I’m sure you have seen the big warehouse built beside the lofts. Every pigeon fancier knows this knock on the roof of the warehouse is the right place for a pigeon to sit on. Best is Dave the compressor man that helps us to chase them off. We also try to put other instruments on the top of the roof. Let us see if this will also help us. After training and landing on their lofts we also give them time to fill up their “stores” with minerals like sulphar and vitamins like wild figs out of the garden. In this time the lofts are prepared for calling the pigeons in. After the second exercise for the day they are then called in for their food and water in compartments and then they are left to rest.’

A fourth loft report was issued on the SAMDPR Web Site on 7th October 2014 by Willi van Beers (Race Manager) and it stated as follows:- ‘The time flies….you remember I told you about the condition of the training around the lofts. By watching them we could see more and more how they try to explore a wider region. We prepare them now for the most important step: training on the road. We took the papers out of their compartments and after cleaning the lofts nicely, they had been disinfected with the fogging-machine. The paper that was in the lofts works like “strohecke” in Germany. All the pigeons get use to all and everything in the lofts: the good and the bad things. That builds up their immune system to fight against diseases. It makes no sense to always put them on medicine treatment because the body cannot handle it by itself. We have a truck with a trailer from one of the pigeon associations nearby. Anton and Jan is a proven team to bring the pigeons safely to the liberation points. One of the trainers is always present when the birds are liberated. On October 2nd they have been liberated about 5km away from the lofts: the pigeons jumped out of the baskets building big packs and circled around for quarter of an hour – starting then pack by pack to fly in the direction of the lofts. “Now you know why my hair has become a grey colour”. Corrie told me. Yes, it is something else to be responsible for pigeons with such a great value, but the training has to be done. There are no shortcuts and after the second and third liberation from the same spot they flew straight home. Next weekend we will be offering our Open Day Breakfast Run to all pigeon fanciers and their friends. You are all invited to come and watch as we are going to liberate the pigeons fro 25km and I think it is great to watch the packs coming back. Come and enjoy! It will be special as usual with meat to braai and drinks. Corrie, Andre, Dave and Willi will be available to answer questions on behalf of the pigeons and the lofts. Some great photographs are available on the SAMDPR Web Site for all to see.’

An OPEN DAY and breakfast braai (barbecue) which was supposed to take place on Saturday 11th October for fanciers to watch the team of pigeons home from a short training toss had to be cancelled because of inclement weather. It has now been re-arranged for the Pre-Training Race on Saturday 18th October 2014.

CONGRATULATIONS once again go to all the Country Race Shippers for again getting so many pigeons for this fantastic International Pigeon Race, you are truly worth your weight in gold to the race organisers as without all your hard work and effort the race would never get off the ground. It is always interesting to study the entry figures after the last race, those countries that do well usually increase in entries and others that have not faired so well reduce in numbers but as usual there are others countries that continue to increase whatever happens. However, the UNITED KINGDOM TEAM after their outstanding success in winning 1st and 2nd OPEN in the 13th SCMDPR 2009 when we actually sent a record 602 pigeons. In fact the following year 14th SCMDPR we only entered 399 pigeons and one can only think that this massive reduction in entries was due mainly to the world credit crunch and recession that seemed to have hit this country ever since the last race. However, I was very positive that the UK entries would return once we finally started to come out of this current economic climate. It was great to see that the UK entries increased by 210 pigeons to a total of 609 pigeons for the 15th SCMDPR, which once again just shows how many fanciers would like to win this prestigious international pigeon race. Once again the United Kingdom Team increased its entries into the 16th SCMDPR with a record entry of 657 pigeons which is the highest amount we have ever sent out for this great race. The entry for the United Kingdom Team for the 17th SAMDPR was yet another record entry and this year we managed to get over 700 pigeons for the first time ever, breaking our past record entry by over 60 pigeons. For the 18th SAMDPR the United Kingdom Race Team consisted of about 590 pigeons. The race entry for the United Kingdom Race Team for the 19th SAMDPR was just under 500 pigeons. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL AND THANKS AGAIN TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT, I CAN ASSURE YOU IT REALLY IS GREATLY APPRECIATED BY THE RACE ORGANISERS.

Once again the marketing for this top class race never stops and as one race finishes the next one starts but that is really what makes this event such an exciting international race. This will be the third race to take place at the new venue and this in itself has created a tremendous amount of extra work for the “TEAM” building two brand new state of the art pigeon lofts and also having to find a new resort to host the race. This as you all know now was achieved and the new race lofts are now in Linbro Park, Sandton, Johannesburg and the new lofts have now received pigeons for the 17th, 18th and now the 19th SAMDPR. This will also be the third year that Emperors Palace, Johannesburg have hosted the race and that functions that are part of this great international pigeon race. Of course, if a certain country does not do well in the past race or races, it actually becomes much tougher for the Country Race Shippers to get fanciers to enter because fanciers feel they have no chance to win any of the major prizes. So it has always been the policy of this race to create more and more competitions that offer cash rewards or specials prizes and once again this year is no exception, with five brand new cars being up for grabs which is one in each of the HOT SPOT CAR RACES, plus numerous other new competitions where fanciers could win something in the five newly named CAR RACE HOT SPOTS in the run-up to the FINAL RACE.

Although the race is now named THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR, the total to be paid out in cash and prizes in the 2014/15 race series exceeds US$1.7 million American Dollars or approximately £1.2 million pounds sterling. Prize Money for the 19th SAMDPR has once again been slightly restructured, adding US$25,000 more to the 1st Prize than the previous year, plus increasing many of the lower cash prizes, plus adding a new 3-bird average for all 5 x US$3,000 Hot Spot Car Races. No other one-loft race in the world today can boast of such massive payouts and this race is now in its eighteenth year and has for the last eighteen 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 eighteen races, prize money in excess of US$31 million American Dollars (£21 million pounds), 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 19th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has actually slightly increased its overall payout compared with the 18th SAMDPR. The FINAL RACE PRIZE MONEY in the 19th SAMDPR now exceeds US$1 million dollars or around £607,000 sterling.

The Pre-Training Races, Training Races, Mid-Week Races and Saturday Races during 2014 and 2015 are listed as follows:- Pre-Training Race 1 from 15km (10 miles) to be held on Wednesday 15th October, then Pre-Training Race 2 from 25km (16 miles) on Saturday 18th October, Pre-Training Race 3 from 25km (16 miles) on Wednesday 22nd October, Pre-Training Race 4 from 45km (28 miles) on Saturday 25th October, Pre-Training Race 5 from 45km (28 miles) on Wednesday 29th October. Then Training Race 1 from 50km (31 miles) on Saturday 1st November, Training Race 2 from 50km (31 miles) on Wednesday 5th November, Training Race 3 from 50km (31 miles) on Saturday 8th November, Training Race 4 from 75km (47 miles) on Wednesday 12th November, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1 from 130km (81 miles) on Saturday 15th November, Training Race 5 from 75km (47 miles) on Wednesday 19th November, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 from 160km (100 miles) on Saturday 22nd November, Training Race 6 from 75km (47 miles) on Wednesday 26th November, Training Race 7 from 75km (47 miles) on Saturday 29th November, Training Race 8 from 75km (47 miles) on Wednesday 3rd December, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 from 220km (137 miles) on Saturday 6th December, Training Race 9 from 75km (47 miles) on Wednesday 10th December, Training Race 10 from 100km (62 miles) on Saturday 13th December, Training Race 11 from 75km (47 miles) on Wednesday 17th December, HOT SPOT CAR RACE 4 from 270km (168 miles) on Saturday 20th December, Training Race 12 from 100km (62 miles) on Saturday 27th December, Training Race 13 from 75km (47 miles) on 31st December 2014.Then we move into 2015 and start with HOT SPOT CAR RACE 5 from 320km (199 miles) on Saturday 3rd January, Training Race 14 from 50km (31 miles) on Wednesday 7th January, Training Race 15 from 75km (47 miles) on Saturday 10th January, Training Race 16 from 75km (47 miles) on Wednesday 14th January, Training Race 17 from 100km (62 miles) on Saturday 17th January, then THE FINAL RACE from 525km (326 miles) on Saturday 24th January 2015. The dates are not be set in stone and if the proposed date for any of these races is not suitable for liberation, then these will take place on the next best day in that week. Daily training will also take place during the week providing the weather is suitable. No training will take place on Sundays unless of course a holdover takes place on the Saturday race. The Overall Averages and the allocated Prize Money will only count in races of 50km (31 miles) and over. The Pre-Training Races will not count in The Overall Averages.

All the United Kingdom Team fanciers/entrants and syndicate shareholders will be kept up to date with weekly “NEWSLETTERS” plus any of them can log on to the state of the art The South African Million Dollar Race web site:- www.samdpr.com and get all the information they might require over the next few months. All official past competitors/entrants will still be able to use their old username and password and new competitors/entrants that have entered this race for the first time should now have received their own confidential username and password and then they will be able to log into their own account and see everything on their own computer screen. If you have not received yours yet, please contact your Official Shipper. You can change your pigeon’s name if you do not like the one allocated to it providing of course the name you chose has not been used already by somebody else and 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 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 give fanciers and entrants all the information they need to know about all the pigeons in the lofts.

It should also be mentioned that the all the new entrants passwords have all now been sent out to these new competitors along with a “INTAKE” status report on all the pigeons they originally entered, which was followed by a full Loft Listing on the official SAMDPR Web Site which was published on Monday 13th October 2014, which will show everybody what fully paid pigeons are still left in the lofts at that current time.

Numerous short training tosses have already taken place, prior to the actual Pre Training Race 1 and that will take place on Wednesday 15th October 2014 from 15km (9 miles), this race was subsequently cancelled because of bad weather and Pre Training Race 2 took place on Saturday 18th October 2014 from 25km (16 miles). SO PLEASE KEEP YOU EYES ON THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE www.samdpr.com FOR ALL FUTURE BASKETING AND RACE RESULTS.

It should be noted the Organising Committee and Loft Managers have decided this year not to try to rush the youngsters up to the 80km (50 miles) mark. So with the pigeon’s best interest in mind there will now be a total of five Pre-Training Races 1 to 5 up to distances of 45km (28 miles), as well as a few of the other earlier races will be shortened to give the pigeons more experience. Please watch the Race Programme listed on the dedicated web site:- www.samdpr.com for more information on the distances for some of these earlier races. Of course only races of 50km (31 miles) actually counts in the SAMDPR Ace Pigeon Overall Averages and only fully paid up pigeons can win any of these cash prizes.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 1 was supposed to take place on Wednesday 15th October 2014 from 15km (9.32 miles) but because of inclement weather this race had to be cancelled.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 2 then took place on Saturday 18th October 2014 from 65km (16 miles) and a total of 4,564 pigeons were basketed from 38 different countries, this total included 300 from the United Kingdom and 70 from Ireland. The convoy were liberated at 08-30 in fine and clear conditions, with little to no wind, 19c (66f) and a good race was anticipated.

CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to the DREAM TEAM SYNDICATE from the UNITED KINGDOM with pigeon named DREAM STAR, which was officially clocked at 08.53.15.79 to record a velocity of 1224ypm (41mph), this syndicate is administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and the winning pigeon was bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 2nd Mohammad Almeleabi from Kuwait, 3rd Team Garcia from Austria, 4th Eduard Hoelscher from Germany, 5th Tom Schilling from United States Of America, 6th A Defaulter Pigeon,
7th Ron Fairan from United States Of America, 8th Thamer Rashed from Kuwait, 9th Ganus Family Loft from United States Of America, 10th Koopman Racing Team from Netherlands, 11th A Defaulter Pigeon, 12th Bader Al-Jwesr from Kuwait, 13th Hussian Ali Alsahoum from Kuwait, 14th A Defaulter Pigeon, 15th Thamer Rashed from Kuwait, 16th Erwin u Raif Schuermann from Germany, 17th Fayez Q8 from Kuwait, 18th Gutsy Blues Syndicate from South Africa, 19th Team Allen Voraus from Dirk Van Dyke from Belgium and 20th A and T Sorrentino from United States Of America. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 1 minute 47 seconds and had 8 different countries represented which was a good start to the 2014/15 race series. This race resulted in a fantastic start to the 2014/15 series with 4,423 pigeons being officially recorded by 17.34, leaving just 141 to make it back to the lofts. The Monday Loft Listing showed 4,479 pigeons had returned to the lofts, leaving just 85 to return to the lofts, making it an excellent race. Sure a few more pigeons will work back over the next couple of days, plus a few that had been missing from earlier tosses had also returned to the lofts and if fit will probably be basketed for the next race.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 1st OPEN went to the DREAM TEAM SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named DREAM STAR which was bred by JIMMY RICHARDS from LAINDON, which was officially clocked at 08.53.15.79, 2nd UK, 22nd Open Guy Barrett OBE from Horsforth, 3rd & 4th UK, 24th & 25th Open Durkan Brothers and bred by Peter & John Durkan from Ripon, 5th UK, 29th Open Trainspotters from the North East, 6th UK, 75th Open Tadt Syndicate with pigeon bred by Tadt Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 7th UK, 95th Open Alan Richardson from Whitby, 8th UK, 99th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate, administer by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 9th UK, 101st Open Guys Lofts Elite with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 10th UK, 119th Open Keith & Graham Jones from Aylesbury, 11th UK, 125th Open Danny Gruzelier from Kempston, 12th UK, 130th Open another pigeon for Guy Barrett OBE from Horsforth, 13th UK, 133rd Open Premier Stud UK Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Premier Stud from Patringham Haven, 14th UK, 135th Open Paul Smith Syndicate, administered by Paul and with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 15th UK, 207th Open Keeping Up With The Jones with pigeon bred by Rob Jones from Southampton, 16th UK, 226th Open another for Tadt Syndicate with pigeon bred by Tadt Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 17th UK, 256th Open another for the Lucky Devils Syndicate with another pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 18th UK, 337th Open Paul Bamford from Pembroke Dock, 19th UK, 369th Open another for Premier Stud UK Syndicate with another pigeon bred by Premier Stud from Patringham Haven and then 20th UK, 378th Open F+S Shaw. Great start to the campaign with 288 pigeons being officially clocked by 17.34, leaving just 12 to make it back to base camp. The Monday Loft Listing showed 293 UK pigeons in the lofts, leaving 7 still to return.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 179th OPEN went to BOYLAN and NASHER with their pigeon named ANNETTE N, which was officially clocked at 08.55.38.95, 2nd Ireland, 222nd Open Paul Poole and Son, 3rd Ireland, 227th Open Cill Dara, 4th Ireland, 235th Open Johnson and Leonard, 5th Ireland, 245th Open Philip + Mark Smith and then 6th Ireland, 260th Open Peter Lucas. A great start with all 67 pigeons being officially clocked by 17.34, leaving just 3 pigeons to make it back to the lofts. The Monday Loft Listing showed that all 70 Irish pigeons had returned to the lofts.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 3 was held on Wednesday 22nd October 2014 from 25km (16 miles) and for this race a total of 4,503 pigeons from 38 different countries were basketed and this included 236 South Africa pigeons and 4,267 International pigeons and this figure included 294 from the United Kingdom and 73 from Ireland.

The convoy were liberated at 08.40 with little to no wind and a temperature of 22c (72f). A fairly fast race was anticipated. As the day progressed the temperature would rise to around 32c (92f) and the forecast was for thunderstorms in the middle to late afternoon.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to TEAM MUEHIENSTRODT - NADOISKI from GERMANY with pigeon named NIGHT CLUB, which was officially clocked at 08.59.44.20 to record a velocity of 1408ypm (48mph),
2nd Kader and Nadia Ahmed and Yazeed from South Africa, 3rd Richard Callahan from United States Of America, 4th Jochen Huenten from Germany, 5th another for Richard Callahan from United States Of America, 6th Team Waldeck from Germany, 7th another for Kader and Nadia Ahmed and Yazeed from South Africa, 8th ProPigeon Racing Loft from United States Of America, 9th Team Florea –Dinu - Stieneker from Romania, 10th Ali Ahmed Al-Kooheji from Bahrain, 11th a third pigeon for Richard Callahan from United States Of America, 12th Hok Jos Vercammen from Belgium, 13th Vidhold and Lendel from Slovakia, 14th Michal Komacka from Slovakia, 15th Stanescu and Dobre from Romania, 16th Alina Patru from United States Of America, 17th Byron C Weaver from United States Of America, 18th Dominik Ott from Switzerland, 19th A Defaulter Pigeon and 20th Mohammad Almeleabi from Kuwait. The top twenty were separated by just 26 seconds and had 9 different countries represented in this result. A total of 4,322 pigeons were officially clocked up to 14.34. This figure meant that just 181 pigeons had failed to make it back to the lofts and I am fairly sure that a few more will work back. The loft list on Friday morning showed 4,344 pigeons had returned, leaving just 159 still to make it back to base camp.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UKITED KINGDOM, 30th OPEN went to CRAMMOND and LANGSTAFF from FONTWELL with their pigeon named FONTWELL FOXTROT ROMEO, which was officially clocked at 08.01.10.15 just 33.49 seconds away from the actual race winner. 2nd UK, 33rd Open Lucky Devil Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with a pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 3rd UK, 41st Open Mark Gilbert GB from Windsor, 4th UK, 68th Open Guys Elite Lofts with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 5th UK, 82nd Open Danny Gruzelier from Kempston, 6th UK, 131st R+P Montila from Sandy, 7th UK, 181st Open R Bartley and W Gardner from Garstang, 8th UK, 187th Open W Gray & Son from Coldstream, 9th UK, 193rd Open Premier Stud UK Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted and with pigeon bred by Premier Stud from Patringham Haven, 10th UK, 228th Open another for Danny Gruzelier from Kempston, 11th UK, 229th Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 12th UK, 231st Open Paul Bamford from Pembroke Dock, 13th UK, 238th Open Dream Team Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, this same pigeon Dream Star won 1st UK, 1st OPEN in the previous race, 14th UK, 267th Open Pet Shop Boys and Girls with pigeon bred by John Alderslade from Bridlington, 15th UK, 278th Open Zandys Dream Team, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 16th UK, 293rd Open Tadt Syndicate with pigeon bred by Tadt Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 17th UK, 296th Open Fairways Lofts with pigeon bred by Steve Burton from Pinxton, 18th UK, 319th Open Paul Smith Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 19th UK, 367th Open David Whitefield from Dorchester and 20th UK, 382nd Open Wayside Syndicate with pigeon bred by Ian & Dave Maddison from Hartlepool. A total of 278 pigeons from the United Kingdom were officially recorded up to 14.34, leaving 16 still to make it back to base camp. The loft list on Friday morning showed 280 UK pigeons in the lofts, leaving just 14 still to return to the lofts.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 164th OPEN went to PHILIP + MARK SMITH with pigeon named DOONANORE STAR, which was officially clocked at 00.01.31.29, just 1 minute 47 seconds behind the actual race winner, 2nd Ireland, 221st Open RS Homan, 3rd Ireland, 305th Open Kallmeyer and Boshotts, 4th Ireland, 424th Open Boylan and Nasher with the same pigeon that won 1st Ireland, 179th Open in the previous race, 5th Ireland, 490th Open Cill Dara and 6th Ireland, 493rd Open Sheldon Leonard and Eamon Kelly. A total of 71 Irish pigeons were officially clocked by 14.34, leaving just 2 to make it back to the lofts. The Friday loft list showed 71 Irish pigeons in the lofts, leaving just 2 to return.

The next Pre-Training Race 4 is due to take place on Saturday 25th October 2014 from 45km (28 miles)

***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/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 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.

For the first few races numerous pigeons will not trap, so do not worry if yours is clocked late. The main thing to consider over the first few races is that it or they have made it back to the lofts in Linbro Park to fight another day. With each race the pigeons will learn a bit more, giving them more experience to tackle all the tasks that they are going to have in front of them during the testing 2014/15 training and race series.

Firstly, getting the pigeons used to the new lofts and then getting the pigeons flying around the lofts took place, which of course got them used to their new surroundings and then basket training took place and then as usual numerous short training tosses took place and over the next few weeks the distance will be increasing and the race organisers will be notifying competitors/entrants of the progress of all their entries through their dedicated informative state of the art web site.

As mentioned earlier only races of 80km (approx. 50 miles) will count towards The South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$10,000 (approx. £6,666), US$5,000 (approx. £3,333) and US$2,500 (approx. £1,666) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this category after the Final Race has been completed.

NOMINATION RACES will be held on numerous TRAINING RACES, plus the HOT SPOT CAR RACES 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and of course the FINAL RACE. See SAMDPR Web Site for full details. All these races will have US$1, US$2, US£5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 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 credit then please forward funds to your Race Shipper so that this can 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.

THE CASCADE CHALLENGE was a new competition introduced four years ago and it has created a great deal of interest. It is basically a SINGLE BIRD NOMINATION and any pigeon can then be entered for just US$10 (approx. £6-66p) but the “POT OF GOLD” can only be won if one of the NOMINATED PIGEONS actually wins 1st OPEN, if not its just like the National Lottery, it just rolls over to the following week until somebody finally wins the jackpot. You do not have to enter the same pigeon every race, the choice is yours. The South African Million Dollar Web Site will give you all the information you need to enter this competition.

There is already a reasonable starting fund which was carried over from the 2014/15 race series as this money was not won on the 2014 Final Race. You can enter this competition which usually starts on TRAINING RACE 2 but please check the SAMDPR Web Site for confirmation about the official starting date, plus HOT SPOT CAR RACES 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 and of course the FINAL RACE. The rules for this competition changed slightly for the 2013/14 race series because before you were only allowed to enter ONE pigeon in your SYNDICATE but now you can enter ONE pigeon in EACH TEAM IN YOUR SYNDICATE, so for instance if you had FOUR TEAMS IN YOUR SYNDICATE, you can now enter ONE PIGEON from each, making FOUR IN TOTAL. This rule has remained the same for the 2014/15 race series. You can enter either paid or unpaid pigeons in this nomination up to the Final Race, however in the actual FINAL RACE only entered pigeons (fully paid) can be entered into this final event.
SO WHY NOT HAVE AN EXTRA BIT OF FUN AND LITTLE GAMBLE ON ALL THESE SELECTED RACES?

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONCERNED AND REGULAR “PRESS RELEASES”, “NEWSLETTERS” AND “UPDATES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO ALL COMPETITORS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATE SHAREHOLDERS ON A WEEKLY BASIS 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 THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE www.scmdpr.com FOR ALL TO VIEW.

This is the “NINETEENTH 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 as details come through from the race organisers.

It will also be my nineteenth year of organising a “TRIP OF A LIFETIME” and I am also fairly positive that once again The South African pigeon fanciers and all the staff at the 5 STAR HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, ROSEBANK, JOHANNESBURG (www.johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com) will be going out of their way to make sure everybody has a fantastic time in the fabulous hotel and as in past years I will as usual be organising an 7 day (6 nights) stay in South Africa. We will depart on Economy Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport on Tuesday 20th January 2015 and then depart on Economy Virgin Atlantic from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg on Tuesday 27th January 2014 finally arriving back at London Heathrow Airport on Wednesday 28th January 2015 at 06.50. We will spend 6 nights in the fantastic 5 star Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa to watch and be part of this fantastic race and meet lots of top fanciers from literally all over the world, whilst the same time enjoying the outstanding South African scenery, weather, food, beer and of course the superb South African hospitality. This top class hotel is situated in the modern suburb of Rosebank and offers 244 luxury rooms plus 15 luxury suites and is 25km (16 miles) from O.R. Tambo Airport and adjacent to Firs Shopping Centre and Cinemas. Included in this part of the trip will be all transfers to and from the race lofts and also the race marking and auction in Linbro Park, all the three Official Functions and meals, plus B & B basis for the duration of our stay. An estimated cost at the current time of £1,650 per person in a twin room sharing, Virgin Atlantic Economy return flights from London Heathrow Airport and O. R. Tambo Airport Johannesburg, plus transfers to and from the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This price may fluctuate depending on the current exchange rates at the time of booking. This will certainly be a trip for all to remember so if you are genuinely interested then please get in touch with me ASAP on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or by email on reglofts@aol.com because flights and accommodation will be as usual at a premium. All accommodation packages are based on a twin or double sharing basis and breakfast is included every morning in my special package deal. A single room supplement is also available for those that require it. This trip represents great value for money and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. It is also encouraging to see that two other hotels in the close vicinity have accommodation packages available during the race weekend and they are the 4 STAR CROWNE PLAZA, ROSEBANK and the 3 STAR HOLIDAY INN, ROSEBANK. Estimated prices for these two other hotels are also available and are slightly lower than the main hotel, just give me a call on 01279-812005 or 07860-568216 to get full details. A full itinerary will be published in my International Press Release and in both the “BHW” and the “RP” once full costings are known. If any fanciers/friends would like to add any extra pre or post trips in South Africa, then please let me know what you would like to do and where you would like to go to and I will then get a quote for you from African Olive Travel Concepts which are the official travel representative for the race and also the company that I deal with.

***SPECIAL NOTICE*** One point that should be pointed out to all competitors and entrants is that only your NUMBER 1 pigeons is “ACTIVATED” (FULLY PAID UP ENTRY) with the other TWO (2) pigeons in each of your “TEAM OF 3” being your RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS. Another point worth mentioning is if you happened to lose your NUMBER 1 PIGEON, your NUMBER 2 PIGEON would replace it FREE OF CHARGE and likewise if you then lost your NUMBER 2 PIGEON, your NUMBER 3 PIGEON would then replace that one FREE OF CHARGE. If you were unlucky enough to lose all your entries of 3 pigeons in any of your “TEAMS” and they had won no “Special Prize Money” in the new HOT SPOT CAR RACES 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 then you are entitled to a FREE ENTRY into the 20th SAMDPR and all you have to pay is the official shipping/export costs to your Country Shipper.

This of course represents great value for your money. All pigeons go to every training toss and Saturday and Wednesday races providing they are fit enough but can only compete for any of the allocated PRIZE MONEY or SPECIAL AWARDS in the 5 x HOT SPOT CAR RACES if they are “ACTIVATED” and that means that these must be paid for prior to the HOT SPOT CAR RACE 1, which is due to take place on SATURDAY 15th NOVEMBER 2014 from 130km (approx. 81 miles). The cost to “ACTIVATE” these “RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS” is US$1,100 (approx. £667)(THIS MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE AT THE TIME OF ACTIVATION) but that will then entitle all these fully paid up pigeons to compete and be eligible to fly for all the extra cash prizes and special awards that amounts to close to US$300,000 (approx. £200,000). 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 get this money refunded (less about US$15 (£10) for bank charges) or you can have it added to 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. The race entry fee for The 19th SAMDPR was actually increased by US$100, up to US$1,100. However, all cash refunds will be at US$1,000 per paid pigeon, which will give the race organiser US$100 per pigeon for feeding, training and quarantine costs.
HOW MANY OTHER RACES IN THE WORLD OFFER THIS SORT OF OPTION TO COMPETITORS AND ENTRANTS?

***WHAT CAN BE WON DURING THIS 2014/15 RACE SERIES*** Prizes and awards now add up to a staggering US$1.8 Million American Dollars £1.2 Million Pounds) and these include 5 x Brand New Motor Cars, 1 for each of the 5 x Car Races, 95 x US$1,100 Hot Spot Cash Prizes (it should be noted that the Motor Car Winner does not receive a US$1,100 Cash Prize), split into 19 x US$1,100 Cash Prizes for each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, a US$5,000 Car Race Hot Spot Ace Pigeon Award for the best pigeon in these 5 races, 5 x US$5,000 Country Cash Prizes on the Car Race Hot Spot 5, plus numerous other US$1,000 Cash Prizes, these prizes are for the first pigeon from each country in the result, the first five different countries take the US$5,000 prizes, then after that US$1,000 prizes. A Two Bird Average Competition and a US$2,000 Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, A Three Bird Average Competition and a US$3,000 Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Car Race Hot Spots, The South African Million Dollar Ace Pigeon Award carries US$17,500 in Prize Money, split into three cash prizes with 1st US$10,000, 2nd US$5,000 and 3rd US$2,500 Cash Prizes for the 3 pigeons with the best overall average in all the Official Training Races over 50km (31 miles) and 5 x Car Race Hot Spots and the Final Race. There will also be a Knockout Winner Competition and US$25,000 Prize Money, which starts on the Car Race Hot Spot 2 and the winner is the first one to be clocked in the “FINAL RACE” (over the past few years there has been around 40/60 pigeons still left in this competition). Then in the “FINAL RACE” on the 25th January 2014 there are also 10 magnificent gold pendants to be won worth well over US$1,000 each and now over US$1 Million American Dollars in Prize Money and 300 cash prizes being on offer.

THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL RACE & US$1,000 (approx. £645) NOMINATION will also take place on the “FINAL RACE” and the winning will be A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ SLK 555 AMG MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$85,000 (approx. £55,000). (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.

PRIZE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE 19th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR “FINAL RACE” IS NOW AS FOLLOWS:- 1st US$150,000 (approx. £93,750), 2nd US$100,000 (approx. £62,500), 3rd US$75,000 (approx. £46,875), 4th US$50,000 (approx. £31,250), 5th US$40,000 (approx. £25,000), 6th US$25,000 (£15,625), 7th US$17,500 (£10,938), 8th US$15,000 (£9,375, 9th US$12,500 (£7,813), 10th US$15,000 (approx. £10,000), 11th/15th US$7,500 each (approx. £4,688), 16th/20th US$5,000 each (approx. £3,125), 21st/30th US$4,000 each (approx. £2,500), 31st/40th US$3,500 each (approx. £2,188), 41st/50th US$3,000 each (approx. £1,875), 51st/70th US$2,000 each (£1,250), 71st/100th US$1,750 each (£1,094), 101st/150th US$1,500 each (£938), 151st/200th US$1,250 each (£782) and then 201st/300th US$1,100 each (£688). (Subject to terms and conditions of entry). The actual cash prizes stated above represent exchange rates 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.

It is worth mentioning that six brand new cars have been won by fanciers representing the United Kingdom Team in the last seven years, Richard Elliott and Chris Gordon both won new cars during the 2005/6 race series and Paul & Dave McCarthy won one a new car during the 2006/7 series. During the 2011/12 race series fanciers from the UK won a staggering 3 x brand new cars and these were 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 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 cars during the 2014/15 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.pigeoncare.nl www.starpigeons.com www.pigeonpixels.co.uk www.theloftreport.com plus of course they will also be published in the “”BRITISH HOMING WORLD” and “THE RACING PIGEON” weeklies and other world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy.

The race date for THE 20th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has already been agreed and confirmed and this will once again take place in fabulous Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday 30th January 2016. 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 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 20th SAMDPR will take about the middle of MAY 2015 and then the second one should be around the middle of JUNE 2015. Of course these two dates will be confirmed nearer the time.

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 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.

IF ANY PIGEON FANCIER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR IN FACT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE MY WEEKLY “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES”, “NEWSLETTERS” AND “UPDATES” BY EMAIL, THEN ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS EMAIL ME THEIR ACTUAL EMAIL ADDRESS I WILL PUT THEM ON MY EMAIL DATABASE AND I WILL THEN FORWARD THEM ALL THE INFORMATION BY EMAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS.

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL FANCIERS, SYNDICATES AND ENTRANTS DURING THE 2014/15 RACE SERIES.

Paul Smith.
United Kingdom Race Team Shipper & International Race Co-ordinator for The 19th South African Million Dollar (The Greatest & Biggest One Loft Pigeon Race In The World Today! and also “The Race With The Proven Track Record”),which is due to be held in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday 24th January 2015. Regency Lofts Limited, 2, Highmead, off Coltsfield, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. CM24 8LJ. England. Telephone/Facsimile:- 01279-812005 (Int. Code:- +44-1279-812005). Mobile:- 07860-568216.
Email:- reglofts@aol.com Skype Address:- talbot7944 Regency Lofts web Site Address:- www.regencylofts.com
The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race Web Site Address:- www.samdpr.com