PIPA visits Derby Cartaxo (Portugal)

Under the leadership of João António Nunes Silva (Derby President) and João Carlos Roque Costa Martins (Derby Vice-President) all the members of the local pigeon club 'Grupo Columbófilo do Cartaxo' play their part every year in making sure that this event is a great success. In addition they have in Sérgio Ferreira a marvellous enthusiastic international representative, as a result of which, in addition to the many Portuguese participants, there is also quite a large number of pigeons from Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland fighting for the highest honour. This year there were once again a number of people who travelled from these countries to watch their pigeons arrive home during this final. In addition, all participants and visitors were able to enjoy the sun, hospitality, free food and drink and of course the tension of  the final race.

Prior to the final day there was a marvellous programme organised for a.o. members of the club, the foreign guests and other invitees. The day began with a word of welcome from João António Nunes Silva in the clubhouse next to the lofts of the Derby Cartaxo. This was followed by a solemn tribute to the deceased fellow townsman / sport friend Hélder José Bonito (winner Derby Cartaxo 2010). Followed by a visit to the wine fields and private residence of local wine producer Vale D'Algares. João Vilar (Sales & Marketing Director) gave a tour around the company, as a result of which we learned about the production of the various top wines made there. Naturally this tour was rounded off with a delicious wine tasting with tasty tapas.

It was now time for lunch. For this they selected a unique location, namely the private reception room / trophy room of famous matador Manuel Jorge de Oliveira. José Manuel Azenha Tereso (chairman FCI) also joined us. After lunch the daughter of Manuel Jorge de Oliveira gave a demonstration in the (private)arena behind the house, where she demonstrated the horse techniques necessary to a matador during the bull fights.

Then the entire party went to visit the local museum 'Museu Rural e do Vinho' where we learned about the history of Cartaxo. On display were, a.o. the traditional farming equipment used to make wine. It was then high time to visit the lofts of the Derby Cartaxo. The pigeons had to be basketted for the final race. It was a nice opportunity for us to take a look inside the lofts. When we arrived we met other Dutch participants who had travelled about 2.000 km by car to attend the final race. 

The pigeons were healthy and in good condition. The lofts were large, well ventilated and clean. On behalf of the FCI José Manuel Azenha Tereso made sure that everything was carried out according to the rules. A regional television crew was also present to film the basketting and arrival of the pigeons. In total there were 552 pigeons basketted for the final race of 350km (+/- 73% of the pigeons which were at the start of the Derby Cartaxo).

After basketting there was a friendly part evening with even more invitees including a.o. the lord mayor of Cartaxo. The musical accompaniment was traditional Portuguese Fado-music. The lord mayor also turned out to have musical talents. Everyone clearly enjoyed the food, drink and live-music. After this party we left for the Hotel Quinta Das Pratas which was only 200 metres from the lofts of the Derby Cartaxo.

Next morning at 08h00it was quite busy on the grounds of the Derby Cartaxo. The barbecue had already been lit for a ‘light’ breakfast in the form of fried bacon and sardines. The food and drink was free for all those present. The pigeons had been liberated at 06h30 with a strong NW-wind, which ensured that the pigeons would have a tough race. Starting at 11h00, many visitors slowly started moving from the barbecue to the lofts to watch the pigeons arrive. Large screens had been set up so that we could also clearly see the arrival of the pigeons on screen, together with the ring number and the owner of the pigeon.

The tension among the audience was becoming more apparent as the wait dragged on. After a few wild pigeons had flown over and caused the necessary hilarity, it finally happened at 11h58. One pigeon was seen in the distance with a second pigeon closely behind. The strong wind made it hard for these pigeons to land and they made a small round of honour. It was another 5 minutes before numbers 3 & 4 arrived. The top-50 was complete three quarters of an hour after the first pigeon. 

The first five were: 

1. Carlos Paixim (Portugal)       11:58:54   1.301 m/m
2. Rui Azevedo (Portugal)         11:59:23   1.299 m/m
3. Dutch Day Racers (Netherlands) 12:05:28   1.270 m/m
4. Josef Van Damme (Belgium)      12:05:31   1.270 m/m
5. Frieda Weins (Belgium)         12:07:04   1.263 m/m

After the first 50 pigeons had arrived we all went to the local manifestation area where once again free food and drink was served. Homage was paid to the winners of the Derby Cartaxo 2011. The first 50 pigeons were also sold here. The proceeds from this auction were 50% for the owner and 50% for the organisation.

Homage was also paid to Sérgio Ferreira (NL) by Mariano Villalba, organiser of the Derby de Andalucia 2011. Mariano had driven no less than 700km to officially honour Sergio and to hand over the prize money to the winner of this race three weeks ago. The same evening we were also invited by Mariano to dine with him, his wife and his daughter.

On the last day four visits to the lofts of provincial pigeon fanciers had been planned. Following these visits our driver João took us back to the airport in Lisbon for our return trip. This brought an end to a great trip. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you success with the preparations of the Derby Cartaxo 2012 (entrance fee €50 per pigeon). Once again, we would like to thank the entire Derby Cartaxo Team for the invitation and the lovely experience you allowed us to enjoy!

Here below you can see a photo report of this Derby Cartaxo event: