19th SAMDPR - Car Race 2 & Training Race 8

[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.

RESULTS FOR HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2
& TRAINING RACE 8.

HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 took place on Saturday 29th November 2014 from 134km (83 miles) and a total of 3,067 pigeons were basketed from 35 different countries, this total included 196 South African pigeons and 2,871 international pigeons and this figure included 190 from the United Kingdom and 47 from Ireland. The full list of entries were as follows:- Australia 101, Austria 37, Bahrain 15, Belgium 175, Bulgaria 11, Canada 40, Czech Republic 63, Denmark 29, France 3, Germany 674, Hungary 4, Iraq 13, Ireland 47, Italy 5, Kuwait 275, Malta 3, Moldova 1, Netherlands 210, Norway 17, Poland 74, Portugal 1, Puerto Rico 1,Qatar 15, Romania 67, Saudi Arabia 32, Slovakia 57, Slovenia 17, South Africa 196, Sweden 9, Switzerland 12, Turkey 2, United Arab Emirates 3, United Kingdom 190 and United States Of America 624. A total of 3,030 pigeons from 35 different countries and 37 Defaulter Pigeons which are still to be paid for, these are not listed on the results so that the owners that sent them out to the race can’t follow them to see how they are doing. On the results they just show as a Defaulter Pigeon (no information will be displayed or country flag will be shown on the race result).

The convoy were liberated at 06.30 in fine and clear conditions, with a light head wind and a temperature of 15c (58f) and a fairly fast race was anticipated by the loft staff. As the day progressed the weather would remain sunny and the temperature would rise to about 25c (78f) mid-afternoon with intermittent thunderstorms, clearing as darkness approached.

LIVESTEAM was up and running and as I was at the Telford Show I woke early and logged on at about 06.00 (GMT) or 08.00 South African time as I thought the first pigeons would arrive about 08.15. The weather was perfect with a lovely blue shy with fluffy clouds and quite a strong wind blowing. I only had to wait a few minutes because as 08.11 the first gang of about 25 pigeons appeared bang on line and hit the top, 2 went on loft 1 and the others on loft 2 the one closest to the big warehouse on the next property, as it happens this week the two on loft 1 went in first and won the first two open positions, the others started to move towards the trapping area and then another gang of about 25 came bang on line and hit the top of loft 2, followed by another gang of about 30 pigeons approached bang on line, then another gang of about 30 pigeons came through the skies bang on line and hit the top of the lofts. So within a few minutes there was probably around 110 plus pigeons home and as usual the quicker trappers take the spoils. I would just like to say that the trapping this year has greatly improved and it was great to see them not sitting about as much as they did last year. I watched the pigeons approach the lofts for about 25 minutes and it should be mentioned that they must have a wonderful racing line by now because you could virtually draw a line through the sky as most of the gangs approached the two lofts. Well done to the loft staff for making sure the pigeons do not sit out like they have done in the past. Of course there will always be the exception and a few will always be troublesome. It really is fantastic to sit nearly 6,000 miles away and watch everything happen live in South Africa. Once again modern technology at its best.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN went to NEMILKA – McCORMICK – FULL TURN from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with their pigeon named JOLO bred by JOE DAN PARSONS which was officially clocked at 08.11.26.81 to record a winning velocity of 1432ypm (49mph), 2nd Zaben Alazmi from Kuwait, 3rd Steve Sterchi from United States Of America, 4th David Demko from United States Of America, 5th Team Godau from Germany,
6th Hardy Krueger from Germany, 7th Satam Al-Zufairi from Kuwait, 8th Fayez Q8 from Kuwait (Not Activated), 9th Ganus Family Loft from United States Of America, 10th Shiek Abdulla Ali Ahmed Al-Thani from Qatar (Not Activated), 11th Leo Heremans from Belgium, 12th Al-Abraq Loft from Kuwait, 13th Jay Taylor from United States Of America (Not Activated), 14th Jim Ward – Bill Hylek from United States Of America, 15th ProPigeon Racing Loft from United States Of America, 16th Stanescu and Dobre from Romania, 17th Fondclub Antwerpen from Belgium, 18th Bakker en Zoon from Netherlands, 19th South Light Syndicate from Iraq and 20th APC Loft from United States Of America. The 21st Open was taken by Pohl – Faber from Germany but this pigeon was also Not Activated. The top 20 pigeons were separated by just 1 minute 00.91 seconds and had 8 different countries represented in this result. A total of 2,953 pigeons (96.28%) were officially recorded by 18.41, leaving 114 pigeons still to return to the lofts. The Monday Loft Listing showed 3,007 pigeons (98.04%) in the lofts, leaving 60 pigeons (1.96%) still to make it back to the lofts.

HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 US$1,100 (£700) 19 CASH WINNERS went to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th OPEN which are all mentioned above. Once again three fanciers from Kuwait, Qatar and United States Of America all missing out on winning a major cash prize because their pigeons were NOT ACTIVATED. Then the 21st Open winner from Germany was also NOT ACTIVATED so was not elibible to win the cash prize. However three other lucky fanciers walked away with these 3 x US$1,100 (£700) cash prizes and they were 22nd Guenter Goetz from Germany, 23rd Stanescu and Dobre and then 24th Alina Patru from United States Of America. Surely if the pigeons were good enough to enter to start with, then they must be worth ACTIVATING to fly for any allocated prize money? After just two Hot Spot Car Races a total of 8 pigeons have now missed out on winning a major cash prize of US$1,100 (£700). WELL DONE TO ALL CONCERNED.

THE BRAND NEW MOTOR CAR WINNER in HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 is NEMELKA – McCORMICK – FULL TURN from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with their pigeon named JOLO which was bred by JOE DAN PARSONS (LOWE LOFTS). The sire of this pigeon is bred from DAVE CLAUSING’ S WORLD FAMOUS “410” MAYBE THE BEST SCMDPR BREEDER EVER? when paired to NEVER SAY DIE winner of 1st OPEN 2003 SUN CITY MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE for DAVE CLAUSING. The dam side was bred by LION GATE LOFTS from AMOS x LADY OF THE NIGHT both great racers, also the same bloodlines that produced 7 pigeons that have been placed in the top 100 of SCMDPR and SAMDPR FINAL RACE. Classic breeding at its best. WELL DONE GUYS ON THIS GREAT PERFORMANCE.

TWO BIRD AVERAGE WINNER and US$2,000 (£1,400) in HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 was JAN HOOYMANS – HU ZHEN YU (TEAM 7) from NETHERLANDS with two pigeons named DAUGHTER and BANTAM which took 27th and 58th OPEN both being bred by JAN HOOYMANS. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 7th OPEN went to LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE (TEAM 4), administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with two pigeons named LUCKY COUNTESS and LUCKY CHANCE which took 84th and 126th OPEN and both were bred by FENECH BROTHERS from ATTLEBOROUGH. 1st IRELAND, 16th OPEN went to DYLAN and DANIEL BOYLAN (TEAM 2) with their two pigeons named SADIRSE and PHILO which took 44th and 497th OPEN.

THREE BIRD AVERAGE WINNER and US$3,000 (£2,100) in HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 was WALSH – PETERSON (TEAM1) from UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with their three pigeons named PENNY, SUGAR and DOLLARS which took 60th, 212th and 809th OPEN and all being bred by PAUL WALSH. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 5th OPEN went to LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE (TEAM 4), administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with their three pigeons named LUCKY COUNTESS, LUCKY CHANCE and LUCKY LAD which took 84th, 126th and 1456th OPEN and all being bred by FENECH BROTHERS from ATTLEBOROUGH. There were no IRISH teams in this result.

HOT SPOT AVERAGES after two HOT SPOT RACES stands as follows:- 1st UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1st OPEN goes to PROPIGEON RACING LOFT with pigeon named SALVADOR bred by JOEL ALVAREZ that won 18th OPEN in HSCR 1 and now 15th OPEN in HSCR 2 and with a combined flying time of 03.04.21.64 moving up 14 places from CRHS1. Taking 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 20th OPEN is LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named LUCKY COUNTESS that won 143rd Open in HSCR1 and now 84th Open in HSCR2 bred by FENECH BROTHERS from ATTLEBOROUGH with a combined flying time of 03.08.04.60 moving up 90 places from HSCR1. Taking 1st IRELAND, 74th OPEN is LIGHTNING LOFTS B entered by TRISTAIN McLOUGHLIN and with pigeon named LIGHTNING GLORY bred by GERRY McCOURT that won 374th Open in HSCR1 and now 166th Open in HSCR2 and with a combined flying time of 03.10.36.95 moving up 216 places from HSCR1.

THE KNOCKOUT COMPETITION is now under way and offers a US$25,000 (£16,000) 1st PRIZE in the FINAL RACE and this cash prize will be won by the first of the pigeons left in this competition that is clocked in the last race of the 2014/15 race series. This competition will be run over rounds and will run as follows and will take place over the last four Hot Spot Car Races and the Final Race. Only pigeons entered and basketed for the 1st Hot Spot Car Race will be eligible to compete. Should any Hot Spot Car Race be cancelled then one of the Training Races prior to the Final Race will be selected and used to calculate the next round’s pigeons. Knocked out pigeons will still compete in all other competitions. A grand total of 2,464 pigeons from 37 different countries were officially entered and this total was made up by 2,348 international pigeons, which included 175 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 36 pigeons from Ireland, plus 116 pigeons from South Africa. KNOCKOUT ROUND 1 will take place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 and the first 65% (1,602) of the entered pigeons returning from this race will move forward into the next round. There were a total of 107 United Kingdom pigeons and 24 Irish pigeons that moved forward into the next round. KNOCKOUT ROUND 2 will take place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 3 and the first 55% (881) of the entered pigeons returning from this race will move forward into the next round. KNOCKOUT ROUND 3 will take place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 4 and the first 35% (280) of the entered pigeons returning from this race will move forward into the next round. KNOCKOUT ROUND 4 will take place on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 5 and the first 20% (56) of the entered pigeons returning from this race will then move forward into THE FINAL RACE on Saturday 24th January 2015 and the first one of these remaining 56 pigeons clocked in the race will walk away with US$25,000 (£16,000) “THE POT OF GOLD”. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYBODY THAT HAS PIGEONS ENTERED IN THIS SUPER COMPETITION.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 46th OPEN went to PIETER OBERHOLSTER from KEYSOE with pigeon named OBI-SISSI which was officially clocked at 08.14.16.26, just 2 minutes 49.45 seconds behind the actual race winner, 2nd UK, 56th Open Carlos Dream Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Fenech Brothers from Attleborough, 3rd UK, 76th Open Team Lincs with pigeon bred by Mr & Mrs Paul Stacey from Sleaford, 4th UK, 84th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon that has already scored 365th, 12th, 375th, 143rd, 50th, 29th and now 84th Open in this current race series and was bred by Fenech Brothers from Attleborough, 5th UK, 113th Open Signalmen from the North East with pigeon bred by P. Turner, 6th UK, 110th Open Keith & Graham Jones from Aylesbury, 7th UK, 126th Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Fenech Brothers from Attleborough, 8th UK, 159th Open P+S Shaw, 9th UK, 162nd Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 10th UK, 185th Open Cooney Gang Syndicate with pigeon bred by Mike Cooney from Manchester, 11th UK, 202nd Open Gorse Syndicate with pigeon bred by RP Tweats, 12th UK, 235th Open another for Pieter Oberholster from Keysoe, 13th UK, 267th Open Les and D Wellburn from Acklam, 14th UK, 293rd Open Guys Lofts Elite with another pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 15th UK, 301st Open Premier Stud UK Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with a pigeon bred by Premier Stud from Patringham Haven, 16th UK, 333rd Open Paul Bamford from Pembroke Dock, 17th UK, 358th Open Mark Gilbert rom Windsor, 18th UK, 367th Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate and with a fourth pigeon bred by Fenech Brothers from Attleborough, 19th UK, 393rd Open Susan Bennett from Darlington with pigeon bred by Bainbridge and Sons and 20th UK, 427th Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate Syndicate with a fifth pigeon bred by Fenech Brothers from Attleborough. A total of 180 UK pigeons (95%) were officially recorded by 18.41, leaving 10 pigeons still to make it back to the lofts. The Monday Loft Listings still showed 183 UK pigeons (96.34%) in the lofts, which meant that 7 UK pigeons (3.68%) were lost in this race.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 44th OPEN went to DYLAN and DANIEL BOYLAN with their pigeon named SADIRSE which was official clocked at 08.14.05.51, 2 minutes 38.70 seconds behind the actual race winner, 2nd Ireland, 166th Open Lightning Lofts B, entered by Tristain McLoughlin and with pigeon bred Gerry McCourt, 3rd Ireland, 168th Open Maurice O’Donnell, 4th Ireland, 413th Open Moran and Bowden, 5th Ireland, 443rd Open Peter Lucas and 6th Ireland, 497th Open another for Dylan and Daniel Boylan. A total of 46 Irish pigeons (98%) were officially recorded by 18.41, leaving just 1 pigeons (2%) still to make it back to the lofts. The Monday Loft Listings showed 47 Irish pigeons (100%) in the lofts.

GLOBAL NOMINATIONS on this HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 and there were a total of 351 pigeons entered which included 21 from the UNITED KINGDOM and 3 from IRELAND with a total of 1153 nominations were placed with a total of US$9,399.30c (£5,987) up for grabs. Well done to the LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with good pigeon named LUCKY COUNTESS bred by FENECH BROTHERS from ATTLEBOROUGH which won 84th OPEN and won US$1,742.50c (£1,110), this pigeon has now won US$4,213.45c (£2,684) in nominations so far in this race series. Then we had SIGNALMEN from the NORTH EAST with pigeon named WENDY bred by P. TURNER which took 88th OPEN and won US$306 (£195) for its efforts. WELL DONE TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.

REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for the UNITED KINGDOM on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 had 7 pigeons entered and there were 22 nominations and there was just one winner and that was LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with pigeon named LUCKY COUNTESS that took 84th OPEN and was bred by FENECH BROTHERS from ATTLEBOROUGH that won US$119 (£76) for its efforts.

REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for the IRISH TEAM on HOT SPOT CAR RACE 2 had just 2 pigeons entered and 6 nominations and LIGHTNING LOFTS B entered by TRISTAN McLOUGHLIN won US$13.60c (£9) with pigeon named LIGHTNING COBY which was bred by GERRY McCOURT which took 166th Open.

The OVERALL AVERAGES after 9 official races in the 2014/15 race series stand as follows:- 1st ITALY, 1st OPEN CHRISTIANO PALTRINIERI from ITALY with pigeon named DAISUKE JIGEN, total flying time of 09.54.56.83, this consistent pigeon has so far won 73rd, 215th, 79th, 25th, 40th, 159th, 223rd, 1024th and now 845th OPEN in the 9 races that count, holding on to 1st from the last race. Taking 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 6th OPEN GUYS LOFTS and with pigeon named WENDYS LITTLE GEM bred by GRAHAM GUY from WOLVERHAMPTON, total flying time of 07.08.33.89, this pigeon has won 169th, 969th, 222nd, 128th, 1164th, 427th, 184th, 993rd and now 162nd OPEN in the 9 races that count, moving up 3 places from 9th from the last race. Taking 1st IRELAND, 257th OPEN PHILIP + MARK SMITH with pigeon named PHILS CHOICE, total flying time of 10.32.27.37, this pigeon has won 1187th, 304th, 737th, 912th, 1055th, 2070th, 1211th, 1959th and now 771st OPEN in the 9 races that count, moving up 43 places from 300th in the last race.

TRAINING RACE 8 took place on Wednesday 3rd December 2014 from 74km (46 miles) and 3,022 pigeons from 35 countries took part and this total included 2,831 international pigeons which included 185 from the United Kingdom and 48 from Ireland, plus 191 pigeons from South Africa.

The convoy were finally liberated at 08.00 in fine and clear conditions, light tail wind with a temperature of 15c (58f) rising to around 29c (86f) mid-afternoon and sunny and warm right through to darkness. A reasonably fast race was anticipated by the loft staff.

LIVESTREAM was available to watch and I logged on at 06.45 GMT (08.45 SA) to watch the pigeons arrive and I did not have to wait long before the first batch of about 25 pigeons arrived bang on line at 08.43 and landed on loft 2 the one nearest the big warehouse in the next property and trapped reasonably well. Looking at the big tree next to the house you could see that the wind was blowing quite strongly and the first gang were as usual followed by numerous other big gangs in the next few minutes, all of a sudden there were hundreds on the lofts and as usual the first ones through the traps were the winners. It really is fantastic to sit at home nearly 6,000 miles away and watch the pigeons arrive. If you have not yet watched LIVESTREAM yet just log on for the next race and watch the pigeons arrive, it really is great fun.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN went to TEAM GERMANY – ZG HELIOS from GERMANY with pigeon aptly named GO FOR GOLD which was officially clocked at 08.53.52.48 to record 1500ypm (49mph), 2nd Richard Callahan from United States Of America, 3rd Nanez Family Syndicate from United States Of America, 4th Team Yu Tao – Gehrken friom Germany, 5th Mohammed Marzouq Al-Alwan from Kuwait, 6th Ahsan Khan from United States Of America, 7th Ahmed Mohammad Al-Jawasri from Kuwait, 8th Si Se Puede Farm from United States Of America, 9th Defaulter Pigeon, 10th Chris Rounds from United States Of America, 11th Lloyd and Kelly from United Kingdom, 12th Mohammad Almeleabi from Kuwait, 13th Defaulter Pigeon, 14th Saad Al Abhoul from Kuwait, 15th Crazy-Al + Carlton Kroese from United States Of America, 16th Do and Judy Hart from United States Of America, 17th Carlos Dream Syndicate from United Kingdom, 18th Ghiacci Family Loft from Italy, 19th Hutchins and Stone Syndicate from United States Of America and 20th Fahad Alzafiri from Kuwait. The top 20 pigeons were separated by just 35.15 seconds and had 5 different countries represented on this result. A total of 2,950 pigeons were officially clocked by 17.41 leaving 72 pigeons still to make it back to the lofts.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 11th OPEN went to LLOYD and KELLY from ABINGDON with their pigeon named STEVENTON which was officially clocked at 08.54.12.32 just 19.84 seconds after the actual race winner, 2nd UK, 17th Open Carlos Dream Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Fenech Brothers from Attleborough, 3rd UK, 31st Open Guys Lofts Elite with pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 4th UK, 34th Open Susan Bennett from Darlington with pigeon bred by Bainbridge and Sons, 5th UK, 44th Open Les and Derick Wellburn from Acklam, 6th UK, 45th Open Lucky Devils Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Fenech Brothers from Attleborough, this pigeon is flying exceptionally well and has so far scored 365th, 2325th, 12th, 856th, 375th, 143rd, 50th, 29th, 84th and 45th Open in the 10 races so far in this race series, 7th UK, 101st Open Ian Crammond and Nigel Langstaff from Fontwell, this pigeon has already scored quite a few times in this race series, 8th UK, 105th Open another for Guys Lofts Elite with a second pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton, 9th UK, 109th Open Stephen Bannister and Joe Leech & Son with pigeon bred by Stephen Bannister from Featherstone, 10th UK, 129th Open Seedee Pets with pigeon bred by Dick Cheshire from Sudbury, 11th UK, 153rd Open Mr & Mrs Brian & Mavis Clayburn from Ackworth, 12th UK, 170th Open Amblers of Oxenhope with pigeon bred by Ken Ambler from Oxenhope, 13th UK, 178th Open Joe Leech & Son and Stephen Bannister with pigeon bred by Joe Leech & Son from Featherstone, 14th UK, 183rd Open Pigeon Corporation with pigeon bred by Leon Viljeon, 15th UK, 185th Open another for Lucky Devils Syndicate, with a third pigeon bred by Fenech Brothers from Attleborough, 16th UK, 198th Open another for Joe Leech & Son and Stephen Bannister with a second pigeon bred by Joe Leech & Son from Featherstone, 17th UK, 246th Open Cooney Gang Syndicate with pigeon bred by Mike Cooney from Manchester, 18th UK, 250th Open Guy Barrett OBE from Horsforth, 19th UK, 297th Open Paul Smith Syndicate, administered by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet and with pigeon bred by Jimmy Richards from Laindon
and 20th UK, 298th Open Guys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Graham Guy from Wolverhampton. A total of 179 UK pigeons were officially clocked by 17.41 leaving 6 UK pigeons still to make it back to the lofts.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 79th OPEN went to DYLAN and DANIEL BOYLAN with their pigeon named LISA MARIE which was officially clocked at 08.54.58.98, just 1 minute 06.50 seconds away from the actual race winner, 2nd Ireland, 132nd Open Lightning Lofts B entered by Tristain McLouglin and with pigeon bred by Gerry McCourt, 3rd Ireland, 149th Open Moran and Bowden, 4th Ireland, 332nd Open Safet Duran, 5th Ireland, 342nd Open Sheldon Leonard and Eamon Kelly and 6th Ireland, 372nd Open Philip + Mark Smith. A total of 46 Irish pigeons were officially clocked by 17.41 leaving just 1 Irish pigeons to make it back to the lofts.

GLOBAL NOMINATIONS on this TRAINING RACE 8 amounted to US$3,211.30c (£2,098) and a total of 221 pigeons including 26 from the United Kingdom and 3 from Ireland and with 593 nominations were placed. There were three UNITED KINGDOM winners and they were as follows:- GUYS LOFTS ELITE with pigeon named GRAHAMS GEM bred by GRAHAM GUY from WOLVERHAMPTON that took 31st OPEN and won US$17.00 (£11). 31st OPEN and won LES & DERICK WELLBURN from ACKLAM with their pigeon named SOPHIES DREAM 1 that took 44th OPEN and won US$875.50c (£572). Then LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named LUCKY COUNTESS bred by FENECH BROTHERS from ATTLEBOROUGH which took 45th OPEN and won US$816.00c (£534). This consistent pigeon has now won a total of US$5,174.45c (£3,382) in nominations so far in this race series. WELL DONE TO ALL THESE WINNERS.

REGIONAL NOMINATIONS in the UNITED KINGDOM had a total of US$145.35c (£95) to fly for with and 6 pigeons were entered and a total of 25 nominations were placed. The winner was LUCKY DEVILS SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET and with consistent pigeon named LUCKY COUNTESS which took 45th OPEN and was bred by FENECH BROTHERS from ATTLEBOROUGH, which won US$145.35c (£95). WELL DONE TO THE WINNER.

THE OVERALL AVERAGES after 10 official races in the 2014/15 race series stands as follows:- 1st ITALY, 1st OPEN CHRISTIANO PALTRINIERE with pigeon named DAISUKE JIGEN total flying time of 10.49.50.21 which has taken 73rd, 215th, 79th, 25th, 40th, 159th, 223rd, 1024th, 845th and now 57th OPEN in the 10 races that count, no movement in overall position and remains the same and unchanged from the last last race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 7th OPEN GUYS LOFTS with pigeon named WENDYS LITTLE GEM bred by GRAHAM GUY from WOLVERHAMPTON with a total flying time of 10.56.18.40 which has taken 169th, 969th, 222nd, 128th, 1164th, 427th, 184th, 993rd, 162nd, 298th OPEN in the 10 races that count, moving down 1 positions from 6th in the last race. 1st IRELAND, 361st OPEN PHILIP + MARK SMITH with their pigeon named PHILS CHOICE total flying time 11.41.01.82 which has taken 1187th, 304th, 737th, 912th, 1055th, 2070th, 1211th, 1659th, 771st and now 2132nd OPEN in the 10 races that count, moving down 104 places from 257th in the last race.

The remaining race programme is now as follows:- 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.

***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 do like to give all the fanciers, entrants and breeders all the credit they and their pigeons deserve when they manage to get in the results so your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

It should be 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. Also US$200 GLOBAL NOMINATIONS will be available on all 5 HOT SPOT CAR RACES. 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.

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.

***ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION & FLIGHTS*** 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 2015 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 also 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. £700)(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 Linbro Park, Sandton, 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 do try to get as much information 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 for this 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 Press Releases.

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

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL PIGEON 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