Single Bird Challenge 2011/12 - David Black Reports
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willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Single Bird Challenge 2011/12 - David Black Reports
The INFC Single Bird Challenge Co-Ordinator David Black has issued a reminder about the entry for the event in 2012, an entry form was enclosed with the AGM Agenda. The prize fund is a fantastic £2,000 sponsored by the INFC and there is no reason for members thinking about sending a bird to the Kings Cup should not enter, it’s a free Nomination. The closing date is 17th March and should you have any questions contact David on Tel: (028) 92 692713 or Mobile: 07876 157706. The winner collects the Joe Doheny Trophy and the first three prize-winners will be presented with Framed Diplomas sponsored by Sawyers & Co Estate Agents Banbridge and Dromore. Return the entry form to Mr David Black, 11 Drumiller Hill, Dromore, Co Down. BT25 1EP.
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: Single Bird Challenge 2011/12 - David Black Reports
2011 Single Bird Challenge Race Report -
I.N.F.C / B.H.W
SINGLE BIRD CHALLENGE
RESULT
Flown from Vannes (Plaudren), 1st July 2011
1st A. Morgan, Trim
Vel. 1151, 3rd Open
Joe Doheny Trophy, Framed Diploma, £500
2nd Brown & Anderson, Shankill
Vel 1122, 14th Open
Framed Diploma, £300
3rd G. Douglas, Wilton Cross
Vel 1105, 23rd Open
Framed Diploma, £200
4th M. Robinson, Bondhill
Vel 1099, 27th Open
£100
5th T. Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda
Vel 1075, 41st Open
£50
6th D. & J. Caskey, Bangor
Vel 1070, 45th Open
£50
7th G. & J. O\'Hare, Crossgar
Vel 1052, 57th Open
£50
8th Malachy Maguire & Son, Millvale Invitation
Vel 1025, 75th Open
£50
9th Lavery Bros., Hillsborough & Maze
Vel 1019, 78th Open
£50
10th W. McCaw, Ballymoney
Vel 1009, 86th Open
£50
11th W. & W. Gilbert, Randalstown
Vel 996, 93rd Open
£50
12th O. & M. Monaghan, Colin
Vel 954, 122nd Open
£50
Other Challenge birds timed in the Open result were, Sam Corrigan, Loughgall, (Vel. 952, 123rd Open.), Ron Williamson, Bondhill, (Vel. 945, 128th Open.), A. Donaghy, Charlemont, (Vel. 944, 129th Open.), J. & S. Graham, Kingsmoss, (Vel. 940, 130th Open.), W. Neill, Annaghmore, (Vel. 897, 159th Open.), Ward & McIntosh, Downpatrick, (Vel. 875, 168th Open.), J. Willis, Wilton Mallow RPC, (Vel. 855, 173rd Open.), Mr & Mrs D. Suitters, Doagh, (Vel. 836, 178th Open.), A. & N. Lewis, Doagh, (Vel. 831, 181st Open.), Reid Bros. & McCloy, Cullybackey, (Vel. 792, 187th Open.), Jim Robinson, Edgarstown, ( Vel. 769, 194th Open.), J. Waring & Son, Lisburn, (Vel. 767, 197th Open.), Ingle Bros. & Son, (Vel. 758, 211th Open.), J. & R. Young, Portavogie, (Vel. 752, 215th Open.), H. Elliot & Son, Lagan Valley, (Vel. 746, 211th Open.), P. McCullough & Daughter, Downpatrick, (Vel. 743, 214th Open.), J. McKernan & Son, Lisburn, (Vel. 743, 215th Open.), John Buckley, Cork Northern, (Vel. 738, 217th Open.), A. Darragh, Cullybackey, (Vel. 737, 219th Open.), R. Topping & Son, Lisburn, (Vel. 738, 222nd Open.), J. Greenaway, Bondhill, (Vel. 717, 232nd Open.), H. Nevin, Coleraine, (Vel. 716, 236th Open.), W. Bleeks & Son, Coalisland, (Vel. 716, 237th Open.) and P. Elliot & Sons, Andersonstown, (Vel. 712, 238th Open.).
The 2011 Single Bird Challenge saw a record entry of 492 birds. The single bird challenge for those who don\'t know is flown in conjunction with the Irish National Flying Club Kings Cup race, flown on the first Friday in July. The Challenge was first organised in 2002 and was won by Joe Doheny from Dublin. That year as a trial we had 18 invited participants but is was such a success that it was opened to the whole membership ever since and has went from strength to strength. The release point at the moment for the race is just outside the village of Plaudren near Vannes in France a distance of roughly 490 miles to Belfast. The race is open to every pigeon fancier in Ireland, to compete they nominate a single bird, the closing date for entry is the 17th March. This makes the single bird challenge a very fair event and puts everyone on an equal level no matter how many birds they keep. The 2011 Kings Cup race was one of the most successful for some time, and as part of the race control team I would like to thank all those who helped us with line of flight weather reports etc, especially Danny Mitchell in Holyhead, Olly Gittins in Bude, the staff at Lands End airport, Brian Stubbs from Jersey who gets up very early on the morning of the race to sort this out. The conveyers drivers and finally Marcel Gobin in Plaudren for all his help to our team when they are there.
The winner of the Challenge was Anthony Morgan who lives about two miles north of Trim in County Meath, originally from Dromara, Anthony moved to Trim several years ago when he married wife Ainie. The winning blue cock \"Katie\'s Lad\", named after daughter Katie, finished a fantastic 3rd Open, winning £500 in the Challenge. It was a very proud Mr and Mrs Morgan who lifted the Joe Doheny trophy at the I.N.F.C. prize night in The Stormont Hotel they enjoyed the night so much that they are planning to make it an annual trip regardless if they have anything to lift or not. The winning bird was 3rd Open I.S.R.F. Barley Cove 06, his grandsire was a gift from good friend Colm Reid, Balbriggan and is from A. Darragh lines. The dam was 34th Yearling National and contains the bloodlines of N.Black & Son and E. Carlisle. Hatched April 09 he was raced natural as a young bird with 4 races up to Rosscarbery, winning 3rd club Mallow. As a yearling raced on widowhood he had the full inland programme plus the Yearling National where he was 266th Open, flying nine and a half hours. 2011 again flown widowhood he had all the inland races plus Sennen Cove where he was in the top 20 of the Open, flying 10 hours. Re-paired he was sent to the Kings Cup on 12 day eggs. After Sennen Cove he had no training but was flown with the young birds morning and night. The feeding is Frazers widowhood mixture plus all their supplements.
Second in the challenge and 14th Open is the Shankill and District partnership of Brown and Anderson. The winning bird is a three year old blue hen, the breeding being Busschaert and Jim Hanna Scotland, her grand dam won the Ulster Fed Derby from Portland. Raced natural as a young bird she had 3 or 4 races. As a yearling a few inland and Penzance. At 2 years she only had 1 race returning hurt and was stopped for the year. Last year she had 2 inland races only with a 70 mile toss every Saturday plus a 50 mile midweek. She had the open loft all week and was raced natural sent sitting eggs 14 days. A very nervous hen she won\'t come near the loft if she sees Mrs Brown even at the window of the house. The feeding is Beatties No2 plus Red Band with Johnston\'s Tonic and garlic in the water.
Third in the challenge and 23rd Open is \"Jack\'s Vision\" for Geoffrey Douglas of Wilton Cross H.P.S. in Lurgan. Jack also won a merit award. A four year old blue cock he is three quarter Wal Soojten one quarter Staff Van Reet from Tony Mardon Toey lines. Raced darkness as a young bird he had most of the programme. A steady racer as a yearling it was as two year old in 2009 that he started to show, being 18th Open Vannes. The following year he again flew Vannes but returned out of the prizes. In 2011 he had three inland plus Tallbenny and was 23rd Open Vannes. Sent on a 4 day old young bird he had plenty of 60 mile tosses after Tallbenny. The feeding is Verselaga Super Star and Champion Plus with extra peanuts, sunflower hearts and brown rice.
4th in the Challenge 27th Open is Malcolm Robinson of Bondhill with a 5 year old blue check pied hen. Malcolm has had his eye on this hen from a young bird, she is a nice shape and type and she has not let him down, in fact her nest mate was also timed from St Malo. Raced on darkness as a young bird she had 5 or 6 races plus Tallbenny. As a yearling again 5 or 6 races plus the Yearling National. She was just out of the Kings Cup prizes in 2009,and then she was 62nd Open 2010. Paired mid March and sent sitting eggs 17 days.
5th place in the Challenge and 41st Open was taken by Tom Marshall & Son who race with Newtownbreda club. Tom timed a 3 year old blue hen called \"Linda\", named after Tom\'s daughter, her sire is a red splash stock cock and the hen that was 4th Kings Cup. Raced lightly as a young bird, she had a few inland and Penzance as a yearling. As a two year old she had a few inland plus Bude and was 41st Open Vannes. In 2011 again a few inland plus Bude and was 41st Open.
6th Challenge 45th Open is a 2 year old mealy hen called \"Sweet 16\" raced by D&J Caskey Bangor. Her sire, was bred from an N.Black & Son cock which has already bred 10th Open Vannes, while her grand dam is a red hen from Lesley Kelly, Greyabbey of Walkingshaw bloodlines. Her dam is a daughter of J. Burgess\' Derby winner.Raced natural as a young bird she had one race. As a yearling she had 3 inland races plus the Yearling National. In 2011 she had every inland including Skibbereen, Bude then two 60 mile tosses per week. Sent sitting overdue eggs and slipped a day old young bird. The feeding was McCauseland\'s and Frazer\'s widowhood and high fat mixtures. Sweet 16 was fancied from the young bird stage with her nice shape, great health and good temperament.
7th challenge 57th Open is G & J O\'Hare Crossgar. John timed a black check cock , this cock also winning a Hall Of Fame. The breeding is three quarter Ken Rossbotham, one quarter N.Black & Son. As a young bird he was raced natural having 1 or 2 races. At the yearling stage 3 or 4 inland plus 1 channel race. As a two year old Tallbenny plus the E.D.C. Derby where he was 9th Open. In 2009 2 or 3 inland and was 145th Open Vannes. 2010 he had 2 or 3 inland and 208th Open Vannes. In 2011 again 2 or 3 inland and 57th Open Vannes. Sent sitting 14 day eggs with plenty of 50 mile training tosses. The feeding is McCauseland\'s plus extra Red Band and peanuts.
8th Challenge 75th Open is M. Maguire & Son of Newry with a 3 year old blue hen. Her sire is Home Alone and her dam is a Pete Arts hen. This hen was 2nd Open Friendship National St. Malo. Her half sister was 1st Open Friendship Nat and another half sister was 1st Single Bird Challenge previously. Sent on a 1 day old young bird her first of the year.
9th in the Challenge is Lavery Bros Hillsborough and Maze. A 3 year old dark cheq pied hen, her breeding is Corbett Busschaert. The grand-dam was 141st Messac 2003, while her half sister was 1st section 25th Open N.I.P.A. Portland. Raced darkness as a young bird she had most of the programme. As a yearling she had the inland programme. In 2010 5 inland races plus 16th Open Vannes. In 2011 4 inland races plus Tallbenny and 76th Open Vannes also winning a merit award, she was sent sitting a 2 day young bird.
10th Challenge 86th Open was W. McCaw, Ballymoney, with a 4 year old blue cheque hen. She is all Ken Hine breeding the sire was bred from two Hine birds while the dam was direct from Ken. Not raced but lightly trained as a young bird. At the yearling stage she had 2 or 3 inland races plus Tallbenny. During both her 2 and 3 year old years she had just 3 or 4 inland races. In preparation for the Kings Cup she had 2 Fermoy races, 230 mile, plus 2 single ups from 35 miles. Sent to the race feeding a small young bird, the feeding is Verselaga plus Homoform.
11th Challenge 93rd Open is W&W Gilbert Randlestown, wit 2 year old blue cheq cock. The breeding is Brasspenning bought at a Ken Darlington sale in Chimney Corner. The cock was the only one bred from the pair and as the partnership very honestly told me they didn\'t like him, as a result the sold on the parents. Raced natural as a young bird he had a few inland races. As a yearling a few inland plus the Yearling National where he was 230th Open. In preparation for the big race he had the 1st and 4th inland races only and was flown around the loft morning and night. The week before the race he had 3 single ups 2 at 25 mile and one at 40 mile and was sent feeding a very large young bird plus sitting 7 day eggs.
12th Challenge, 122nd Open is O & M Monaghan, Colin H.P.S. , Belfast with a 3 year old blue hen, which also won a merit award. Her breeding is Van Bruanne originating from W. Gibson, Ballygalley. Raced Darkness as a young bird she had 5 or 6 races. As a yearling a few inland and in the prizes in the Yearling national. At the 2 year old stage a few inland a channel race and was 63rd Open Vannes. As a 3 year old she was paired end of February reared two young birds and raced celibate for a 3 or 4 inland races, was trained from 30 miles 3 or 4 times per week and 60 miles on a Saturday. Re-paired she was sent sitting 10 day eggs. The feeding was Beatties Champion Supreme plus red band and homoform.
In 2012 the Challenge will again have free entry with a £2000 guaranteed prize fund split as follows. 1st 500, 2nd £400, 3rd £300, 4th £200, 5th £100, and 6th to 15th £50. As usual the winner will receive the Joe Doheny Challenge Cup plus 1st, 2nd and 3rd have framed diplomas of their birds. Every member will have received their entry form for the Challenge along with the statement of accounts by now so get them off to me soon. The address to send them to is on the entry form but any questions call me on 02892692713 or 07876157706. David Black
I.N.F.C / B.H.W
SINGLE BIRD CHALLENGE
RESULT
Flown from Vannes (Plaudren), 1st July 2011
1st A. Morgan, Trim
Vel. 1151, 3rd Open
Joe Doheny Trophy, Framed Diploma, £500
2nd Brown & Anderson, Shankill
Vel 1122, 14th Open
Framed Diploma, £300
3rd G. Douglas, Wilton Cross
Vel 1105, 23rd Open
Framed Diploma, £200
4th M. Robinson, Bondhill
Vel 1099, 27th Open
£100
5th T. Marshall & Son, Newtownbreda
Vel 1075, 41st Open
£50
6th D. & J. Caskey, Bangor
Vel 1070, 45th Open
£50
7th G. & J. O\'Hare, Crossgar
Vel 1052, 57th Open
£50
8th Malachy Maguire & Son, Millvale Invitation
Vel 1025, 75th Open
£50
9th Lavery Bros., Hillsborough & Maze
Vel 1019, 78th Open
£50
10th W. McCaw, Ballymoney
Vel 1009, 86th Open
£50
11th W. & W. Gilbert, Randalstown
Vel 996, 93rd Open
£50
12th O. & M. Monaghan, Colin
Vel 954, 122nd Open
£50
Other Challenge birds timed in the Open result were, Sam Corrigan, Loughgall, (Vel. 952, 123rd Open.), Ron Williamson, Bondhill, (Vel. 945, 128th Open.), A. Donaghy, Charlemont, (Vel. 944, 129th Open.), J. & S. Graham, Kingsmoss, (Vel. 940, 130th Open.), W. Neill, Annaghmore, (Vel. 897, 159th Open.), Ward & McIntosh, Downpatrick, (Vel. 875, 168th Open.), J. Willis, Wilton Mallow RPC, (Vel. 855, 173rd Open.), Mr & Mrs D. Suitters, Doagh, (Vel. 836, 178th Open.), A. & N. Lewis, Doagh, (Vel. 831, 181st Open.), Reid Bros. & McCloy, Cullybackey, (Vel. 792, 187th Open.), Jim Robinson, Edgarstown, ( Vel. 769, 194th Open.), J. Waring & Son, Lisburn, (Vel. 767, 197th Open.), Ingle Bros. & Son, (Vel. 758, 211th Open.), J. & R. Young, Portavogie, (Vel. 752, 215th Open.), H. Elliot & Son, Lagan Valley, (Vel. 746, 211th Open.), P. McCullough & Daughter, Downpatrick, (Vel. 743, 214th Open.), J. McKernan & Son, Lisburn, (Vel. 743, 215th Open.), John Buckley, Cork Northern, (Vel. 738, 217th Open.), A. Darragh, Cullybackey, (Vel. 737, 219th Open.), R. Topping & Son, Lisburn, (Vel. 738, 222nd Open.), J. Greenaway, Bondhill, (Vel. 717, 232nd Open.), H. Nevin, Coleraine, (Vel. 716, 236th Open.), W. Bleeks & Son, Coalisland, (Vel. 716, 237th Open.) and P. Elliot & Sons, Andersonstown, (Vel. 712, 238th Open.).
The 2011 Single Bird Challenge saw a record entry of 492 birds. The single bird challenge for those who don\'t know is flown in conjunction with the Irish National Flying Club Kings Cup race, flown on the first Friday in July. The Challenge was first organised in 2002 and was won by Joe Doheny from Dublin. That year as a trial we had 18 invited participants but is was such a success that it was opened to the whole membership ever since and has went from strength to strength. The release point at the moment for the race is just outside the village of Plaudren near Vannes in France a distance of roughly 490 miles to Belfast. The race is open to every pigeon fancier in Ireland, to compete they nominate a single bird, the closing date for entry is the 17th March. This makes the single bird challenge a very fair event and puts everyone on an equal level no matter how many birds they keep. The 2011 Kings Cup race was one of the most successful for some time, and as part of the race control team I would like to thank all those who helped us with line of flight weather reports etc, especially Danny Mitchell in Holyhead, Olly Gittins in Bude, the staff at Lands End airport, Brian Stubbs from Jersey who gets up very early on the morning of the race to sort this out. The conveyers drivers and finally Marcel Gobin in Plaudren for all his help to our team when they are there.
The winner of the Challenge was Anthony Morgan who lives about two miles north of Trim in County Meath, originally from Dromara, Anthony moved to Trim several years ago when he married wife Ainie. The winning blue cock \"Katie\'s Lad\", named after daughter Katie, finished a fantastic 3rd Open, winning £500 in the Challenge. It was a very proud Mr and Mrs Morgan who lifted the Joe Doheny trophy at the I.N.F.C. prize night in The Stormont Hotel they enjoyed the night so much that they are planning to make it an annual trip regardless if they have anything to lift or not. The winning bird was 3rd Open I.S.R.F. Barley Cove 06, his grandsire was a gift from good friend Colm Reid, Balbriggan and is from A. Darragh lines. The dam was 34th Yearling National and contains the bloodlines of N.Black & Son and E. Carlisle. Hatched April 09 he was raced natural as a young bird with 4 races up to Rosscarbery, winning 3rd club Mallow. As a yearling raced on widowhood he had the full inland programme plus the Yearling National where he was 266th Open, flying nine and a half hours. 2011 again flown widowhood he had all the inland races plus Sennen Cove where he was in the top 20 of the Open, flying 10 hours. Re-paired he was sent to the Kings Cup on 12 day eggs. After Sennen Cove he had no training but was flown with the young birds morning and night. The feeding is Frazers widowhood mixture plus all their supplements.
Second in the challenge and 14th Open is the Shankill and District partnership of Brown and Anderson. The winning bird is a three year old blue hen, the breeding being Busschaert and Jim Hanna Scotland, her grand dam won the Ulster Fed Derby from Portland. Raced natural as a young bird she had 3 or 4 races. As a yearling a few inland and Penzance. At 2 years she only had 1 race returning hurt and was stopped for the year. Last year she had 2 inland races only with a 70 mile toss every Saturday plus a 50 mile midweek. She had the open loft all week and was raced natural sent sitting eggs 14 days. A very nervous hen she won\'t come near the loft if she sees Mrs Brown even at the window of the house. The feeding is Beatties No2 plus Red Band with Johnston\'s Tonic and garlic in the water.
Third in the challenge and 23rd Open is \"Jack\'s Vision\" for Geoffrey Douglas of Wilton Cross H.P.S. in Lurgan. Jack also won a merit award. A four year old blue cock he is three quarter Wal Soojten one quarter Staff Van Reet from Tony Mardon Toey lines. Raced darkness as a young bird he had most of the programme. A steady racer as a yearling it was as two year old in 2009 that he started to show, being 18th Open Vannes. The following year he again flew Vannes but returned out of the prizes. In 2011 he had three inland plus Tallbenny and was 23rd Open Vannes. Sent on a 4 day old young bird he had plenty of 60 mile tosses after Tallbenny. The feeding is Verselaga Super Star and Champion Plus with extra peanuts, sunflower hearts and brown rice.
4th in the Challenge 27th Open is Malcolm Robinson of Bondhill with a 5 year old blue check pied hen. Malcolm has had his eye on this hen from a young bird, she is a nice shape and type and she has not let him down, in fact her nest mate was also timed from St Malo. Raced on darkness as a young bird she had 5 or 6 races plus Tallbenny. As a yearling again 5 or 6 races plus the Yearling National. She was just out of the Kings Cup prizes in 2009,and then she was 62nd Open 2010. Paired mid March and sent sitting eggs 17 days.
5th place in the Challenge and 41st Open was taken by Tom Marshall & Son who race with Newtownbreda club. Tom timed a 3 year old blue hen called \"Linda\", named after Tom\'s daughter, her sire is a red splash stock cock and the hen that was 4th Kings Cup. Raced lightly as a young bird, she had a few inland and Penzance as a yearling. As a two year old she had a few inland plus Bude and was 41st Open Vannes. In 2011 again a few inland plus Bude and was 41st Open.
6th Challenge 45th Open is a 2 year old mealy hen called \"Sweet 16\" raced by D&J Caskey Bangor. Her sire, was bred from an N.Black & Son cock which has already bred 10th Open Vannes, while her grand dam is a red hen from Lesley Kelly, Greyabbey of Walkingshaw bloodlines. Her dam is a daughter of J. Burgess\' Derby winner.Raced natural as a young bird she had one race. As a yearling she had 3 inland races plus the Yearling National. In 2011 she had every inland including Skibbereen, Bude then two 60 mile tosses per week. Sent sitting overdue eggs and slipped a day old young bird. The feeding was McCauseland\'s and Frazer\'s widowhood and high fat mixtures. Sweet 16 was fancied from the young bird stage with her nice shape, great health and good temperament.
7th challenge 57th Open is G & J O\'Hare Crossgar. John timed a black check cock , this cock also winning a Hall Of Fame. The breeding is three quarter Ken Rossbotham, one quarter N.Black & Son. As a young bird he was raced natural having 1 or 2 races. At the yearling stage 3 or 4 inland plus 1 channel race. As a two year old Tallbenny plus the E.D.C. Derby where he was 9th Open. In 2009 2 or 3 inland and was 145th Open Vannes. 2010 he had 2 or 3 inland and 208th Open Vannes. In 2011 again 2 or 3 inland and 57th Open Vannes. Sent sitting 14 day eggs with plenty of 50 mile training tosses. The feeding is McCauseland\'s plus extra Red Band and peanuts.
8th Challenge 75th Open is M. Maguire & Son of Newry with a 3 year old blue hen. Her sire is Home Alone and her dam is a Pete Arts hen. This hen was 2nd Open Friendship National St. Malo. Her half sister was 1st Open Friendship Nat and another half sister was 1st Single Bird Challenge previously. Sent on a 1 day old young bird her first of the year.
9th in the Challenge is Lavery Bros Hillsborough and Maze. A 3 year old dark cheq pied hen, her breeding is Corbett Busschaert. The grand-dam was 141st Messac 2003, while her half sister was 1st section 25th Open N.I.P.A. Portland. Raced darkness as a young bird she had most of the programme. As a yearling she had the inland programme. In 2010 5 inland races plus 16th Open Vannes. In 2011 4 inland races plus Tallbenny and 76th Open Vannes also winning a merit award, she was sent sitting a 2 day young bird.
10th Challenge 86th Open was W. McCaw, Ballymoney, with a 4 year old blue cheque hen. She is all Ken Hine breeding the sire was bred from two Hine birds while the dam was direct from Ken. Not raced but lightly trained as a young bird. At the yearling stage she had 2 or 3 inland races plus Tallbenny. During both her 2 and 3 year old years she had just 3 or 4 inland races. In preparation for the Kings Cup she had 2 Fermoy races, 230 mile, plus 2 single ups from 35 miles. Sent to the race feeding a small young bird, the feeding is Verselaga plus Homoform.
11th Challenge 93rd Open is W&W Gilbert Randlestown, wit 2 year old blue cheq cock. The breeding is Brasspenning bought at a Ken Darlington sale in Chimney Corner. The cock was the only one bred from the pair and as the partnership very honestly told me they didn\'t like him, as a result the sold on the parents. Raced natural as a young bird he had a few inland races. As a yearling a few inland plus the Yearling National where he was 230th Open. In preparation for the big race he had the 1st and 4th inland races only and was flown around the loft morning and night. The week before the race he had 3 single ups 2 at 25 mile and one at 40 mile and was sent feeding a very large young bird plus sitting 7 day eggs.
12th Challenge, 122nd Open is O & M Monaghan, Colin H.P.S. , Belfast with a 3 year old blue hen, which also won a merit award. Her breeding is Van Bruanne originating from W. Gibson, Ballygalley. Raced Darkness as a young bird she had 5 or 6 races. As a yearling a few inland and in the prizes in the Yearling national. At the 2 year old stage a few inland a channel race and was 63rd Open Vannes. As a 3 year old she was paired end of February reared two young birds and raced celibate for a 3 or 4 inland races, was trained from 30 miles 3 or 4 times per week and 60 miles on a Saturday. Re-paired she was sent sitting 10 day eggs. The feeding was Beatties Champion Supreme plus red band and homoform.
In 2012 the Challenge will again have free entry with a £2000 guaranteed prize fund split as follows. 1st 500, 2nd £400, 3rd £300, 4th £200, 5th £100, and 6th to 15th £50. As usual the winner will receive the Joe Doheny Challenge Cup plus 1st, 2nd and 3rd have framed diplomas of their birds. Every member will have received their entry form for the Challenge along with the statement of accounts by now so get them off to me soon. The address to send them to is on the entry form but any questions call me on 02892692713 or 07876157706. David Black