サンシティーミリオンダラーピジョンレース：ロフトレポート － ホットスポットレース５ － 更新：優勝鳩の写真＆血統書

After an hour and a half, the journey preceded in perfect conditions to arrive mid-afternoon at Warrenton the venue for this important step of preparation for the uncompromising final. This would not only improve the understanding of the individuals but also provide valuable experience for those not fully in tune with what was expected of them. That some would find the lesson beyond their capability and therefore choose a less demanding course is inevitable.

On Friday evening a frantic international call was received by the organizers to ask that due to the head winds and warm conditions forecast for Saturday that the distance be shortened.

The conditions of entry clearly state to graduate, students must expect to complete the syllabus which would include the final exam which would take between 9 and 10 hours. History has proved that to lower standards achieves nothing other than promote mediocrity. With this in mind the questions set by the examiners were felt to be fair, constructive and well within the ability of the class of 2012 that has shown their willingness to pay attention. Reassurance was given to the caller that the pigeons were in good nick and capable of standing up to the test.

In clear conditions with a more than fresh, north easterly head on wind, the pigeons were set free for the journey of 380 km (138 miles) back to Sun City. Dave reported on route that no rain was encountered but that the wind in places was stronger and with temperatures rising, the pigeons would experience typical race day conditions. This was then also the opinion of both Jan Venter and Corrie Naude who felt that with east in the wind a speed of between 60 and 65 km/hour (38 and 40 miles/hour) would be the order of the day. With breakfast a thing of the past the spectators who had envisaged an early arrival were clearly becoming anxious as another race taking place with the same liberation time and a shorter distance had no arrivals and their 60km/hour mark (38 mile/hour) had long gone. All fears were dispelled as right on the predicted arrival time the first batch pitched having put up a speed of 63,4km (39,6miles) per hour. How fortunate for the typical race day conditions to prevail for this important run!

A feast of nations as the result became known. Predictions of a fiercely contested final are on the cards as 12 countries had contenders in the first 20. Pride of place went to Holland who’s well known sons Belgica – de Weerd scooped the first prize of the motor car as well as a 5000 USD country challenge prize to keep the tank full for years to come. Their pigeon Erins Tuition by paying attention in class also paid its school fees. The test was passed with flying colours by the front runners. The first six positions in all nomination categories were won by pigeons placed in the top 21. Just a few seconds prevented USA Team Elite from grabbing an unprecedented double car win with their fantastic pigeon Bb 31. If its name is indeed a derivative from the pellet gun serious thought should be given to renaming it Bazooka 1. Australia’s J and J Lofts with their Jades Joy and UK’s Manchesters Maestros with their Plutology deserve high praise for their pupil’s results. Jades Joy finished top of the class in the Hot Spot Car Averages and Plutology has all the answers in the Nomination races. 5000USD prizes were also won by Germany’s Jochen Huenten, USA’s Team Elite, Denmark’s Henrik Meldgaard and Belgium’s Maurice Mattheeuws. Further USD 1000 prizes were won by countries in the top 200.
Those going forward having graduated at the top of the class in the knock out competition are Australia with 5 contestants, Belgium 6, Canada 1, Czech 1, Germany 28 , Hungary with an outstanding 3 from a very small entry, Italy 1, Kuwait 3, Netherlands 6, Romania 1, Slovakia 1, UK 10 , USA 7 and South Africa 11. What is remarkable about this illustrious bunch is that they were all home in the top 369. That no country or section of the hemisphere can rest on their laurels is evident.

We as the trainers and teachers sincerely hope that we will be spared the embarrassment of seeing one of our charges deprived of climbing the podium because of lack of belief in it by its breeder. To have graduated from High School makes them all worthy of University entrance, pay for your reserve pigeons, they have done the hard work they deserve their just reward.

All that is now left is a bit of revision which with the help of the weather should smoothly. Thank you for affording us the pleasure to work with such a great bunch of kids!

Henk De Weerd neemt zijn auto in ontvangst

Klik hier om de pedigree van de winnende duif te bekijken.