News

RACE REPORT HOTSPOT 5

Hotspot 5 from 450 km was raced on Saturday July 25th. The pigeons had a strong crosswind and tail wind at times. The daytime temperature was cool with a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius. Our tracking pigeons flew up to a maximum altitude of 1817 meters above sea level, which is approximately 800 meters above ground.

As was predicted, the race was fast for the pigeons that managed to stay on line. The later returning pigeons were blown to the west and came back from the Botswana direction, flying into a headwind back to the loft. Of the 968 pigeons sent to the race 824 returned by the time the clock was stopped. This is a 85% return.  Several of the pigeons sustained minor hawk injuries with one requiring stitching. Most of the pigeons are in good condition but several of the later birds will require extended rest.

We have given the pigeons some rest and will toss them before Race 9 as they have performed well during loft flying. Race 9 will be sometime next week but probably on Tuesday depending on the wind conditions. Non activated Reserve pigeons will be offered for sale after the clock has been stopped for Race 9.

Up to this time we have had 71 training tosses, 39 live tosses and races and the pigeons have done 4162 km of air kilometres in the program so far with Race 9, some training and the Final still to come. The high winds and sometimes high temperatures, arid dry terrain and high raptor population is truly a test of the best and we look forward to seeing the winners of the Ace Bird, Team Competition and various other competitions which will be decided on the results of the Final Race. This is the culmination of extensive training and racing over the past 12 months.

We will try and select the Final race day to be moderate conditions with not too strong a headwind so we may adjust the race day if necessary, but the maximum daytime temperature is expected to have risen by then.

The majority of pigeons that have recovered from injuries have been given several tosses up to 216 km, most of which have come back well enough to go back into the main flock. You will be able to follow their results on the live tosses and Race 9.

Congratulations to the prize money winners for Hotspot 5!

Club Competition

The Club Competition has now ended. Congratulations to the top 5 winning clubs!

Full club results here; https://www.victoriafallswcpr.com/results.php?opt=6

Here are the current top 10 Super Ace birds;

Full Super Ace standings here - https://www.victoriafallswcpr.com/results.php?opt=9

Best wishes

Geoff Armand

Race Director