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Emerald Classic
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 30th September 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
AUCTION DETAILS 2012
The sale of the birds to compete in this year's grand final has now commenced and will be auctioned as follows:
Lots 21st to 41st are now open for bidding and are available to view on EMERALD CLASSIC AUCTIONS www.emeraldclassic.co.uk/auction this auction will close on Sunday 14th October at 20.00 (the first 10 will finish at 20.00 and the second 10 at 20.30)
Lots 42nd to 68th will commence on Saturday night the 6th October and will finish as above on Sunday 21st October a 20.00.
The auction of the top 20 prize winner and top 26 Ace Pigeons in this year's grand final will commence on Monday 15th October on the Belgium web site www.pitts.be contact Mr Ivan Willockx for details.
Please note that all pigeons presented for auction on either of the above two sites will be sold to the highest bidder at the appointed closing time they will not be going to a live sale room auction afterwards therefore all bid placed are genuine.
Unfortunately I will not be in a position to except last minute telephone bids for the auction closing on Sunday 14th October I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
GRAND FINAL
A full loft report for this final race will follow shortly.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 5th September 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
GRAND FINAL
With only four day to go the birds were trained today for the last time in preparation for Sunday's grand final from Ross Carberry a distance of 410km. The weather conditions forecast for Sunday should enable us to liberate on schedule unfortunately the wind is going to remain in the south. We are hoping for a steady race with good returns on the day, and would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone good luck. The loft will open at 11.00 am and every one is welcome.
ACE PIGEON
After five hotspot races the Ace Pigeon competition is wide open, only 30 minutes cover the top 12 birds with 5 different countries represented in the top 5 positions. Sundays Grand Final will not only see the Ace Pigeon crowned but the winner of the 2 bird average.
PEDIGREES
Despite a number of polite reminders there are still a number of pedigrees outstanding. Pedigrees which have not received prior to the race marking of the birds for this year's final unfortunately will result in those birds being excluded from the final result. There will be no more polite reminders.
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets for the final race can be downloaded from the web site; they will also be available at the loft on the morning of the race.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 31st August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 5
The following birds returned today
RED CLAY LOFTS | IE12-1002009 |
WWW PIGEONGD COM | MD12-1200129 |
TEAM GERMANY STEFANESCU | RO12-0927702 |
TEAM THOMAS | GB12-0037686 |
G + K JONES | GB12-0015433 |
TEAM THOMAS | GB12-0037683 |
5 ZIGEUNERS | IE12-1033705 |
TEAM THOMAS | GB12-0037679 |
PEDIGREES
Despite a number of polite reminders there are still a number of pedigrees outstanding. Pedigrees which have not received prior to the race marking of the birds for this year's final unfortunately will result in those birds being excluded from the final result. There will be no more polite reminders.
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool in Hotspot and final race.
RACE DAY
By now everyone should have received their booking form for this year's final race. Could I please ask all of those who intend being present for the final race or presentation dinner later that evening to return their form ASAP to facility the caterers.
Due to the lack of response a decision will to be made this weekend with regards to race day refreshments and the cancellation of the prize giving dinner.
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 29th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 5
Wednesday 29th August, 211 birds have been race marked this evening for Hotspot 5 from Mullingar we are hoping to liberate the birds early tomorrow morning as a hard race is anticipated. Weather conditions tomorrow are forecast as perfect with clear blue skies and a strong N NW wind a good 2 ½ to 3 hr fly is expected.
The following birds have not been race marked due to minor injuries or requiring time to recover. They will be trained over the next 10 days in readiness for the final race.
ALLEMEERSCH VAN PARYS | BE12-3013768 |
ALLEMEERSCH VAN PARYS | BE12-3013791 |
B + G LUECKING | DV12-3611478 |
BACO BULLETS | WH12-1014610 |
BALLYMACALDRICK LOFTS | GB12-1000773 |
BAMFORDS TOP FLIGHT | NW12-1000832 |
COMMON VIEW LOFTS | GB12-0041123 |
CORN DIRECT | IE12-1069502 |
DEBORAHS ANGELS | IE12-1097842 |
DELTA SIGMA FLEMISH | BE12-3017714 |
DOHERTY KIDS | SU12-1201328 |
GOODVIEW LOFTS | GB12-0016552 |
J L MADDEN | GB12-0043146 |
J O E | WH12-1011817 |
JAMMIE NO FENCER | GB12-0016582 |
JLN HOUBEN | BE12-6236268 |
KATHLANNA LOFTS | GB12-0016634 |
KNOWLES + REED | NE12-0102629 |
KNOWLES + REED | NE12-0108312 |
LAKESIDE LOFTS 08 | GB12-1016441 |
OLD PENTLAND BEES | SU12-1201311 |
S G STEFFL | DV12-8897860 |
SYNDICATE LOFTS UK | GB12-0022540 |
TEAM GERMANY R + S ROLFF | DV12-6599661 |
TEAM GERMANY STEFANESCU | RO12-0927706 |
TEAM GERMANY TONI DEIGNER | DV12-5950059 |
WYNANTS ROCKETS | BE12-6307419 |
PEDIGREES
Despite a number of polite reminders there are still a number of pedigrees outstanding. Pedigrees which have not received prior to the race marking of the birds for this year's final unfortunately will result in those birds being excluded from the final result. There will be no more polite reminders.
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool in Hotspot and final race.
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 29th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 5
Due to getting a very fast race yesterday from 225km and with the loss of only six birds the 5th and final hotspot in this years series will take place tomorrow Thursday 30th August the weather forecast we have for tomorrow shows clear blue skies, however with a strong N NW wind predicted it has been decided to liberate from 160km which all being well should result in a good three hour fly. This along with several short training toss next week will set the birds up for the final race on Sunday 9th September.
PEDIGREES
Despite a number of polite reminders there are still a number of pedigrees outstanding. Pedigrees which have not received prior to the race marking of the birds for this year's final unfortunately will result in those birds being excluded from the final result. There will be no more polite reminders.
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool in Hotspot and final race.
RACE DAY
By now everyone should have received their booking form for this year's final race. Could I please ask all of those who intend being present for the final race or presentation dinner later that evening to return their form ASAP to facility the caterers.
Due to the lack of response a decision will have to be made this weekend with regards to race day refreshments and the cancellation of the prize giving dinner.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 27th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 4
Monday 27th August 215 birds have been race marked this evening for Hotspot 4 from Carlow we are hoping to liberate around 10:00 am. Weather conditions are forecast as perfect with clear blue skies predicted unfortunately the wind is again strong Southerly. The following birds have not been race marked due to minor injuries or requiring time to recover. They will be returned to training over the next few days in readiness for the final race.
ALLEMEERSCH VAN PARYS | BE12-3013768 |
ALLEMEERSCH VAN PARYS | BE12-3013791 |
B + G LUECKING | DV12-3611478 |
BACO BULLETS | WH12-1014610 |
BALLYMACALDRICK LOFTS | GB12-1000773 |
BAMFORDS TOP FLIGHT | NW12-1000832 |
COMMON VIEW LOFTS | GB12-0041123 |
CORN DIRECT * | IE12-1069502 |
DEBORAHS ANGELS | IE12-1097842 |
DELTA SIGMA FLEMISH | BE12-3017714 |
DOHERTY KIDS | SU12-1201328 |
GOODVIEW LOFTS | GB12-0016552 |
J L MADDEN | GB12-0043146 |
J O E | WH12-1011817 |
JAMMIE NO FENCER | GB12-0016582 |
JLN HOUBEN | BE12-6236268 |
KATHLANNA LOFTS | GB12-0016634 |
KNOWLES + REED | NE12-0102629 |
OLD PENTLAND BEES | SU12-1201311 |
S G STEFFL | DV12-8897860 |
SYNDICATE LOFTS UK | GB12-0022540 |
TEAM GERMANY R + S ROLFF | DV12-6599661 |
TEAM GERMANY STEFANESCU | RO12-0927706 |
TEAM GERMANY TONI DEIGNER | DV12-5950059 |
HOTSPOT 5
There is a likely hood that the 5th and final Hotspot may be cancelled
TRAINING
Unfortunately due to the heavy rain it was not possible to train the birds today.
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool in Hotspot and final race.
RACE DAY
By now everyone should have received their booking form for this year's final race. Could I please ask all of those who intend being present for the final race or presentation dinner later that evening to return their form ASAP to facility the caterers.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 26th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 3
The birds were liberated in Kildare on Thursday morning at 11.30 what should have been a simple 2hr 20min fly turned into an all day affair with many birds spending a night out. Again from the injuries it looks as though they have been the victims of another peregrine strike, the reported losses of young birds this year in the UK have been horrendous and no one can explain exactly why. Weather conditions on Thursday were over cast which should have not been a problem and our convoyer reported encountering no rain on his return journey from Kildare until he got five miles from the loft and the roads were wet probably from the shower which passed through at 13:50 just as the winning birds arrived. Birds have been returning daily since Thursday four have been collected and are safely back in the recovery bay. These along with the injured birds will be back in training ASAP in readiness for the final race.
HOTSPOT 4
Weather permitting will take place this Tuesday 28th August
TRAINING
After two day of exercising around the loft the birds were trained again today a full result will be on line later today.
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool in Hotspot and final race.
RACE DAY
By now everyone should have received their booking form for this year's final race. Could I please ask all of those who intend being present for the final race or presentation dinner later that evening to return there form ASAP to facility the caterers.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 23rd August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 3
Thursday 23rd August 328 birds have been race marked this morning for Hotspot 3 race from Kildare we are hoping to liberate around 11:30. Weather conditions are over cast with showers forecast again this afternoon the wind is SSW 8 to 12mph, the following birds have not been race marked due to minor injuries or requiring time to recover. They will be returned to training ASAP in readiness for the final race.
BACO BULLETS | WH12-1014610 |
GOODVIEW LOFTS | GB12-0016552 |
DELTA SIGMA FLEMISH | BE12-3017714 |
ALLEMEERSCH VAN PARYS | BE12-3013768 |
TEAM GERMANY STEFANESCU | RO12-0927706 |
SYNDICATE LOFTS UK | GB12-0022540 |
J O E | WH12-1011817 |
CORN DIRECT * | IE12-1069502 |
DOHERTY KIDS | SU12-1201328 |
KNOWLES + REED | NE12-0102629 |
JLN HOUBEN | BE12-6236268 |
TEAM GERMANY R + S ROLFF | DV12-6599661 |
ALLEMEERSCH VAN PARYS | BE12-3013791 |
KATHLANNA LOFTS | GB12-0016634 |
TEAM GERMANY TONI DEIGNER | DV12-5950059 |
OLD PENTLAND BEES | SU12-1201311 |
HOTSPOT 4
Weather permitting will take place this Sunday 26th August
TRAINING
The birds were trained Tuesday and Wednesday in batched but were not times as the race clock was left on to record any returnees for Mondays Hotspot race. Unlike other one loft races "where I notice more birds are clocked than are sent to the race" the clock will only record birds which are race marked for that particular race and birds returning from previous races or training tosses will not be recorded.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 20th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 2
Monday 20th August 370 birds have been race marked for this morning Hotspot 2 race from Navan, the following 14 birds have not been race marked due to minor injuries or requiring time to recover from last week's race.
BACO BULLETS | WH12-1014610 |
JLN HOUBEN | BE12-6236268 |
BIRD FOR SALE CORN DIRECT * | IE12-1069502 |
TEAM GERMANY R + S ROLFF | DV12-6599661 |
SYNDICATE LOFTS UK RES | GB12-0022540 |
TEAM GERMANY TONI DEIGNER | DV12-5950059 |
TEAM GERMANY STEFANESCU | RO12-0927706 |
GOODVIEW LOFTS | GB12-0016552 |
DELTA SIGMA FLEMISH | BE12-3017714 |
KATHLANNA LOFTS | GB12-0016634 |
DOHERTY KIDS | SU12-1201328 |
ALLEMEERSCH VAN PARYS | BE12-3013768 |
J O E | WH12-1011817 |
WYNANTS ROCKETS | BE12-6085287 |
HOTSPOT 3
Weather permitting will take place this Thursday 23rd August
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 19th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 2
Monday 20th August
HOTSPOT 3
Thursday 23rd August
TRAINING
Birds were trained 55km on Saturday, and 75km today results are on line.
THE EMERALD CHALLENGE
WE HAVE A WINNER a big congratulations goes to Grizzly Adams whose Emerald Challenge single bird "Declared to Win Nomination" won 1st place out right in yesterdays Hotspot collecting a cool £2075.00 As a result a new completion for those wishing to participate will commence with hotspot 2. The total will again accumulate after each race (if not won) until we have a winner. However it has already been decided that the highest DTW nomination in this year's final will take the purse.
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool in Hotspot and final race.
RACE DAY
By now everyone should have received their booking form for this year's final race. Could I please ask all of those who intend being present for the final race or presentation dinner later that evening to return there form ASAP to facility the caterers.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 17th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 1
The following is a list of bird which returned today
BANDANNA LOFTS | GB12-0075548 |
GOODVIEW LOFTS | GB12-0016552 |
EDDIE MC GHEE | SU12-1202203 |
J O E | WH12-1011817 |
JLN HOUBEN | BE12-6236268 |
TEAM YORKISH | GB12-0021231 |
BIRD FOR SALE CU 02 * | CU12-1114167 |
G + K JONES | GB12-0015433 |
THE FINEST | GB12-0040005 |
SKELLOW LOFTS | GB12-0015485 |
GOLDSMITH LOFTS | GB12-0063778 |
THE FLYING JACKS | WH12-0103872 |
BANDANNA LOFTS | GB12-0075555 |
NORTH EAST SYNDICATE | NE12-0100160 |
BIRD FOR SALE OSBORNE+LEGG C ISLANDS | GB12-0021080 |
COMMON VIEW LOFTS | GB12-0041124 |
BANDANNA LOFTS | GB12-0075540 |
BEAUMONT LOFTS | IE12-1035246 |
THE FINEST | GB12-0063462 |
LIMERICK FLYERS | IE12-0112815 |
NORTH EAST SYNDICATE | NE12-0100966 |
G + K JONES | GB12-0015811 |
5 ZIGEUNERS | IE12-1033702 |
WALDRON LOFTS | GB12-0027659 |
LIMERICK FLYERS | IE12-0112814 |
GOLDSMITH LOFTS | GB12-0063721 |
J O E | WH12-1014730 |
TEAM GERMANY R + S ROLFF | DV12-6599692 |
TEAM GERMANY STEFANESCU | RO12-0927706 |
DOHERTY KIDS | SU12-1201328 |
DEBORAHS ANGELS | IE12-1097842 |
SYNDICATE LOFTS UK | GB12-0022540 |
HEINZ MISSY + ANNETTE GESSNER | DV12-4811020 |
GOLDENHILL WANDERER | SU12-1201044 |
JLN HOUBEN | BE12-6236062 |
S + A FOSTER | IE12-0105764 |
DOHERTY KIDS | SU12-1201560 |
DOHERTY KIDS | SU12-1201351 |
HILL MEN | GB12-0028675 |
TANGO + CASH SPACE SHIP 1 | IE12-1028804 |
TEAM YORKISH | GB12-0021695 |
SYNDICATE LOFTS UK | GB12-0022531 |
THREE IN ONE | GB12-1002005 |
NORTH EAST SYNDICATE | NE12-0100250 |
MC MULLAN | GB12-0030331 |
OWEN + HOGARTH | WH12-0105446 |
MARTIN MITCHELL | SU12-1201295 |
BALLYMACALDRICK LOFTS | GB12-1000774 |
J YOUNG + PARTNERS | GB12-0109609 |
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool in Hotspot and final race.
RACE DAY
By now everyone should have received their booking form for this year's final race. Could I please ask all of those who intend being present for the final race or presentation dinner later that evening to return there form ASAP to facility the caterers.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 17th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 1
The 430 birds race marked yesterday morning for hotspot 1 were liberated at 10.55am from the border town of Cullaville Co Armagh. Weather conditions were perfect and with a southerly wind what should have been a straight forward hour's fly for the 80km turned into an all day affair with injuries to confirm our suspicions that the birds had experience a peregrine strike. Shortly after noon two birds arrive together but were very nervous and before they trapped a single arrival joined them all three were timed some 10 minutes before the bulk of the main bunch arrived before locking up tonight some 380 have been recorded on our MEGA ET SYSTEM. Congratulation goes to all this week's winners.
THE EMERALD CHALLENGE
WE HAVE A WINNER a big congratulations goes to Grizzly Adams whose Emerald Challenge single bird "Declared to Win Nomination" won 1st place out right in yesterdays Hotspot collecting a cool £2075.00 As a result a new completion for those wishing to participate will commence with hotspot 2. The total will again accumulate after each race (if not won) until we have a winner. However it has already been decided that the highest DTW nomination in this year's final will take the purse.
BIRDS FOR SALE
There is still time to join the action in this year's race as a number of birds which have either not been paid or activated are now available to be purchased by anyone wishing to compete for the £20,000.00 guaranteed 1st prize in this year's race. The cost per bird is the entry fee £125.00 however this will increase by £25.00 after each HS race as detailed in rule 9 of this year's rules.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool in Hotspot and final race.
RACE DAY
By now everyone should have received their booking form for this year's final race. Could I please ask all of those who intend being present for the final race or presentation dinner later that evening to return there form ASAP to facility the caterers.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 12th August 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
HOTSPOT 1
It was our intention to have the first hotspot race in this year's series on Tuesday but unfortunately the heavy rain and strong wind curtailed our training program today and the forecast for tomorrow does not look much better. All being well the 1st Hotspot will now take place on THURSDAY of this week; entry form for this year's Emerald Challenge must be received by the first post on Wednesday morning at the latest. Anyone wishing to activate their reserve birds must do so before 12:00 noon on Wednesday prior to race marking for Thursdays Hotspot please bear in mind that if a reserve birds is not race marked for HS 1 the entry fee will be refunded in full.
TRAINING
Due to the heavy rain and strong wind it was not possible to train the birds today and with no improvement forecast for Monday it looks as though the birds will have to be exercised around the loft; hopefully weather permitting the birds will be on the road again on Tuesday.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year , instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool.
THE EMERALD CHALLENGE
Emerald Challenge single bird "Declared to Win Nomination" which was not won last year now sits at £1500.00 and will continue again this year over the hotspot races and grand final. The total will accumulate after each race (if not won) until we have a winner.
It has been decided that if not won outright by this year's final race it will go to the first DTW nomination. Currently only ten participants are eligible for this competition, as per the rules new competitors must back pay for the six 2011 races in order to participate.
FINAL WARNING
Disappointedly a number of initial entries still remain unpaid (not reserves) if they have not been paid but the time of race marking on Wednesday night they will be listed as Bird of Sale and sold on a first come first served basis along with any reserves which have not been activated prior to the first hotspot race, there will be NO more polite reminders. Please note in accordance with rule 9 the purchase price of "BIRDS FOR SALE" will increase by £25 after each hotspot race.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have been allocated to the Emerald Classic However these rooms "must be booked directly with the Hotel" please speak to Karen Tel 028 90 849221 to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic www.corrscorner.com
Rooms not booked by 30th July will be released back to the Hotel as they are fully booked on that weekend.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 31st July 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
LOFT LIST
After the settling period and a total of fifteen group training tosses a full list of the birds which were caught and manually scanned to check their ETS rings is now available on line under Training & Racing. Anyone wishing to activate reserve birds can do so at any time prior to next weekend hotspot race, please bear in mind that if a reserve birds is not race marked for hotspot 1 the entry fee will be refunded in full.
TRAINING
We are hoping to liberate all the birds together over the weekend weather permitting.
A daily training result will then be available on line.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year as only a small number of people are participating in the hotspot pools, instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool.
THE EMERALD CHALLENGE
Emerald Challenge single bird "Declared to Win Nomination" which was not won last year now sits at £1500.00 and will continue again this year over the hotspot races and grand final. The total will accumulate after each race (if not won) until we have a winner.
It has been decided that if not won outright in this year's final race it will go to the first DTW nomination. Currently only ten participants are eligible for this competition, as per the rules new competitors must back pay for the six 2011 races in order to participate..
FINAL WARNING
Disappointedly a number of initial entries still remain unpaid (not reserves) if they have not been paid but the time the loft list is compiled this week they will be listed as Bird of Sale and sold on a first come first served basis along with any reserves not activated prior to the first hotspot race, there will be NO more polite reminders. Please note in accordance with rule 9 the purchase price of "BIRDS FOR SALE" will increase by £25 after each hotspot race.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have again been allocated to the Emerald Classic. However these rooms must be booked directly with the Hotel please visit their web site via the links section of our web site and speak to Karen to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Thank you
JOHN H BOYD
RACE DIRECTOR
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 22nd July 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
ENDURANCE
History was made this afternoon on the Champs Elysees in Paris, after 21 days, a gruelling 3500km and over 87 hours in the saddle Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome from Team Sky secured a brilliant 1st and 2nd for the UK in the prestigious Tour de France. This is the first time in the 99 year history of the event that a British Cyclist has retained the yellow jersey "in what must be the world's toughest sporting event" the whole way to Paris to win the overall classification by a resounding 3min 21sec. I only hope he can go on to equal some of the worlds legends of the sport Anquetil, Merckx, Hinault, Indurain, and Armstrong.
TRAINING
Training to date this year has been disrupted very badly due to the atrocious weather conditions which have been affecting the whole of the United Kingdom now for several weeks bringing with it torrential rain and flash flooding, twice this month we has seen the brook in front of the loft engulfing the foot bridge and this is summer? However the birds have received several tosses in small batches and this week will be manually scanned for a loft list which will be published on the web site under training. As soon as all the birds are being liberated together a daily training result will be available on line. Although the 23rd July was the published date for reserve activations this date will be extended until a week prior to the first HS which will take place in early August.
POOL SHEETS
Pool sheets will NOT be posted out this year as only a small number of people are participating in the hotspot pools, instead they will be available to download from the web site for those wishing to pool.
THE EMERALD CHALLENGE
Emerald Challenge single bird "Declared to Win Nomination" which was not won last year now sits at £1500.00 and will continue again this year over the hotspot races and grand final. The total will accumulate after each race (if not won) until we have a winner.
It has been decided that if not won outright in this year's final race it will go to the first DTW nomination. Currently only ten participants are eligible for this competition.
FINAL WARNING
Disappointedly a number of initial entries still remain unpaid (not reserves) if they have not been paid by the time the loft list is compiled this week they will be listed as Bird of Sale and sold on a first come first served basis along with any reserves not activated prior to the first hotspot race, there will be NO more polite reminders. Please note in accordance with rule 9 the purchase price of "BIRDS FOR SALE" will increase by £25 after each hotspot race.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is generously supplying a range of supplements.
IMMPORTANT INFORMATION
May I take this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year's final race on Sunday 9th September that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have again been allocated to the Emerald Classic. However these rooms must be booked directly with the Hotel please visit their web site via the links section of our web site and speak to Karen to obtain our special rate please inform her that you are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or 0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition in Europe
Best wishes to all
John H Boyd - Race Director
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 27th May 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
It has been
a very busy four months since the loft open at the beginning of February to
except the entries for this year’s Emerald Classic which is now going into its 5th
year and recognised by many as Europe’s Premier International One Loft Race and
definitely the place to be if you want to test your pigeons against some of the
world’s best.
Our
percentage record for the past four years has been second to none and this is
evident from the entries which have been arriving stead at the loft from some
of the world’s top fanciers in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland North &
South, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Hungry, Romania, Moldova Republic, Malta, Portugal,
Canada and the Channel Islands.
Again we
are deeply indebted to John Millar who circum navigates the UK and Ireland faithfully very week in all
weather conditions to collect and deliver our entries.
Over 600
birds from 14 different countries have been delivered to the loft for this year’s
event I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported the
Emerald Classic this year again, with overseas Team entries from Team Germany, Team Belgium
Masters, Team Romania, Team Moldova, and Team Malta.
We have
also received tremendous support this year from Belgium and Holland with
outstanding entries from Alex Allemeersch & Corry Van Parys winner’s of 1st
Ace Pigeon 2011 Belgium Masters, Marc Pollin winner of 1st Open 2011
Belgium Masters, Dominique Velghe who owns one of the finest collections of
direct Andre Verbesselt ( whose recent
clearance sale on PIPA grossed 1.4 million euro) pigeons in Belgium, JL & N
Houben who family of pigeons have excelled in the Million Dollar Pigeon Race,
the world famous Herbot Brothers, Noel
& Ivan Willockx, Jan Hermans, Harco Polman, Jos De Ritter, Belgica De Weerd
Boscheind Flyers to name but a few. For the 60 plus Belgium
entries I would like to take this
opportunity to thank our Belgium
agent Ivan Willockx of www.pitts.be for who
will be conducting the auction of the top 20 prize winners and top 20 Ace
pigeons in this year’s grand final.
Closer to
home we have entries from Peter Fox Syndicate Lofts, Derek Parr Lakeside Lofts three
past winners of the Emerald Classic W Gray & Son Ian, Hennie & Anette
Kallmeyer, and Danny Dixon. RPRA
One Loft Race winners Richard Owen & Ken Hogarth, two past Europa winners
Mr & Mrs William Lewis, Ken Darlington, last year’s runners up Connor
Whelan & Brendan Mc Cann, Philip & Mark Smith who has been the most
successfully Irish compeditor in the MDPR for the past 4 years, Sheldon Leonard
who not only owns one of the finest collections of direct Janssen pigeons but
the actual nest mates of those recently sold on PIPA for an astonishing average
of €21,400.00 each, yes each!, this is just a small selection with pure quality
like this we are in for an exciting 2012 a full inventory of this year’s
entries will be available on line shortly.
ATTENTION
Disappointedly
a number of initial entries still remain unpaid (not reserves) if they have not
been paid but the time the inventory list is compiled they will be listed as
Bird of Sale there will be no more polite reminders.
THANK YOU
I would
like to thank our new sponsors for 2012, and welcome on board one of Northern Ireland longest established feed companies
Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) www.mccauslandsseeds.com to supply
the Emerald Classic with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming
season and Dr Frode Brakstad CEO of Pigeon Vitality in Norway www.pigeonvitality.com who is
generously supplying a range of supplements.
Important information
May I take
this opportunity to remind everyone intending to visit us for this year’s final
race on Sunday 9th September
that a limited number of rooms in Corrs Corner have again been allocated to the
Emerald Classic. However these rooms must be booked directly
with the Hotel please visit their web site via the links section of our web
site and speak to Karen to obtain our special rate please inform her that you
are attending the 2012 Emerald Classic.
For further
information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0044 (0) 7799 543334 or
0044 (0) 2893 340175 we look forward to welcoming you to the best competition
in Europe
Thank You
John H Boyd - Race Director
LOFT MANAGERS REPORT - 10th
February 2012
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
1st PRIZE £20,000.00 GUARANTEED
Welcome to the 5th Emerald Classic
International One Loft Race recognised by many as the most successful One Loft Race
in the United Kingdom and Europe when you compare our overall percentages in particular
our final race returns.
The loft opened on the 4th of February and already the first entries in this year's
exciting event have arrived and are settled into their new surroundings in preparation
of this year's series of races cumulating with the Grand Final on 9th September
where the 1st Prize is a
GUARANTEED £20,000.00 yes
GUARANTEED
It has been a busy period since last year's final, between organising the auctions
for the disposal of the birds that completed the 2011 programme, attending the various
shows to promote this year's race, and putting thing in place for this year's event.
One of which is a sponsorship deal with one of Northern Ireland longest established
feed companies Samuel McCausland Ltd (founded in 1825) to supply the Emerald Classic
with a full range of top quality mixtures for the coming season.
Having also been appointed their agent for East Antrim this full range of mixtures
will be available to the public from the Emerald Classic Lofts Ballyclare.
APPOINTMENTS
We are also proud to announce
the appointment of Ivan Willockx www.pitts.be
as our agent for Belgium & France and Rui Emidio www.goldenracealgarve.com
as our agent for Portugal & Spain and we are hope to announce several new appointments
over the next week.
The Emerald Classic has been appointed the agent for the Golden Race in the
Portuguese Algarve www.goldenracealgarve.com
which will take place on 28th September entries will be shipped during the months
of March April & May anyone interested in competing in this exciting new event
or visiting the final race please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@emeraldclassic.co.uk
or telephone 0044 (0) 2893 340175 for further details.
We will also be shipping birds to races in Germany, Romania, Moldova, Belgium and
Thailand.
The response to this year's event have been over whelming however there are still
a few spaces available these will be allocated on a first come first served basis
please do not hesitate to contact us. May I take this opportunity
to thank our existing customers for their continued support and welcome all our
new customers to what is going to be an exciting International event in 2012.
Looking forward to another successful race in 2012
Best wishes to all
John H Boyd - Race Director
LOFT
MANAGERS REPORT - 7th October 2011
"Irelands Premier International One Loft Race"
FINAL RACE REPORT:
It gives me great pleasure to open this year's final race report with the exciting
news that next year's 1st PRIZE of £20.000 is GUARANTEED, "YES GUARANTEED".
Having been the most successful one loft race in the UK, Ireland, and perhaps even
in Europe (based on this year's results) for the 4th consecutive year.
London may be hosting the 2012 Olympics but we hope to have our own Olympic event
here in Northern Ireland by growing the current International participation, which
consisted of no less than 14 countries this year, space to be allocated by receipt
of deposit on a first come first served basis.
It seems like only yesterday since
we opened the loft to accept the first arrivals for this year's Emerald Classic
International One Loft Race, and like most others the current global recession had
its effect resulting in numbers being down from last year, however we still managed
to take in 658 birds from 14 different nationalities, 627 of which received ETS
rings in June. After numerous training tosses 486 birds were race marked for
the first Hotspot race and in addition to that we still had another 21 birds in
the recovery bay, some may ask why? The answer is simple, here at the
Emerald Classic we will not basket birds if we do not think they are capable of
getting home, I didn't do it with my own birds whenever I raced and I certainly
will not do it with someone else's birds, which after all were entered to compete
in the grand final. I have received numerous compliments for this -
never a complaint!
Again for the 4th year in succession our percentages have been unequalled - after
a total of five hotspot races up to 225km and numerous daily training tosses 381
birds were race marked for this year's final which represents 58% of our intake
and 75% of the birds prior to HS1. With 331 birds recorded we had an 87% return
from what many regard to be the toughest 410km route in the One Loft calendar.
Although the numbers were down the quality of entry was not. Again we received
numerous entries from around Europe, the biggest coming from Team Germany, a professional
syndicate comprising some of the country's best fanciers, along with Teams from
Belgium, Romania, Moldova and Malta and entries from Alex Allemeersch & Corry
Van Parys Belgium, Boscheind Flyers Netherlands, to name but a few.
Closer to home, we had support from some of the top lofts in the UK and Ireland
for example Mr & Mrs Bill Lewis winners of the Europa One Loft Race, three RPRA
one loft race winners Peter Robinson (2009), Richard Owen & Ken Hogarth (2010),
Phil Bond (2011), Peter Fox of the world renowned Syndicate Lofts partnership Colijn/Gannus/Fox
who have won numerous OL races around the world. Danny Dixon winner
of 4 Nationals and one of the top section B lofts in the mighty NIPA, W Gray &
Son winners of the SNFC one loft race & Emerald Classic (2009), Hennie
& Anette Kallmeyer winners of the 2010 Emerald Classic. This is just a
small example of the quality that competes with the Emerald Classic and trusts us
with their best!
As soon as the 5th and final hotspot was over the bird were given a 2 week break
during this time they were trained daily which proved very difficult this year due
to the heavy rain and high winds which dominated the UK weather throughout the month
of September. Having been in consultation with our Race Controller Alan
Darragh for a number of days leading up to this year's final, it was decided to
race mark the birds on Thursday in case we would have to bring the race forward
to Saturday. Race marking was carried out swiftly and efficiently as usual under
the supervision of Leslie, Fred, David and our Convoyer Billy Bisset. As soon
as the birds were race marked and wing stamped they were returned to the aviaries
and the loft was securely locked. I am deeply indebted to Gerard & Colin
who looked after the security of the birds during the Thursday and Friday night.
Saturday morning dawned with little
change in the weather but a decision was made that we would proceed with the race
as scheduled, however there was a "but", if a window was not available on
Sunday morning the birds would be brought home again - a decision I was hoping
would not have to be made! Just after lunch time the birds were
hampered and loaded onto the transporter under the supervision of Billy and assistance
from some of our many overseas visitors who had arrived from England, Scotland,
Wales, Germany, Belgium and Ireland. As soon as the transporter was loaded
and the water tanks filled, the release mechanism was locked and the keys were handed
over to Billy who left for Ross Carberry at 3pm.
It was then time to relax and entertain
our guests, the general topic of discussion over the many beers consumed was how
well the birds were looking, some commenting that they had never seen birds in any
one loft race look so well and they had attended many! Along with some
of our German visitors I had birds competing that afternoon in the German Ostseereennen
a 402km one loft race which had an entry of over 1600 bird mainly from some of the
country's top lofts. Logging on to the live result showed that due to bad
weather, the birds had not been liberated in Apeldoorn until 11.45 and presently
no birds had been clocked. The afternoon passed quickly with the Scots
and English holding up the bar and the Germans watching the computer, then all of
a sudden a shout went up from Werner - "3rd John" - it transpired that 5 birds had
arrived together and I had just won 3rd Open & 1st UK.!!
That gave me something to celebrate later that evening as we socialised with our
many overnight guests in the comfortable surroundings of Corrs Corner Hotel, the
attentiveness of the staff and high standard of accommodation and food was commented
on by all.
Sunday morning arrived and it was not
taking time to rain and the wind was turning the leaves on the trees I thought my
worst fears were going to be realised and the birds would be coming home again,
no one will ever realise what a weight was lifted off my shoulders when I received
a call from Alan Darragh who confirmed the weather in Ross Carbery was near perfect,
however rain was on its way. In preparation for an early release the
birds were taken out to the liberation site at 6:45am and the drinkers were filled,
following numerous weather checks by Alan, a decision was made to liberate at 9.00
am. Billy phoned after 9.00am to confirm that the birds were "up" and had
cleared without turning.
The atmosphere at the loft was buzzing, with the brisk west/south west wind making
it colder than previous years, the skies were heavy and the thick cloud was moving
fast. With a mixture of different accents around the tables you could have been
enjoying lunch in any typical European city! Temperatures were raised even
further with a menu of Irish stew, chilli and baked potatoes, washed down with a
wide selection of beverages including the traditional Guinness.
I had just finished making the necessary preparations whenever a shout went up "there
are two birds" at first I thought they were returning from a previous outing as
it was only 12:30, it was not until they flashed up on the plasma screen suspended
over the bar and confirmation from Leslie who was overseeing the Mega Electronic
Timing System, that they were in fact race birds. Several minutes then passed
before a constant stream of birds started to arrive, this continued throughout the
afternoon and by 20:05pm a total of 303 birds had been timed.
Winner of this year's Emerald Classic International One Loft Race.
1st Prize, The Boyd Memorial Cup and 1st Country trophy goes to Danny Dixon from
Dunloy in Co. Antrim, Danny needs no introduction, having been the most successful
loft in Section B of the mighty NIPA in 2010 and his winner now named "NINE ELEVEN"
brings the total of National winners bred by him to four. Danny couldn't believe
that we had a race as the weather in Dunloy was horrendous and visibility zero whenever
I phoned to congratulate him, let alone he had won it!
2nd & 3rd Prize, the Trophies,
1st Country Trophy and the Lakeside Trophy for the best 2
bird average in this year's final goes to Corn Direct with pigeons bred by Brendan
Mc Cann & Sons and entered by Connor Whelan from Bray in Co Wicklow although
not present for the race, Connor and his father managed to make it up for the dinner
and presentation. Sixty one seconds covered the next twenty five birds
4th 7th & 2nd Ace Pigeon going to Team Germany with an entry bred by Heinz
Missey & Annette Gessner closely followed by 5th Boscheind Flyers Andre van
de Weil & Jan Schreuder from the Netherlands. 6th Wilhelm Linke from Germany
who also took 14th & 22nd, 8th Team Romania D Mihai & Bibi Stefanescu, 9th
Reinhard & Sebastian Rolff from Germany, 10th Tom Laskey & Brian Robinson
from Gateshead in Tyne & Wear, with their super little hen "Layel Girl" who
came so close to winning this year's newly introduced "Declared to Win" competition
which has accumulated £1500 over the six races and will now rollover to Hotspot
1 in 2012.
That rounds up the top ten in this
year's final which saw six different nationalities being represented.
The accolade for having the Ace Pigeon in this year's series goes to brothers Brian
& Peter Fox of Syndicate Lofts UK from Bangor in North Wales. Peter
needs no introduction being one of the partners in the world renowned Colijn Ganus
Fox Syndicate with lofts in Indiana and Netherlands housing countless champions.
The Gala Dinner took place later that night and following an excellent 4 course
meal in the Mulberry Suite, of Corrs Corner Hotel, the presentation of prizes by
our guest of honour, Jeff Greenaway from Universal Pigeon Products, took place.
With the presentation over, dancing continued into the early hours to a wide selection
of music provided by the "Mighty Quinn".
Although the music ended at 1.00am, the party continued into the wee small hours,
it seemed like a good idea at the time - but having to entertain numerous visitors
at the loft on Monday morning - it certainly wasn't!
A big thank you goes to the following people who have helped make the Emerald Classic
the resounding and world recognised International success it has become over the
past four years:-
Our very generous sponsors: Mr & Mrs Brian Wall of Gem Supplements, Alan Bamford
of Top Flight Pigeon Corn, Frederic Basch & Leslie Madden of Mega Systems, Dr
O J Botha of Avio Med, Simon Carr of Carr's, Derek Parr of Lakeside Lofts for the
Beautiful 2 Bird Trophy, Jeff Greenaway Universal Pigeon Products, John Millar logistics
who delivers birds to us through rain, hail, sleet and snow (of which we had plenty
this year) and last but not least the most competent and professional Billy
Reynolds for his press coverage over the year.
Race Controller: Alan Darragh who has made the Emerald Classic over the past 4 years.
Training & Convoyer: Billy Bissett
Race Marking: Leslie, Audrey, Fred, David, and Billy
Race Day: The Caterers, The Bar Staff, Waitresses and everyone else who helped
The management and staff of Corrs Corner Hotel who provided an excellent meal, accommodation
and made all our guests most welcome and to Valerie for co-ordinating everything
and ferrying everyone around before, during and after race day.
Finally a "Big Thank You" to everyone who has supported us and have helped to make
us the
No. 1 "INTERNATIONAL ONE LOFT RACE" in EUROPE
I hope that many old and new faces will join us again next year where the 1st Prize
will be a guaranteed £20000. We will continue with what we know best and that
is running a professional one loft race, keeping our clients informed and getting
as many of our entries to that all important final race. Rules and regulations
for 2012 can be downloaded from our web site. www.emeraldclassic.co.uk
, perch space will be allocated on a first come first served basis so please don't
be disappointed as we expect to be oversubscribed for the 2012 "Olympic" event.
A big congratulation goes to ALL this year's prize winners.
Best wishes,
John H Boyd - Race Director
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