SAMDPR Pre Training Race - 25th and 29th Oct 2014

[willie reynolds]

“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.


So with just one week to go before the start of the official Training Races for THE 19th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE (SAMDPR) the SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PIGEON ORGANISATION (SANPO) received a bombshell letter from the NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SPCAs and were told by an official letter that PIGEON RACING IN SOUTH AFRICA was in jeopardy. This is a copy of what the actual letter contained and was dated 13th October 2014. ‘The President: SANPO. Dear Mr. Gillmer, Re: NATIONAL LIST OF INVASIVE BIRD SPECIES. The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs published in Government Gazette number 38886 a list of Aliens and Invasive species in terms of National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act No.10 of 2004 (later referred to as the Act). Columba livia, the pigeon species used in races is listed under category 3 of the mentioned list. It is therefore a prohibited activity as defined in the aforementioned Act to: 1. Import into the Republic, including introducing from the sea, any specimen of a listed invasive species; 2. Grow, breed or in any other way propagate any specimen of a listed invasive species, or causing to multiply; 3. Convey, move or otherwise translocate any specimen of a listed invasive species; 4. Sell or otherwise trade in, buy, give, donate or accept as a gift, or in any way acquire or dispose of any specimen of a listed invasive species. It is also a prohibited activity as defined in Regulation 6 to:- 1. Spread or allow spreading of any specimen of a listed invasive species; 2. Release any specimen of a listed species. Considering the points above, we would like to bring it to SANPO and its members’ attention that any activities in contravention of the Act will be reported to the mentioned Department. Your cooperation in this regards is highly appreciated. Kind regards Tshepo Sebake. National Council of SPCAs. Manager: Special Projects Unit.

However, after quite a few stressful days for all concerned this General Notice was issued on the 24th October 2014 on THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE Web Site. Department of Environmental Affairs and Pigeon Racing in South Africa. ‘Over the last week South Africa was rocked by the news that the Department of Environmental Affairs had included Feral Pigeons and Rock Doves on the latest listing of invasive and alien species. The SAMDPR together with SANPO and other interested parties worked hard over the last week to get clarity on the effect of this new listing on pigeon racing in South Africa, contacting the Department Of Environmental Affairs and various legal professionals to get an opinion and to find out exactly what the implications were. On 23rd October 2014 the NSPCA released a press release which was picked up by the media claiming that all activities involved in pigeon racing, including trade, breeding and transport, were now illegal. This caused a massive outcry from the pigeon fraternity both locally and internationally. Late yester afternoon the Department of Environmental Affairs issued the following press release, exempting pigeons and pigeon racing from this law. The press release is available on their web site. This is what is says:- Feral Pigeon invasive Species. 23rd October 2014. The Department of Environmental Affairs has had representation regarding the listing of the feral pigeon as a Category 3 invasive species, in terms of the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, 2014, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act 10 of 2004). The feral pigeon is an invasive and its inclusion on the list of invasive species is deemed appropriate by the department. The pigeon which is commonly used in pigeon racing is the same listed species. The department has engaged with specialists, and have reached an agreement that the activities of the pigeon racing fraternity will have no significant impact on the invasion by the feral pigeon. The numbers are reasonably low in relation to the existing invasions, that it is possible to provide exemption for the racing pigeon activities. These will be discussed with the relevant associations. The department has also engaged with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), who have raised concerns about the possible cruelty relating to pigeon racing. The Regulations will not be enforced against pigeon racing and associated activities, until the Regulations are amended, following engagements with the industry associations.’

This news has been welcomed by all and the SAMDPR together with SANPO will work with the Department of Environmental Affairs to ensure the future of pigeon racing in South Africa.

So after this scare THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE will once again move forward on its 2014/15 race series.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 4 took place on Saturday 25th October 2014 from 42km (26 miles) and a total of 4,344 pigeons were basketed from 38 different countries, this total included 234 South African pigeons and 4,110 international pigeons and this figure included 280 from the United Kingdom and 71 from Ireland.

The convoy were liberated at 07.55 in fine and clear conditions, with a light tail wind and a temperature of 21c (70f) and a steady race was anticipated by the loft staff. As the day progressed the temperature would rise to about 30c (88f) with early afternoon thunderstorms from 14.00 onwards.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN went to SG JAMMER u REINHARD from GERMANY with their pigeon named LOST which was officially clocked at 08.35.15.70 to record a winning velocity of 1144ypm (39mph), 2nd Team Jauhal from United States Of America, 3rd Atlantis Loft from United States Of America, 4th Daniel van Ceulebroeck from Germany, 5th Ashan Khan from United States Of America, 6th Karel Klemens from Czech Republic, 7th Zaben Alazmi from Kuwait, 8th Nasser Awad from Kuwait, 9th Khaled Saud Al-Maea from Kuwait,
10th Hermann Niesing from Germany, 11th Mcjzesteam from Slovakia, 12th S Bannister and LJ Leech from United Kingdom, 13th Albarosa from United States Of America, 14th Vladimir Srebotnjak from Slovenia, 15th Las Vladimir + Juraj from Slovakia, 16th A Defaulter Pigeon, 17th Talal Hussain Ali from Bahrain, 18th Peter + Milan Wynants from Belgium, 19th Greek Connection Lofts from United States Of America and 20th Mohammad Almeleabi from Kuwait. The top 20 pigeons were separated by just 21.60 seconds and had 9 different countries represented in this result. A total of 4,053 pigeons were officially recorded by 17.42, leaving 291 pigeons still to return to the lofts. The Monday Loft Listing showed 4,068 pigeons in the lofts, leaving 276 pigeons still to make it back to the lofts.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 12th OPEN went to S BANNISTER and LJ LEECH with their pigeon named RAFAEL bred by STEPHEN BANNISTER from FEATHERSTONE which was officially clocked at 08.35.28.80, just 13.10 seconds behind the race winner, 2nd UK, 34th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 3rd UK, 35th Open Paul Smith Syndicate administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 4th UK, 52nd Open a second for Lucky Devils Syndicate and with another pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 5th UK, 56th Open Alan Richardson from Whitby, 6th UK, 92nd Open a third for Lucky Devils Syndicate again bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 7th UK, 107th Open Kingsmead School and bred by the pupils at the School with Richards Chambers at the helm, well done to all concerned, 8th UK, 120th Open R Bartley and W Gardner from Garstang, 9th UK, 137th Open Carlos Dream Syndicate administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with a fourth pigeon bed by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 10th UK, 141st Open a fourth for Lucky Devils Syndicate with a fifth pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 11th UK, 164th Open a second for Paul Smith Syndicate with another pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon, 12th UK, 180th Open Crammond and Langstaff from Fontwell, 13th UK, 190th Open Pieter Oberholster from Keysoe, 14th UK, 196th Open Qwestair Loft with pigeon bred by Ian Freeman from Trowbridge, 15th UK, 223rd Open JEM with pigeon bred by S. Knowles and entered by WJ Bradbury from Glazebury, 16th UK, 256th Open Ian Stafford from Saltburn, 17th UK, 257th Open a second for Crammond and Langstaff from Fontwell, 18th UK, 282nd Open Durkan Brothers from Ripon, 19th UK, 302nd Open Zandys Dream Team administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Terry Robinson from Goffs Oak and 20th UK, 304th Open Ticket Collectors from the North East. A total of 259 UK pigeons were officially recorded by 17.42, leaving 21 still to make it back to the lofts. The Monday Loft Listings still showed only 259 UK pigeons in the lofts, which meant that 21 were lost in this training race.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 37th OPEN went to BOYLAN and NASHER with their pigeon named ANNETTE N which was officially recorded at08.35.46.60, just 30.90 seconds after the race winner. This pigeon has started off in a blaze of glory winning 1st Ireland, 179th Open Pre-Training Race 2 and 4th Ireland, 424th Open in Pre-Training Race 3. 2nd Ireland, 155th Open Padraig and Caoimhe, 3rd Ireland, 156th Open RS Homan,
4th Ireland, 172nd Open Philip + Mark Smith, 5th Ireland, 187th Open Peter Lucas and 6th Ireland, 204th Open Kallmeyer and Boshoffs. A total of 64 Irish pigeons were officially recorded by 17.42, leaving 7 still to make it back to the lofts. The Monday Loft Listings still showed only 64 Irish pigeons in the lofts, which meant that 7 were lost in this training race.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 5 took place on Wednesday 29th October 2014 from 48km (30 miles) and a total of 4,083 pigeons were basketed from 38 different countries, this total included 224 pigeons from South Africa and 3,859 international pigeons and this figure included 261 from the United Kingdom and 65 from Ireland.

The convoy were liberated at 08.10, fine and clear conditions, light head wind with a temperature of 19c (66f) rising to around 30c (88f) as the day progressed. A good steady race was anticipated by the loft staff.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN went to HELLE OG JENS PEDERSEN from DENMARK with pigeon named ELIAS P which was officially clocked to record 1354ypm (46mph), 2nd Wilhelm Stoll from Germany, 3rd CL Cage from United States Of America, 4th Khaled Daud Al-Maea from Kuwait, 5th Wolfram Coesfeld from Germany,
6th Ruediger Schoenau from Germany, 7th Henrik Meldgaard from Denmark, 8th A Defaulter Pigeon, 9th Fahad Alzafiri from Kuwait, 10th R+M Klement from Germany, 11th Volentier and Sulovsky from Slovakia, 12th Lothar Krueger from Germany, 13th A Defaulter Pigeon, 14th Ganus Family Loft from United States Of America, 15th Hans-Paul Esser from Germany, 16th Gerhard Schulze from Germany, 17th Bakker en Zoon from Netherlands, 18th another for Ganus Family Loft from United States Of America, 19th Gruessinger – Koffler from Germany and 20th Abdulah Al Sahoo from Kuwait. The top 20 pigeons were separated by just 12.55 seconds and had 6 different countries represented on this result. A total of 3,966 pigeons were officially clocked by 18.04, leaving 117 pigeons still to make it back to the lofts.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 36th OPEN went to TRAINSPOTTERS from the NORTH EAST with their pigeon named BRIGHTON BELLE bred by K WAGSTAFF which was officially clocked at 08.49.08.17 just 23.00 seconds after the actual race winner, 2nd UK, 51st Open Susan Bennett from Darlington with pigeon bred by Bainbridge and Sons, 3rd UK, 71st Open Planet Brothers with pigeon bred by Gary & John Squibb from Noak Hill, 4th UK, 73rd Open Danny Gruzelier from Kempston, 5th UK, 91st Open Premier Stud UK Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Premier Stud from Patringham Haven, 6th UK, 95th Open Pet Shop Boys and Girls with pigeon bred by John Alderslade from Bridlington, 7th UK, 98th Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 8th UK, 102nd Open R Bartley and W Gardner from Garstang, 9th UK, 110th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 10th UK, 119th Open another for Guys Lofts with another pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 11th UK, 140th Open Keith + Graham Jones from Aylesbury, 12th UK, 143rd Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate and again bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 13th UK, 180th Open New Forest Syndicate with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs Derek Boyes from Southampton, 14th UK, 189th Open Team Lincs, entered by Paul Stacey from Sleaford and with pigeon bred by Simon Snook, 15th UK, 219th Open a third pigeon for Lucky Devils Syndicate and once again bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 16th UK, 237th Open Ian Stafford from Saltburn, 17th UK, 239th Open JS Leech and S Bannister with pigeon bred by JS Leech from Featherstone, 18th UK, 246th Open Zandys Dream Team administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with yet another pigeon bred by Bob Fenech from Attleborough, 19th UK, 250th Open Speedbirds Aylesbury entered by Peter Entwistle from Aylesbury
and 20th UK, 256th Open another for R Bartley and W Gardner from Garstang. A total of 252 UK pigeons were officially clocked by 18.03, leaving just 9 pigeons still to make it back to the lofts.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 27th OPEN went to SHELDON LEONARD and EAMON KELLY with their pigeon named VERMILLION which was officially clocked at 08.49.02.36, just 17.19 seconds away from the actual race winner, 2nd Ireland, 94th Open RS Homan, 3rd Ireland, 124th Open Boylan and Nasher with their excellent pigeon named Annette N, that has started off with four good performances in the first four races, 4th Ireland, 230th Open Gerry Daly, 5th Ireland, 467th Open Philip + Mark Smith and 6th Ireland, 495th Open Padraig and Caoimhe. A total of 62 Irish pigeons were officially clocked by 18.03, leaving just 3 pigeons still to make it back tom the lofts.

The remaining race programme is as follows:- 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.

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.

***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.

As mentioned earlier only races of 50km (approx. 31 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, it is 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 MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$80,000 (approx. £50,000). (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 5 Star Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rosebank, 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