1st International Press Release Part 2 - Race 01/02/20

[willie reynolds]

International Press Release 1 - Part 2 on this report

***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** I am sorry that I can’t add all the information about who bred all the pigeons or where they live because I do not have access to all this information so I can only publish details which I am in possession of at the time. If there are no details besides your winning pigeon/s then please contact me on reglofts@aol.com with your details and I will include these in my later International Press Reports. I personally do my best to give all the fanciers, entrants and breeders all the credit they and their pigeons deserve when they manage to get in the results so your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
For the first few races numerous pigeons of course will not trap, so do not worry if yours is clocked late. The main thing to consider over the first few shorter races is that all the pigeons will not trap quickly but if they have made it back to the race loft on Heron Banks Golf & River Estate they are there 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 2019/20 training and race series.
All Training Races, Hot Spot Races and The Final Race will now count towards The 24th South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$25,500 (approx. £21,250), US$15,000 (approx. £12,500) and US$10,000 (approx. £8,333) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this category after The Final Race has been completed. This actually is a massive increase on the pay out over previous SAMDP Races.
NOMINATION RACES will be held and officially start on TRAINING RACE 1, plus the HOT SPOT 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and of course the FINAL RACE. See the SAMDPR Website for full details. All these races will have US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 COUNTRY/REGIONAL and US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 GLOBAL NOMINATIONS which can be placed on THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR Web Site. If you wish to enter any of these NOMINATIONS, you will have to have credit in your ASI Master Account. If you do not have any credit in your own personal Air Sport Account then please forward funds to your Country Race Co-ordinator/Shipper so that this can then be transferred to your Master Account in time to get your NOMINATIONS placed. Please do not leave it to the last minute to transfer funds as the transfer may not go through in time and this could result in your pigeon or pigeons not winning what they should be rewarded with.
It should be mentioned that GLOBAL & COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS during the 2015/16 race series actually paid out a staggering total of US$546,280 (£437,000). This sum also increased during the 2017/18 race series. Once again during the 2018/19 race series the sum paid out exceeded the previous year, which again just goes to show that fanciers just love to have a gamble on the race.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONCERNED AND REGULAR “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES”, “NEWSLETTERS” AND “UPDATES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO ALL COMPETITORS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATE SHAREHOLDERS ON A WEEKLY BASIS BY EMAIL OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. ALSO WEEKLY “PRESS RELEASES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO BOTH OUR TWO PIGEON PUBLICATIONS NAMELY THE “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” AND “”THE RACING PIGEON” PLUS IT WILL ALSO BE ON MY REGENCY LOFTS WEB SITE http://www.regencylofts.com FOR ALL TO VIEW.
This is the “TWENTY-FOURTH YEAR” since this great International One Loft Race started and every year since day one the Organising Committee have created new competitions and I assume that this year will be no exception, more on this subject will be published as details come through from the race organisers.
“TRIP OF A LIFETIME” Deirdre Kallmeyer who owns and runs African Olive Travel Concepts in South Africa (http://www.aotc.co.za) is now acting as the official travel company for the SAMDPR and all booking must be done through her and her company. So if you want to be part of the vibe and thrill of The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, then why not join us at out new home at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel and experience the race weekend schedule and events. African Olive Travel Concepts have put together accommodation packages catering for all tastes and budgets and a variety of pre and post touring options to explore the region. The venue and location will be the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel which is situated on the lush banks of the Vaal River in Gautang, South Africa a mere hour’s drive from O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The extensive property, along 7km’s of river frontage, is the ideal location for a fun-filled family getaway. The Resort offers an array of accommodation options, restaurants, entertainment like the all-year-round Water Park - Aquadrome, to Animal World Zoo and game drive, ten pin bowling, outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, water skiing as well as the famous Emerald African Spa. Just across the Vaal River you can enjoy a round of golf on the outstanding Heron Banks Golf & River Estate, which is where the pigeon loft is situated. There are 3 accommodation options available at the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel catering for and style and budget. Option 1, you could book to stay in the 4-star Emerald Hotel where you will instantly notice the luxurious North-East African inspired décor. A sanctuary set far from the bustling bog city, the 4-star hotel’s 75 twin/double rooms and two superb suites offer you spacious comfort and all of the amenities you could need. All rooms have Air-conditioning, Digital Safe, Telephone, Hairdryer, TV selected channels, internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. Option 2, hidden away in a natural setting, the secure, luxurious Bush Lodges offer guests two-bedroom units styled to resemble the safari lodges of the Serengeti, adventure awaits just outside of these semi self-catering lodges, built for ultimate comfort and in luxurious style. Option 3, step into adventure and book one of the comfortable, self-catering River Resort Chalets that provides two, four and six sleeper units, ideal for a weekend getaway or longer stays. These are situated just a quick walk from the banks of the Vaal River, the chalets offer guests easy access to a range of adventures including boating facilities for the water sport enthusiasts.
For anybody intending to travel out for the race weekend or longer, please log onto http://www.samdpr.com and hit the Accommodation button at the bottom of the home page, there you find a “SPECIAL 3 & 4 NIGHTS PACKAGE”, which includes all the official functions and dates. Both these packages represent great value for money. Road Transfers to and from Emerald Resort can also be arranged by African Olive Travel Concepts. If you or any friends wish to do pre or post travel bookings, Deirdre will be only too pleased to give you prices, just tell her what and where you would like to go. All bookings must be done directly through the sole agent Deirdre Kallmeyer at African Olive Travel Concepts (http://www.aotc.co.za) or email deirdre@aotc.co.za
***SPECIAL NOTIFICATION*** One point that should be pointed out to all competitors and entrants is that only your NUMBER 1 pigeons is “ACTIVATED” (FULLY PAID UP ENTRY). If of course you entered a “TEAM OF 4” and you lost your first 3 pigeons, your fourth pigeon would then be your “ACTIVATED PIGEON”. If you were unlucky enough to lose all your 4 pigeons in any of your “TEAMS” and they had won no “Special Prize Money” in the new HOT SPOT 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 then you are entitled to a “FREE ENTRY” into the 25th SAMDPR and all you have to pay is the official shipping and export costs to your Country Co-ordinator/Shipper. This offer can only be actioned once, for example if you lost your team in your first year, you would get a “Free Entry” the following year but then if you lost all your pigeons in that year, the “Free Entry” offer then does not count. This of course represents great value for your money. All the pigeons go to every training toss, Mid-Week and Saturday races providing they are fit enough but can only compete for any of the allocated PRIZE MONEY or SPECIAL AWARDS in the 5 x HOT SPOT RACES if they are “ACTIVATED” and that means that these must be paid for prior to the HOT SPOT 1, which is due to take place on SATURDAY 30th NOVEMBER 2019 from 165km (approx. 103 miles). The cost to “ACTIVATE” these “RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS” is US$1,100 (approx. £916) (THIS OF COURSE MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE AT THE TIME OF ACTIVATION) but that will then entitle all these fully paid up pigeons (ACTIVATED) to compete and be eligible to fly for all the extra cash prizes and special awards that amounts to over US$318,000 (approx. £265,000). The one thing to remember is that once your reserve pigeon or pigeons are fully paid for, if then they get lost and have won no Prize Money or Special Awards in the Special Money Races, then you will get US$1,000 paid back into your ASI Account, which can then be used to purchase another pigeon at a later date and be entered into The Final Race under your name or syndicate or even under another name of your choice. So as you can see it is “BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY” and pay for them early, after all you have nothing to lose.
HOW MANY OTHER ONE LOFT PIGEON RACES IN THE WORLD OFFER THIS SORT OF OPTION TO COMPETITORS AND ENTRANTS?
***WHAT CAN BE WON DURING THIS 2019/20 RACE SERIES*** Prizes and Special Awards now add up to a staggering US$1.55 Million American Dollars £1.29 Million Pounds Sterling). This total includes US$247,500 (£206,250) in 100 Hot Spot Cash Prizes over the 5 x Hot Spot Races as follows:- In each Hot Spot Race 1st US$17,500 (£14,583), 2nd US$10,000 (£8,333), 3rd US$5,000 (£4,167), 4th US$2,500 (£2,083), 5th US$2,000 (£1,667), 6th to 10th US$1,250 (£1,042) each, 11th to 15th US$750 (£625) each and 16th to 20th US$500 (£417) each. ONLY ACTIVATED PIGEONS CAN WIN ANY OTHER THESE CASH PRIZES. THESE 20 CASH PRIZES WILL GO TO THE FIRST 20 ACTIVATED PIGEONS IN EACH OF THE 5 x HOT SPOT RACES. Then a US$10,000 (£8,333) Hot Spot Ace Pigeon Award for the best pigeon in these 5 races, A Two-Bird Average Competition and a US$2,000 (£1,667) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Hot Spot Races & The Final Race, A Three-Bird Average Competition and a US$3,000 (£2,500) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Hot Spot Races & The Final Race, The South African Million Dollar Ace Pigeon Award carries US$50,500 in Prize Money, split into three cash prizes with 1st US$25,500 (£21,250), 2nd US$15,000 (£12,500) and 3rd US$10,000 (£8,333) Cash Prizes for the 3 pigeons with the best overall average in all the Official Training Races and 5 x Hot Spot Races and The Final Race. There will also be an overall Knockout Winner Competition and US$25,000 (£20,833) Prize Money, which starts on the Hot Spot 2 and the winner is the first one to be clocked in the “FINAL RACE” (over the past few years there has been around 40/60 pigeons still left in this competition). There will also be 3 x Country Cash Prizes of US$125 (£104), US$75 (£63) and US$50 (£42) in each of the first 4 x Hot Spot Races (1 to 4). In the 5th Hot Spot Race US$70 (£58) from every entry will be added to the starting Prize Money of US$250 (£208) for the Country Challenge. All the Prize Money will be paid out to the first three Country Challenge entered pigeons in a ratio of 50%, 30% & 20%. The SAMDPR website will have an up to the date listing of which pigeons are entered and how much Prize Money will be flown for, plus and an ACE Pigeon Country Challenge which will be won on the FINAL RACE. There is an Entry Fee of US$120 (£100) per pigeon to enter these Country Challenge Competitions and this has to be paid for before the basketing for the 3rd Hot Spot Car Race. The COUNTRY CHALLENGE ACE PIGEON, all countries participating will be given a US$200 (£167) starting Prize Money and US$40 (£33) from each Country Challenge entry fee goes to the “WINNER TAKES ALL” cash prize, which will be awarded to the first Country Challenge pigeon which is clocked in THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON FINAL RACE. The pigeon that wins this award will be named the COUNTRY CHALLENGE ACE PIGEON. It should also be mentioned that during the 2016/17 race series the UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE paid out £14,777 in PRIZE MONEY. Then in the “FINAL RACE” on the 1st February 2020 there are also 10 magnificent gold pendants to be won worth well over US$1,000 (£833) each and now over US$1.20 Million American Dollars in Prize Money (£1 Million Pounds) and 300 cash prizes being on offer. These estimations are done at US$1.20 to the Pound Sterling. This could of course change on the Final Race.
THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL RACE & US$1,000 (approx. £833) NOMINATION will also take place on the “FINAL RACE” and the winning will be A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ SLK 555 MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$85,000 (approx. £70,833). (ONLY “ACTIVATED” PIGEONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE FOR ANY OF THESE SPECIAL CASH PRIZES OR AWARDS). This new competition was very well supported in its first year and had over 160 entries and was so successful that it also paid out a staggering 2nd prize of US$54,000 cash. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to win a fabulous new car. The 19th SAMDPR attracted about 140 entries and two staggering prizes were once again won by two worthy winners. The 20th SAMDPR attracted over 100 entries and the US$85,000 (£68,000) was won by Lloyd & Kelly from the UK, who actually won 37th OPEN in the FINAL RACE. It was the first Activated pigeons and walked away with the top award. In The 21st SAMDPR Michael Mellor from Crewe was the runner-up for this prestigious award, with over 100 entries, which once again just goes to show that the UK pigeons will hold their own against the best pigeons in the world. In The 22nd SAMDPR, Karl Donnelly from Ireland won this fantastic prize, when his pigeon won 5th OPEN.
PRIZE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE 24th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR FINAL RACE, WILL NOW BE AS FOLLOWS:- 1st US$300,000 (approx. £250,000), 2nd US$150,000 (approx. £125,000), 3rd US$100,000 (approx. £83,333), 4th US$75,000 (approx. £62,500), 5th US$50,000 (approx. £41,667), 6th US$25,000 (£20,833), 7th US$20,000 (£16,667), 8th US$15,000 (£12,500), 9th US$12,500 (£10,417), 10th US$10,000 (approx. £8,333), 11th/15th US$7,500 (approx. £6,250) each, 16th/20th US$5,000 (approx. £4,167) each, 21st/25th US$4,000 (approx. £3,333) each, 26th/30th US$3,500 (approx. £2,917) each, 31st/40th US$3,000 (approx. £2,500) each, 41st/50th US$2,500 (£2,083) each, 51st/75th US$2,000 (£1,667) each, 76th/100th US$1,500 (£1,250) each, 101st/125th US$1,250 (£1,042) each, 126th/150th US$1,100 (£917) each, 151st/200th US41,000 (£833) each, 201st/250th US$750 (£625) each, then 251st/300th US$500 (£417) each. (Subject to terms and conditions of entry). The actual cash prizes stated above represent exchange rates (US$1.20 to the Pound Sterling) at the current time and may of course change at the time of each race depending what the currency exchange rate is on the actual race day. A total of US$1.30 Million American Dollars (£1.08 Million Pounds Sterling) Prize Money will be paid out in this FINAL RACE.
Something else worth mentioning that seven brand new motor cars have been won by fanciers representing the United Kingdom Team in the last seven years, Richard Elliott/Robbie Prettejohn and Chris Gordon both won new motor cars during the 2005/6 race series and Paul & Dave McCarthy won one a new motor car during the 2006/7 series. During the 2011/12 race series fanciers from the UK won a staggering 3 x brand new motor cars and these were won by Nev & Angi Evans & Steve Cuthbert, Robert & Peter Montila and then Phil Bond. Alistair Hogg also won a brand new motor car during the 2017/18 race series. This in itself was an outstanding team performance. No other country has ever won three cars on the trot. Also an Irish fancier named John Nash also won a brand new motor car in the 2008/9 race series. I am very hopeful that somebody from the United Kingdom or Ireland will also win some of this newly allocated Prize Money in the 2019/20 race series. GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS.
I would also just like to notify fanciers that my weekly “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”, “NEWSLETTERS” and “UPDATES” can now also be seen on the following pigeon web sites:- http://www.regencylofts.com http://www.iprr.co.uk http://www.elimarpigeons.com http://www.pigeonportal.com http://www.pigeonglobe.co.uk http://www.cyberpigeon.co.uk http://www.pigeonbasics.com http://www.starpigeons.com http://www.pigeonpixels.co.uk http://www.theloftreport.com http://www.oneloftracing.com http://www.ukpigeonracing.co.uk http://www.AvianExportServices.com http://www.pigeonnetwork.com plus of course they will also be published in the “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” and “THE RACING PIGEON” weeklies and many other international world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy.
The race date for THE 25th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has already been provisionally agreed and confirmed by the race organisers as SATURDAY 30th FEBRUARY 2021. (However, this date is still awaiting final confirmation). This will be the 25th anniversary of this great race and it is sure to be a very special occasion with lots of interesting things going on to celebrate this outstanding achievement.
If you are interested in participating, helping us or acting a Country Race Team Co-ordinator or Shipper, then please telephone me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or SMS or email on reglofts@aol.com and I will give you all the information you require. My two proposed shipping dates for THE 25th SAMDPR will take about the middle of MAY 2020 and then the second one should be around the middle of JUNE 2020. Of course these two dates will be confirmed nearer the time. I strongly recommend that you try to ship your race entries on the 1st shipping date as this then gives these pigeons much more time to settle into the race loft.
If you have any questions about any aspect of THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE, then please contact me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or by SMS or email at reglofts@aol.com and I will do my best to answer any of your questions or queries about this great race.
These “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES” do take a lot of my time to prepare and I try to get as much into them as possible as I know fanciers and entrants like to know what is happening, unfortunately some time, some information will not be to hand when the print deadline is reached so can’t be included in that report. I can only apologise if I leave something or somebody out but I can assure everybody that I do my best to get as much information as possible to put into each of these international reports and give as much credit to those that deserve it.
IF 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 THE PIGEON FANCIERS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATES WORLDWIDE DURING THE 2019/20 RACE SERIES.


THIS PHOTOGRAPH ABOVE SHOWS THE COMPLETED STATE OF THE ART RACE LOFT WHICH IS 370 FOOT (113 METRES) LONG AND WHICH IS SITUATED IN STUNNING SURROUNDINGS ON THE OUTSTANDING HERON BANKS GOLF & RIVER ESTATE, VAAL RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA. IT HAS THE TRAPPING/CLOCKING SECTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LOFT, WHICH IS BELOW THE ADMINISTRATION CENTRE AND HAS 44 EQUAL SIZED SECTIONS (22 EACH SIDE) THAT ARE ALL ACCESSED FROM A FULL LENGTH CORRIDOR THAT RUNS ALONG THE BACK OF THIS FABULOUS PIGEON LOFT. ALL THE 44 SECTIONS HAVE GRILLED FLOORING AND THE LOFT HAS A TOTAL PERCH CAPACITY FOR WELL OVER 9,500 PIGEONS IN COMFORT.

If you wish to know any more information on this prestigious international pigeon race please contact me ASAP:-

Paul Smith, United Kingdom Race Team Co-ordinator/Shipper and International Race Co-ordinator for The 24th South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, which is due to be held at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel, South Africa on Saturday 1st February 2020. Regency Lofts Limited, 2, Highmead, off Coltsfield, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. CM24 8LJ. England. Tel/Fax:- 01279-812005. (Int. Code:- +44-1279-812005). Mobile:- 07860-568216. Email Address:- reglofts@aol.com Regency Lofts Website:- http://www.regencylofts.com Skype Address:- talbot7944 Twitter Address:- PaulSmith@SmithReglofts The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race Website:- http://www.samdpr.com