LATEST NEWS

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 5^th 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 1^st Ace Pigeon 2011 Belgium Masters, Marc Pollin winner of 1^st 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 9^th 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

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