The 24th South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race 2020

“FIRST INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE” ON
THE 24th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE
(THE BIGGEST & GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD!)
(THE RACE WITH THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD)
(THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN THE PIGEON WORLD)
DUE TO BE HELD AT
HERON BANKS GOLF & RIVER ESTATE,
SOUTH AFRICA
ON
SATURDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2020.

A NEW SEASON STARTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUNSHINE.
OVERALL PRIZE MONEY IS US$1.60 MILLION US DOLLARS (£1.33 MILLION POUNDS).
1st PRIZE IS A STAGGERING US$300,000 (£250,000).

THE 5 x HOT SPOT RACES IN THE 2019/20 RACE SERIES WILL PAY OUT US$247,500 (£206,250) IN PRIZE MONEY.
36 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES ENTER 3,632 PIGEONS.
RACE RESULTS FOR TRAINING RACES 1, 2 & 3.

Well once again The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race is entering yet another year in its twenty-fourth year history. After spending its first sixteen years in outstanding Sun City Resort, then moving to Linbro Park for the next few four years a decision had to be made to move the race lofts because of the massive industrial units that were being built right up to the side of the lofts. This in itself made it very difficult to fly the pigeons around the race lofts, so after the final race at Linbro Park in February 2016 it was finally decided move the race lofts and to look for a new long term venue. It was finally decided not to move the old lofts but to build a brand new 370 foot (113 metres) state of the art race loft on the fantastic Heron Banks Golf & River Estate, Sasolburg, Free State, South Africa (www.heronbanks.co.za) and this is where the The 21st, 22nd & 23rd SAMDPR, took place and now The 24th SAMDPR will be also be taking place at this superb venue for the fourth time.

It should also be mentioned that the SAMDPR has moved into a new era and last year fitted a brand new state of the art BENZING ELECTRONIC CLOCKING SYSTEM. The 96 clocking traps/stalls have been completely revamped and checked out by the superb Benzing Team and this will of course be used again for the 2019/20 Training and Race series.

With all the quarantine finally over and all the pigeons received from all over the world, the next task for the Loft Staff was to break all the pigeons to the race loft at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and then get them used to flying around their new home and surroundings. After a few weeks of the pigeons being allowed out to see outside the loft under the net placed over the concrete trapping area, they then had their wings soaped for about a week and then they finally were let outside the loft to walk around on the grass and get used to the area and surroundings. Finally taking to the skies and covered the surrounding countryside. As each day passed the pigeons were forced to keep in the sky for longer periods and only when Willi, Corrie, Andre & Maitland thought they were ready to start their road work did the short training tosses start.

The 36 countries that entered 3,632 pigeons this year were as follows:- Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Moldova, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Numerous fanciers from other countries have also entered pigeons in to the race but because they are restricted from entering because of restrictions issued by their governments or by the South African authorities, many of these fanciers are involved in syndicates, teams or partnerships, which once again makes this 24th SAMDPR a really truly international pigeon race.

The first Official Loft Listing was published on the SAMDPR Website on Friday 23rd August 2019 and once again it has been a remarkable year for this truly prestigious international pigeon race and this list showed we had 3,632 pigeons entered from 36 different countries. The second Official Loft Listing was published on Friday 6th September 2019 and this list showed 3,611 pigeons were still in the race loft. The third Official Loft Listing was published on Friday 20th September 2019 and this showed 3,500 pigeons still in the race loft. The fourth Official Loft Listing was put up on the SAMDPR Website on Saturday 5th October 2019 and showed 3,436 pigeons were still in the race loft. The fifth Official Loft Listing was put up on the SAMDPR Website on Saturday 12th October 2019 and this showed 3,406 pigeons were still in the race loft.

A few short training toss took place from Vaalpark only 3.68km (2 miles) so that the pigeons got used to being basketed and then put on to the transporter and driven a short distance and then liberated. All the pigeons were basketed and liberated a few baskets at a time and they made their way back to the race loft. These first few short tosses are really just to get the pigeons used to the training/race baskets and then being liberated from the transporter.

*****PLEASE NOTE:- This 2019/20 race programme below can be altered at any time, if the weather is not suitable another day will be selected. Also some of the race distances may alter slightly depending on the previous race or how the pigeons are coping with the earlier tosses and races. It should also be noted that there are more races in a week now, hopefully three a week and there are races now taking place on Sunday’s, Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Thursday’s and Saturday’s.

The following race programme was agreed and is on the SAMDPR Website for all to see and study:- Pre-Training Race 1 would be held on Wednesday 16th October 2019 from 5km (3 miles), followed by Pre-Training Race 2 on Saturday 19th October 2019 from 15km (9 miles), followed by Pre-Training Race 3 on Wednesday 23rd October 2019 from 25km (16 miles), then Pre-Training Race 4 on Saturday 26th October 2019 from 30km (19 miles), then Pre-Training Race 5 on Wednesday 30th October 2019 from 30km (19 miles).

Official Training Race 1 will be on Saturday 2nd November 2019 from 60km (37 miles), then Training Race 2 on Tuesday 5th November 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 3 on Thursday 7th November 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 4 on Saturday 9th November 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 5 on Tuesday 12th November 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 6 on Thursday 14th November 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 7 on Saturday 16th November 2019 from 115km (71 miles), followed by Training Race 8 on Tuesday 19th November 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 9 on Thursday 21st November 2019 from 60 km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 10 on Saturday 23rd November 2019 from 115km (71 miles), followed by Training Race 11 on Wednesday 27th November 2019 from 60km (37 miles). Then HOT SPOT 1 will take place on Saturday 30th January 2019 from 165km (103 miles), followed by Training Race 11 on Tuesday 15th January 2019 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 12 on Wednesday 4th December 2019 from 62km (39 miles). Then HOT SPOT 2 will take place on Saturday 7th December 2019 from 210km (131 miles), followed by Training Race 13 on Tuesday 10th December 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 14 on Thursday 12th December 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 15 on Saturday 14th December 2019 from 115km (71 miles), followed by Training Race 16 on Wednesday 18th December 2019 from 60km (37 miles). Then HOT SPOT 3 will take place on Saturday 21st December 2019 from 265km (165 miles), followed by Training Race 17 on Tuesday 24th December 2019 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 18 on Saturday 28th December 2019 from 115km (71 miles). We then move into the New Year and start with Training Race 19 on Wednesday 1st January 2020 from 62km (39 miles), followed by HOT SPOT 4 on Saturday 4th January 2020 from 300km (186 miles), followed by Training Race 20 on Tuesday 7th January 2020 from 62km (39 miles), followed by Training Race 21 on Thursday 9th January 2020 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 22 on Saturday 11th January 2020 from 115km (71 miles), followed by Training Race 23 on Wednesday 15th January 2020 from 60km (37 miles), followed by HOT SPOT 5 on Saturday 18th January 2020 from 350km (217 miles), followed by Training Race 24 on Tuesday 21st January 2020 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 25 on Thursday 23rd January 2020 from 60km (37 miles), followed by Training Race 26 on Saturday 25th January 2020 from 60km (37 miles). A few more short training tosses will take place over the next few days with basketing taking place on Thursday 30th January 2020. Then the FINAL RACE takes place on Saturday 1st February 2020 from 525km (326 miles).

The Race Organisers (Air Sport Internationale) and all the Official Loft Staff in South Africa wish all fanciers/entrants/syndicates and competitors from literally all over the world the best of luck during the forthcoming 2019/20 race series.

LIVESTREAM was up and running for all these 5 x Pre-Training Races.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 1 took place on Wednesday 16th October 2019 from 3km (2 miles) and were liberated from 07.15 a few baskets at a time and a total of 3,377 pigeons were officially clocked, plus 7 more pigeons that returned to the loft.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 2 took place on Saturday 19th October 2019 from 6km (4 miles) and were liberated from 07.05 a few baskets at a time and a total of 3,345 pigeons were officially clocked, plus 12 more pigeons returned to the loft.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 3 took place on Wednesday 23rd October 2019 from 13km (8 miles) and were liberated from 07.10 a few baskets at a time and a total of 3,315 pigeons were officially clocked, plus 11 more pigeons returned to the loft.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 4 took place on Saturday 26th October 2019 from 23km (14 miles) and were liberated from 07.44 a few baskets at a time and a total of 3,278 pigeons were officially clocked, plus 1 more pigeon returned to the loft.

PRE-TRAINING RACE 5 took place on Wednesday 30th October 2019 from 23km (14 miles) and were liberated from 07.12 all at the same time for the first time and a total of 3,119 pigeons were officially clocked, plus 1 more pigeon returned to the loft.

LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 1, which took place on Sunday 3rd November 2019 after a one day weather delay because of heavy rain on the Saturday and the 3,139 pigeons were liberated all together at 07.05 from 45km (28 miles) in fine and clear conditions with little to no wind, with a temperature of 18c (64f) and a good steady race was anticipated. This total was made up by 2,689 International pigeons, which included 234 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 62 pigeons from Ireland, plus 450 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed no pigeons were held back.

I logged on bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and it was a beautiful morning in South Africa and all of all of a sudden a big gang of pigeons approached the loft at 07.37 swung round the loft and were then immediately joined by another similar sized group, they all landed and then started to trap and as usual it was the first through the traps was the winner. Within a few minutes literally hundreds had returned home and all looked good for excellent race and good returns.

CONGRATULATIONS for winning 1st OPEN goes to ESCH + SG URFEY-MENZEL from GERMANY with pigeon named EMU 623 bred by ESCH DIRK + HENDRIK, which was officially clocked at 07.37.48.09 to record a winning velocity of 1493ypm (1371.9m/m), (22.865m/s) or 50 mph, 2nd Du Preez - Deetlefs from South Africa, 3rd Paul Smith Syndicate from United Kingdom, 4th Ahmed Ali Al-Ahmed from Saudi Arabia, 5th Naif Essa from Kuwait, 6th MA Nel from South Africa, 7th Thamer Rashed from Kuwait, 8th Team Hildeshelmer Land from Germany, 9th Saud Al-Nimran from Kuwait, 10th Khamis Al Mansoori from United Arab Emirates, 11th Willy van Hekken from Belgium, 12th Willi + Marius Ferchen from Germany, 13th Yousef Al-Aebani from Kuwait, 14th another for Paul Smith Syndicate from United Kingdom, 15th O and L De Vries from Canada, 16th Aldahoum Team Loft from Kuwait, 17th Roberet Darr- Donald Bicknell from United States of America, 18th SA Majuba Team from South Africa, 19th A DEFAULTER PIGEON and 20th Buchloh - Kossow from Germany. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 19.05 seconds and had a total of 9 different countries represented and a total of 10 different countries in the top 50, with 50th being just 28.06 seconds away from the actual race winner. This race resulted in a great start to the 2019/20 race series. A total of 2,975 pigeons were officially clocked by 18.33, which included 222 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 61 from Ireland leaving just 164 pigeons to return to the race loft. More were officially clocked the next day.

GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 1 amounted to US$5,117.00c (approx. £4,094) and had a total of 345 pigeons entered which included 12 from the United Kingdom and 1 from Ireland and there were a total of 911 Nominations. There were no United Kingdom and there was one Ireland winner:- 76th Open Maurice O’Donnell with pigeon named Liadain 3 won US$37.40c (£30) for its efforts. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 3rd OPEN went to the PAUL SMITH SYNDICATE, administered by PAUL SMITH from STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET with pigeon named PAULS FORCE which was bred by GLYNN STONE from BELPER, which was officially clocked at 07.37.59.48, just 22.62 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 14th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 3rd UK, 27th Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 4th UK, 35th Open Zandys Dream Team with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke, 5th UK, 50th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 6th UK, 64th Open Team Lincs with pigeon bred by Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 7th UK, 68th Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 8th UK, 70th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 9th UK, 72nd Open Team Ede with pigeon bred by Darren Ede from Southampton, 10th UK, 90th another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 11th UK, 97th Open William Donachie with pigeon bred by William Donachie from Dundee, 12th UK, 99th Open Rutland Lofts with pigeon bred by Tony Whitehouse from West Bromwich, 13th UK, 112th Open Foster Sons & Daughter with pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss, 14th UK, 112th Open another for Team Lincs with a second pigeon bred by Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 15th UK, 125th Open Brian Clayburn with pigeon bred by Brian Clayburn from Ackworth, a past SAMDPR winner, 16th UK, 134th Open Syndicate Lofts UK with pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 17th UK, 156th Open Essex Superstars with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 18th UK, 192nd Open Murray & Mills with pigeon bred by this partnership from Leeds, 19th UK, 196th Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe and then 20th UK, 229th Open another for Brian Clayburn with a second pigeon bred by Brian Clayburn from Ackworth. A fantastic start for the United Kingdom Team with a total of 222 pigeons being officially clocked by 18.33, leaving 12 pigeons to return to the race loft.

UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 1. There were no entries.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 76th OPEN went to MAURICE O’DONNELL with pigeon named LIADAIN 3, bred by MAURICE O’DONNELL which was officially clocked at 07.38.22.10, just 34.01 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 162nd Open Andrew Quirke with pigeon bred by Andy Quirke, 3rd Ireland, 184th Open another for Andrew Quirke with a pigeon bred by Andy Quirke, 4th Ireland, 228th Open Clondalkin Pigeon Fanciers with pigeon bred by Paddy Dandy, 5th Ireland, 234th Open Joe Kennedy & Son with pigeon bred by Joe Kennedy & Son and then 6th Ireland, 319th Open Philip & Mark Smith with pigeon bred by Philip & Mark Smith. A great start for the Irish Team with 61 pigeons being officially clocked by 18.33, leaving only one pigeon missing.

IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS in TRAINING RACE 1. There were no entries.

LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 2, which took place on Tuesday 5th November 2019 and the 2,999 pigeons were liberated all together at 07.10 from 45km (28 miles) in fine and cool conditions with a light north wind (head), with a temperature of 19c (66f) and a good steady race was anticipated. This total was made up of 2,559 International pigeons, which included 227 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 59 pigeons from Ireland, plus 440 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed 5 pigeons and this included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland.

Once again I was up bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and it was a beautiful morning in South Africa and an ideal racing day and at 07.52 a gang of about 60 pigeons approached the race loft bang on line, swung round a couple of times and then they hit the trapping area and within a few minutes literally hundreds of pigeons had been officially recorded.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to ABDULLAH ALKHULAIF from SAUDI ARABIA with pigeon named HAJJER 9 bred by ABDULLAH ALKHULAIF, which was officially clocked at 07.52.49.57 to record a winning velocity of 1146ypm (1050.78m/m), (17.513m/s) or 39mph. Taking 2nd Yousef Al-Aebani from Kuwait, 3rd Team Rien van Oss en zn from Netherlands, 4th Bader & Hussen from Kuwait, 5th Neighbourhood Bullies from United States of America, 6th Team Gebr Vieberink from Netherlands, 7th DEFAULTER PIGEON, 8th Club Alberton Homing Society from South Africa, 9th Master Team from Poland, 10th Flying Pilgrims from United States of America, 11th Genesis Syndicate Loft from United States of America, 12th Salem al Hamshi from Kuwait, 13th Yousef Al-Mutairi from Kuwait, 14th Kader, Nadia, Ahmed, Bouwer & Moerat from South Africa, 15th Nabeel Albaker from Kuwait, 16th Dennis Martinen from United States of America, 17th Furlano + Rotiroti from Canada, 18th Team UPMA from Germany, 19th Botha Lofts from South Africa and 20th Club Pretoria Oos Wedvlugduiwe Klub from South Africa. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 34.03 seconds and had a total of 8 different countries represented and a total of 13 different countries represented in the top 50, with 50th being just 55.62 seconds away from the actual race winner. A total of 2,956 pigeons were officially clocked by 17.45, which included 223 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 59 from Ireland leaving just 43 pigeons to return to the race loft. More were officially clocked the next day.

GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 2 amounted to US$3,739.15c (approx. £2,992) and had a total of 259 pigeons entered which included 4 from the United Kingdom and 2 from Ireland and there were 669 Nominations. There was no United Kingdom or Ireland winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 37th OPEN went to ZANDYS DREAM TEAM with pigeon named ZANDYS INSPIRATION which was bred by PAUL SMITH & HEIN BENEKE, which was officially clocked at 07.53.32.72 just 43.15 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 65th Open Alistair Hogg with pigeon bred by Alistair Hogg from Winchburgh, 3rd UK, 81st Open another for Zandys Dream Team with a second pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Hein Beneke, 4th UK, 104th Open Team Ettrick with pigeon bred by Bobby Dalziel from Ettrick, 5th UK, 115th Open William Donachie with pigeon bred by William Donachie from Dundee, 6th UK, 133rd Open Berkshire Boys with pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell from Dungarvan, 7th UK, 135th Open Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 8th UK, 161st Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 9th UK, 181st Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a pigeon bred by Paul Smith from Stansted Mountfitchet, 10th UK, 188th Open Millys Loft with pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 11th UK, 196th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 12th UK, 200th Open another for Team Ettrick with a second pigeon bred by Bobby Dalziel from Ettrick, 13th UK, 237th Open another for Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 14th UK, 259th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 15th UK, 262nd Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 16th UK, 280th Open Essex Superstars with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 17th UK, 281st Open another for Millys Loft with a fourth pigeon for the Michael Mellor from Crewe, 18th UK, 293rd Open another for Berkshire Boys with a second pigeon bred by Maurice O’Donnell from Dungarvan, 19th UK, 299th Open Guys Lofts with pigeon bred by Tony Guy from Wolverhampton and 20th UK, 334th Open Foster Sons & Daughter with pigeon bred by this partnership from Liss. A total of 223 United Kingdom pigeons were officially clocked by 17.45, leaving just 4 to return to the race loft.

UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 2. There were no entries.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 174th OPEN went to JOE KENNEDY & SON with pigeon named CHARLIES PYLON bred by JOE KENNEDY & SON, which was officially clocked at 07.54.56.24, just 2 minutes 07.67 seconds behind the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 208th Open another for Joe Kennedy & Son with pigeon bred by Joe Kennedy & Son, 3rd Ireland, 239th Open Sean Hunt & Family with pigeon bred by Sean Hunt & Family, 4th Ireland, 419th Open Thorpe Zeballos with pigeon bred by Herbie Thorpe, 5th Ireland, 438th Open Peter Lucas with pigeon bred by Peter Lucas and 6th Ireland, 441st Open another for Peter Lucas with pigeon bred by Peter Lucas. A total of 59 Ireland pigeons were officially clocked by 17.45, making it 100% returns.

IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 2 had no pigeons entered.

THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after two races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to YOUSEF AL-AEBANI from KUWAIT with pigeon named TRIPLE A bred by YOUSEF AL-AEBANI, with a combined flying time of 01.16.04.45 up 12 places from the last race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 36th OPEN goes to PAUL SMITH SYNDICATE with pigeon named PAULS HERO bred by KEVIN HIBBERT from ROTHERHAM, with a combined flying time of 01.18.20.81 up 14 places from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 152nd OPEN goes to MAURICE O’DONNELL with pigeon named LIADAIN 3 bred by MAURICE O’DONNELL from DUNGARVAN with a combined flying time of 01.20.23.39 down 76 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.

LIVESTREAM was up and running for TRAINING RACE 3, which took place on Thursday 7th November 2019 and the 3,012 pigeons were liberated all together at 07.05 from 45km (28 miles) in fine and cool conditions with a light head wind, with a temperature of 20c (68f) and a good steady race was anticipated. This total was made up of 2,568 International pigeons, which included 224 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 62 pigeons from Ireland, plus 444 pigeons from the host country South Africa. The Hold-Back List showed 6 pigeons and this included none from the United Kingdom and none from Ireland.

Once again I was up bright and early to watch the pigeons return to the race loft and it was a beautiful morning in South Africa and yet another ideal racing day and at 07.47 a gang of about 70 pigeons approached the race loft bang on line, swung round a couple of times and then they hit the trapping area and within a few minutes literally hundreds of pigeons had been officially recorded.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st OPEN goes to YOUSEF AL-MUTAIRI from KUWAIT with pigeon named NUCHSKA bred by YOUSEF Al_MUTAIRI, which was officially clocked at 07.47.54.60 to record a winning velocity of 1146ypm (1048.68m/m), (17.478m/s) or 39mph. This pigeon has won 100th in TR1, 13th in TR2 and now 1st in TR3. Taking 2nd Millys Loft from United Kingdom, 3rd Kotze + Forbes from South Africa, 4th Si Se Puede Farm from United States of America, 5th Loft Einkamerer from South Africa, 6th Murray & Stokes from South Africa, 7th Kolvenbag & Son from United States of America, 8th Kader, Nadia, Ahmed, Bouwer & Moerat from South Africa, 9th Wolfram Coesfeld from Germany, 10th Berkshire Boys from United Kingdom, 11th Paul Smith Syndicate from United Kingdom, 12th Team Gebr Vieberink from Netherlands, 13th Yousef Al-Aebani from Kuwait, this pigeon named Triple A has already won 13th in TR1, 2nd in TR2 and now 13th in TR3, 14th Botha Lofts from South Africa, 15th another for Paul Smith Syndicate from United Kingdom, 16th RMG Racing Team ZA from South Africa, 17th Fleschenberg-Wolter from Germany, 18th Al Khaleej Loft from Kuwait, 19th Khaleefa Nasser Al Kuwari from Qatar and 20th Hussain Ali Alazemi from Kuwait. The top twenty in this result were separated by just 25.94 seconds and had a total of 7 different countries represented and a total of 10 different countries represented in the top 50, with 50th being just 47.08 seconds away from the actual race winner.

A total of 2,916 pigeons were officially clocked by 17.45, which included 216 pigeons from the United Kingdom and 61 from Ireland leaving just 96 pigeons to return to the race loft. More were officially clocked the next day.

GLOBAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 3 amounted to US$4,247.45c (approx. £3,398) and had a total of 238 pigeons entered which included 2 from the United Kingdom and 1 from Ireland and there were 663 Nominations. There was no United Kingdom or Ireland winners. WELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 2nd OPEN went to MILLYS LOFT with pigeon named MILLYS MONA LISA which was bred by MICHAEL MELLOR from CREWE, which was officially clocked at 07.47.59.01 just 04.41 seconds after the actual race winner. Taking 2nd UK, 10th Open Berkshire Boys with pigeon bred by John & Lou McGee from France, 3rd UK, 11th Open Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 4th UK, 15th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Matt Parker from Burton-on-Trent, 5th UK, 28th Open Syndicate Lofts UK with pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor, 6th UK, 41st Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham,

7th UK, 46th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper,

8th UK, 48th Open TadT with pigeon bred by Tad Truszkowski from Melton Mowbray, 9th UK, 81st Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a second pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 10th UK, 91st Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Glynn Stone from Belper, 11th UK, 92nd Open Murray & Mills with pigeon bred by Murray & Mills from Leeds, 12th UK, 109th Open another Millys Loft with a second pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 13th UK, 116th Open another for Paul Smith Syndicate with a third pigeon bred by Kevin Hibbert from Rotherham, 14th UK, 117th Open Essex Superstars with pigeon bred by Paul Smith & Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 15th UK, 118th Open another for Millys Loft with a third pigeon bred by Michael Mellor from Crewe, 16th UK, 171st Open Team Lincs with pigeon bred by Paul Stacey from Rayleigh, 17th UK, 179th Open Team Islwyn with pigeon for the Robert Jones from Port Talbot, 18th UK, 183rd Open Bet-Right Lofts with pigeon bred by Jerry Wright from Lutterworth, 19th UK, 185th Open Team Ede with pigeon bred by Darren Ede from Southampton and 20th UK, 191st Open another for Syndicate Loft UK with a second pigeon bred by Peter Fox from Bangor. An outstanding results for the UK Team which had 21 pigeons in the top 198 in the Open. A total of 216 United Kingdom pigeons were officially clocked by 17.45, leaving just 8 to return to the race loft.

UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 3. There were no entries.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning 1st IRELAND, 136th OPEN went to THORPE ZEBALLOS with pigeon named WILLIE 2 bred by HERBIE THORPE, which was officially clocked at 07.49.11.60, just 1 minute 07.00 seconds behind the actual race winner. Taking 2nd Ireland, 200th Open Andy Quirke with pigeon bred by Andy Quirke, 3rd Ireland, 263rd Open Safet Duran with another pigeon bred by Safet Duran, 4th Ireland, 294th Open another foe Andy Quirke with another pigeon bred by Andy Quirke, 5th Ireland, 400th Open Peter another for Andy Quirke with a third pigeon bred by Andy Quirke and 6th Ireland, 457th Open Peter Lucas with pigeon bred by Peter Lucas. A total of 61 Ireland pigeons were officially clocked by 17.45, leaving just 1 to return to the race loft.

IRISH COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS for TRAINING RACE 3 had no pigeons entered.

THE OVERALL AVERAGES are now up and running and after three races stands as follows:- 1st OPEN goes to YOUSEF AL-AEBANI from KUWAIT with pigeon named TRIPLE A bred by YUSEF Al-AEBANI, with a combined flying time of 01.59.20.73 same place from the last race. 1st UNITED KINGDOM, 28th OPEN goes to PAUL SMITH SYNDICATE with pigeon named ZANDYS INSPIRATION bred by PAUL SMITH & HEIN BENEKE, with a combined flying time of 02.03.14.95 up 10 places from the last race. 1st IRELAND, 199th OPEN goes to PETER LUCAS with pigeon named JERRYS CHOICE bred by PETER LUCAS with a combined flying time of 02.07.59.42 up 128 places from the last race. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THESE FANCIERS.

So once again we are now off and running in South Africa and this is my first official International Press Release. It has been another tough campaign so far with many obstacles to overcome for the Race Organisers, also doing some alterations to the brand new 370 foot state of the art pigeon loft, plus outbreaks of Avian Influenza, Rota Virus, Circo Virus and other viruses and diseases in many different countries but finally all the pigeons came out of quarantine and training around the race loft got underway a few weeks later than expected but it should be mentioned now that the initial training and race programme was also delayed slightly because of bad weather, heavy rain and tremendous thunderstorms and the early Training Races and Hot Spot Races have now all been altered slightly to give the pigeons in the race loft a fair chance to catch up.

The team of pigeons will not be rushed and the vastly experienced loft staff are very confident that within a few weeks these athletes of the skies will be back on track and ready for the big task in front of them. You can of course follow all the progress of what is happening on the SAMDPR Website www.samdpr.com

Hopefully, pigeon fanciers/entrants and competitors from all over the world will appreciate the massive amount of work that is put in by Michael Holt (Race Director & Systems Administrator), Pieter Saayman (Assistant Systems Administrator), Stephan Steenkamp (Administration), Marion Branford (Administration) and Peter Furstenberg from Shine Interactive and all his staff who have all helped once again to redesign this state of the art web site www.samdpr.com with yet another exciting racing season is now in front of us with a fantastic new updated web site, making it far easier for all fanciers/entrants and people concerned to look, find and study all the information available for all fanciers/entrants/competitors and syndicate members around the world. It should also be mentioned that Willi van Beers from Germany has been appointed again for the sixth year running to act as Race Manager and he will work closely with the Loft Managers & Trainers Corrie Naude, Andre van Wyk, Maitland Blackshaw Blanc and all the rest of the loft staff. Sara Blackshaw (Managing Director of Air Sport Internationale), Joan-e Holt (Public Relations) and Deirdre Kallmeyer from African Olive Travel Concepts (The Official Travel Company for the SAMDPR) have also all been extremely busy getting everything ready so that visitors can enjoy The 24th SAMDPR which for the third year will be held at the fantastic EMERALD RESORT, CASINO & HOTEL, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa (www.emeraldcasino.co.za) and once again they will host the events during the race weekend in late January early February 2020. I have personally visited EMERALD RESORT numerous times now and can confirm that it is a superb venue for this race. It has everything that pigeon fanciers and their guests/friends and family require so that their stay will be remembered for a long time. So once again, exciting times are in front of this prestigious international pigeon race as it once again moves forward into the future.

This spectacular international pigeon race is now in its twenty-fourth year and started off with under 1,000 pigeons in its first year way back in 1997, since then entries have increased and in the 7th Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race in 2003 it attracted an entry of 2,473 pigeons, then the 8th SCMDPR in 2004 attracted 3,703 pigeons, however, the 9th SCMDPR in 2005 attracted a staggering 5,096 pigeons. In a space of two years the entries actually doubled. After the record breaking entry of 5,096 pigeons that were entered into the 9th SCMDPR in 2005, which was made up of 3,711 International pigeons and 1,385 South African entries and were entered from 30 different countries. Then in the 10th SCMDPR held in 2006 we had a total of 4,649 pigeons entered, which was made up of 3,504 International and 1,145 South African entries that were entered by 28 different countries. This was then followed by 4,936 pigeons being entered into the 11th SCMDPR in 2007, which consisted of 3,462 International and 1,474 South African entries. When you consider all the problems and restrictions that have been implemented because of outbreaks of Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease around the world over the last few years, plus many other one loft races trying to compete with the SCMDPR, it really is truly amazing that entries have managed to stay so high, especially when you consider that Mainland China entered 413 pigeons into the 2006 SCMDPR and have not been allowed to compete since. By losing these entries and those from other countries with restrictions has certainly stopped the organisers from smashing records on an annual basis. However, even after all the problems around the world that had affected the entries into the 12th SCMDPR to be held in 2008, the organising committee were still proud to announce that they had managed to get a grand total of 4,902 pigeons, which consists of 3,641 International and 1,261 South African pigeons entered into the race which was held in the fabulous Sun City, South Africa on Saturday 2nd February 2008. The 2009 race attracted 29 different countries and a record breaking entry of 5,576 pigeons and was held on January 31st and this total was made up of 4,496 International and 1,080 South African pigeons, with a total of 3,082 entries actually being sent to the Final Race after nearly 7,000 km (4,350 miles) of training. The entry for the 2010 SCMDPR once again exceeded the 5,000 mark for the third time and a grand total of 5,610 pigeons were officially entered by 30 participating countries and that number is made up of 4,693 International pigeons and 917 pigeons from South Africa who are of course the host country. Once again the International entry had been smashed by a staggering 187 pigeons. When one considers that most of the world was in a massive recession it once again just goes to prove to pigeon fanciers all over the world that this is the race they would all like to win. Once again the entry for the 15th anniversary race was a staggering 6,611 pigeons entered from 36 different countries, which is a massive overall increase of 1,001 pigeons and quite a few new countries getting involved for the first time. The total number of entries is made up of 5,639 International entries and 972 from South Africa, which of course is the host country. Once again the International entries are up by a staggering 946 pigeons, which is fantastic when you think that the world is still coming out of a recession. The 16th SCMDPR once again attracted entries from 36 different countries and a staggering world record entry of 7,949 pigeons, which was made up by 6,831 International and 1,118 South African pigeons. The 17th SAMDPR was held in the new venue, which was the fabulous Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa on 2nd February 2013 and close on 8,000 pigeons were originally entered from 36 different countries. The 18th SAMDPR was also held at the new venue and attracted an entry of around 7,000 pigeons from 40 different countries. Once again the international entry totalled over 6,500 pigeons. Entry figures for The 19th SAMDPR was a total of 38 different countries participating and they entered around 6,000 pigeons. The race entry for The 20th SAMDPR had 36 different countries participating and over 5,000 pigeons were sent out to compete in this great pigeon race. The race entry for The 21st SAMDPR held at the new venue for the first time showed that a total of 35 different countries sent well over 6,000 pigeons, proving once again that this is the race that every pigeon fancier in the world wants to win. The race entry for The 22nd SAMDPR once again showed over 6,000 pigeons entered from 32 different countries. The race entry for The 23rd SAMDPR was well over 5,500 pigeons entered from 41 different countries.

Of course, one of the main reasons for the success of this great race is the extremely professional way it has been run from the start and that they have always paid out all of their projected prize money every year since the race first started way back in 1997 and that is why it is now known the world over “AS THE BIGGEST AND GREATEST PIGEON RACE IN THE WORLD” and has been now been tagged as “THE RACE WITH THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD” and “THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN THE PIGEON WORLD”.

As usual the “ADMINISTRATION & LOFT TEAM” below have worked extremely hard to firstly get all the pigeons settled to the new loft and then gave each pigeon an electronic ring and logged them all on to the secure database system, so that all the fanciers/entrants and competitors around the world can following the progress of their pigeons right through the 2019/20 race series. This in itself is a massive task and as usual once again they have come up trumps. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS AND GALS. If you wish to look at some superb short videos or photographs of new pigeon loft and surroundings and the pigeons in the lofts or flying around the lofts, then please log on to the SAMDPR dedicated website www.samdpr.com

The Organising Committee, which now consists of Michael Holt (Race Director), Willi van Beers (Race Manager), Joan-e Holt (Public Relations), Marion Branford (Administration), Michael Holt (Systems Administrator), Pieter Saayman (Assistant Systems Administrator), Stephan Steenkamp (Administration), Corrie Naude, Andre van Wyk & Maitland Blackshaw Blanc (Head Trainers & Loft Managers), plus about ten other loft staff, plus Paul Smith (United Kingdom Shipper/Co-ordinator & International Race Co-ordinator), Dr. Piet van Zyl has also been recently appointed as the new Veterinary Officer with Dr. Marthinus Hartman (Veterinary Officer from the University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort Veterinary Services being retained as a Consultant), plus of course all the Country Shippers/Co-ordinators were once again looking to try to increase the race entry for the twenty fourth race. Once again they knew that this would be a massive task but they felt that even with all the other new one-loft races that were now starting up and running all over the world, beating the entry of last year ago could be achieved, providing we did not lose to many countries that had entered some pigeons in past races.

*****SPECIAL THANKS must of course also go to Sara Blackshaw who is the Managing Director of Air Sport Internationale, who are The Presenters of This Great Race for their continued support, Sara has worked extremely hard to keep the race going after the untimely death of Zandy Meyer (Race Director), who unfortunately passed away way back in 2013.

Plus of course we must also mention GARY LANCE who owns the fantastic HERON BANKS GOLF & RIVER ESTATE for allowing us to build our new loft on this outstanding complex, plus of course the stunning EMERALD RESORT, CASINO & HOTEL for allowing us to use their fabulous facilities at this truly outstanding venue for this very prestigious international pigeon race weekend.

Of course, as mentioned earlier, we all knew that this would be a hard task and the first thing that was to be done was for the current website to be upgraded once again so that even more information was available to the entrants/competitors and pigeon fanciers. After months and months off hard work by Peter Furstenberg of Shine Interactive and his superb staff, plus Michael Holt and Pieter Saayman, Systems Administrators for Air Sport Internationale this has now been achieved as anybody logging onto the state of the art revamped website www.samdpr.com will be able to see even more information is available. The “HITS” on this website had increased from 3 million for the 2003 race to 5 million for the 2004 race and over 8 million for the 2005 race and over 14 million for the 2006 race series. Records seem to be broken each year and the 2006/7 race series attracted over 16 million “HITS” during the race series and during the 2007/8 race series the web site attracted over 20 million “HITS”. Once again another record was broken for the “HITS” during the 2008/9 race series with well over 25 million. Just to show fanciers/competitors and entrants how successful this new web site has been, during the 2009/10 race series the web site had a remarkable 48 million “HITS” over that twelve months. These figures increased dramatically because of a brand new Information Portal and Twitter facilities that were added as extras during the 14th SCMDPR. During the full 2010/11 race series the “HITS” figures increased once again to a staggering 50 million. Once again during the 2011/12 racing series the “HITS” increased, with figures in the region of 60 million. During the 2012/13 race series the amount of “HITS” rose to around 70 million. Also during the 2013/14 race season the amount of “HITS” exceeded those of the previous year by a considerably number. This just goes to show the amount of interest that is shown in this great international pigeon race from pigeon fanciers literally all over the world. Information is on line for all to see, so why not join in the fun throughout the next few months and add this web site to your favourites list. If it is information you require, then this race certainly gives it to you or anybody that cares to log onto their fantastic state of the art website. Official figure for “HITS” during the 2014/15 race series are not yet to hand but should easily exceed the 70 million “HITS” of the previous year. Once again “HITS” for the 2016/2017 race series exceeded our wildest expectations, once again exceeding the previous year. Year after year the “HITS” figures for the race series is smashed and the 2017/18 season once again smashed all the previous records. Once again the 2018/19 season smashed all the past records with well over 80 million “HITS”. It will be interesting to see how many “HITS” we have during for the 2019/20 race series?

Numerous “Loft Reports”, “Updates”, “Photographs” and “Videos” have been placed on the informative SAMDPR website for all to see and these are all available now on the dedicated website www.samdpr.com You can also follow the SAMDPR on Facebook, with constant updates and short videos to view.

CONGRATULATIONS must once again go to all the Country Race Co-ordinators and Shippers for again getting so many pigeons entered for this fantastic International Pigeon Race, you are truly worth your weight in gold to the Race Organisers as without all your hard work and effort the race would never get off the ground. It is always interesting to study the entry figures after the last race, those countries that do well usually increase in their entries and others that have not done so well usually reduce in numbers but as usual there are others countries that continue to increase whatever happens.

Once again the United Kingdom Race Team for The 24th SAMDPR has supported this great race and thanks again to all fanciers new and old for their continued support and being part of our National Team.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU AND THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT, I CAN ASSURE YOU IT REALLY IS GREATLY APPRECIATED BY ME PERSONALLY AND OF COURSE THE RACE ORGANISERS AIR SPORT INTERNATIONALE.

Once again the marketing for this top class pigeon race never really stops and as one race finishes the next one starts but that is really what makes this superb event such an exciting international race. Of course, if a certain country does not do well in the past race or races, it actually becomes much tougher for the Country Race Co-ordinators/Shippers to get fanciers to enter because fanciers feel they have no chance to win any of the major prizes. So it has always been the policy of this race to create more and more different competitions that offer extra cash rewards or specials prizes and once again this year is no exception.

Although the race is now named THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE, the total to be paid out in cash and prizes in the 2019/20 race series exceeds US$1.55 Million American Dollars or approximately £1.29 Million Pounds Sterling. No other one-loft race in the world today can boast of such massive pay outs and this race is now in its twenty-fourth year and has for the last twenty-three years paid out all of its projected prize money, that is why its reputation of this great race has increased, plus it has already paid out in the last twenty-three races, prize money in excess of US$43 Million American Dollars (£30 Million Pounds Sterling), which is a remarkable achievement in itself in one loft racing and one that the race organisers are very proud of. It should also be mentioned that the Prize Money and Awards in THE 24th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE will be the slightly more than paid out for THE 23rd SAMDPR. The FINAL RACE PRIZE MONEY in The 24th SAMDPR now exceeds US$1.20 Million American Dollars or around £1 Million Pounds Sterling.

All the United Kingdom Team fanciers/entrants and syndicate shareholders will of course be kept up to date with regular “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE” and “NEWSLETTERS” plus any of them can log on to the state of the art The South African Million Dollar Race web site:- www.samdpr.com and get all the information they might require over the next few months. All official past competitors and entrants will still be able to use their old username and password and new competitors/entrants that have entered this race for the first time should now have received their own confidential username and password and then they will be able to log into their own account and see everything on their own computer screen. If you have not received yours yet, please contact your Official Country Race Co-ordinator/Shipper. You can’t change your pigeon’s name/s once training has started. You can even put all your pedigrees on live if you wish to, which certainly helps with the final selling price at the auction after the race. Remember the 2008 SCMDPR OVERALL ACE PIGEON named BIRDY sold for a staggering world record £53,730 and the breeder receives 50% of this figure after expenses. This really is a state of the art race that continues to improve its overall image on an annual basis and gives all fanciers and entrants all the information they need to know about all the pigeons in the lofts. Over the last few years quite a few pigeons have created record prices, only last year the pigeon that won 4th Open in the Final Race sold for E1.3 Million Euros, showing once again the great interest shown in purchasing top class winning One Loft Race pigeons.

It should also be mentioned that the all the new entrants/competitors have now been sent their “OFFICIAL INTAKE” status report on all the pigeons they originally entered, which was followed by the First Loft Listing on the official SAMDPR Website which was published on Friday 23rd August 2019, which showed everybody what fully paid pigeons are still left in the lofts at that current time. Fanciers that have entered this race before will be able to use the password they used last time to access their personal account. Any new entrants/competitors will have to log onto www.samdpr.com and create their own new password so that they can access their personal account.

It should be noted the Organising Committee and Loft Managers have decided this year not to try to rush the youngsters up to the 80km (50 miles) mark, so please watch the Race Programme listed on the dedicated SAMDPR website: www.samdpr.com for more information on the distances for some of these earlier races as some of these might have to be changed because of circumstances.

***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** I am sorry that I can’t add all the information about who bred all the pigeons or where they live because I do not have access to all this information so I can only publish details which I am in possession of at the time. If there are no details besides your winning pigeon/s then please contact me on [email protected] with your details and I will include these in my later International Press Reports. I personally do my best to give all the fanciers, entrants and breeders all the credit they and their pigeons deserve when they manage to get in the results so your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

For the first few races numerous pigeons of course will not trap, so do not worry if yours is clocked late. The main thing to consider over the first few shorter races is that all the pigeons will not trap quickly but if they have made it back to the race loft on Heron Banks Golf & River Estate they are there to fight another day. With each race the pigeons will learn a bit more, giving them more experience to tackle all the tasks that they are going to have in front of them during the testing 2019/20 training and race series.

All Training Races, Hot Spot Races and The Final Race will now count towards The 24th South African Million Dollar Overall ACE PIGEON Averages, which has a total of three superb cash prizes of US$25,500 (approx. £21,250), US$15,000 (approx. £12,500) and US$10,000 (approx. £8,333) for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this category after The Final Race has been completed. This actually is a massive increase on the pay out over previous SAMDP Races.

NOMINATION RACES will be held and officially start on TRAINING RACE 1, plus the HOT SPOT 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and of course the FINAL RACE. See the SAMDPR Website for full details. All these races will have US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 COUNTRY/REGIONAL and US$1, US$2, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50 & US$100 GLOBAL NOMINATIONS which can be placed on THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR Web Site. If you wish to enter any of these NOMINATIONS, you will have to have credit in your ASI Master Account. If you do not have any credit in your own personal Air Sport Account then please forward funds to your Country Race Co-ordinator/Shipper so that this can then be transferred to your Master Account in time to get your NOMINATIONS placed. Please do not leave it to the last minute to transfer funds as the transfer may not go through in time and this could result in your pigeon or pigeons not winning what they should be rewarded with.

It should be mentioned that GLOBAL & COUNTRY/REGIONAL NOMINATIONS during the 2015/16 race series actually paid out a staggering total of US$546,280 (£437,000). This sum also increased during the 2017/18 race series. Once again during the 2018/19 race series the sum paid out exceeded the previous year, which again just goes to show that fanciers just love to have a gamble on the race.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CONCERNED AND REGULAR “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES”, “NEWSLETTERS” AND “UPDATES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO ALL COMPETITORS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATE SHAREHOLDERS ON A WEEKLY BASIS BY EMAIL OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. ALSO WEEKLY “PRESS RELEASES” WILL BE SENT OUT TO BOTH OUR TWO PIGEON PUBLICATIONS NAMELY THE “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” AND “”THE RACING PIGEON” PLUS IT WILL ALSO BE ON MY REGENCY LOFTS WEB SITE www.regencylofts.com FOR ALL TO VIEW.

This is the “TWENTY-FOURTH YEAR” since this great International One Loft Race started and every year since day one the Organising Committee have created new competitions and I assume that this year will be no exception, more on this subject will be published as details come through from the race organisers.

“TRIP OF A LIFETIME” Deirdre Kallmeyer who owns and runs African Olive Travel Concepts in South Africa (www.aotc.co.za) is now acting as the official travel company for the SAMDPR and all booking must be done through her and her company. So if you want to be part of the vibe and thrill of The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, then why not join us at out new home at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel and experience the race weekend schedule and events. African Olive Travel Concepts have put together accommodation packages catering for all tastes and budgets and a variety of pre and post touring options to explore the region. The venue and location will be the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel which is situated on the lush banks of the Vaal River in Gautang, South Africa a mere hour’s drive from O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The extensive property, along 7km’s of river frontage, is the ideal location for a fun-filled family getaway. The Resort offers an array of accommodation options, restaurants, entertainment like the all-year-round Water Park - Aquadrome, to Animal World Zoo and game drive, ten pin bowling, outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, water skiing as well as the famous Emerald African Spa. Just across the Vaal River you can enjoy a round of golf on the outstanding Heron Banks Golf & River Estate, which is where the pigeon loft is situated. There are 3 accommodation options available at the Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel catering for and style and budget. Option 1, you could book to stay in the 4-star Emerald Hotel where you will instantly notice the luxurious North-East African inspired décor. A sanctuary set far from the bustling bog city, the 4-star hotel’s 75 twin/double rooms and two superb suites offer you spacious comfort and all of the amenities you could need. All rooms have Air-conditioning, Digital Safe, Telephone, Hairdryer, TV selected channels, internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. Option 2, hidden away in a natural setting, the secure, luxurious Bush Lodges offer guests two-bedroom units styled to resemble the safari lodges of the Serengeti, adventure awaits just outside of these semi self-catering lodges, built for ultimate comfort and in luxurious style. Option 3, step into adventure and book one of the comfortable, self-catering River Resort Chalets that provides two, four and six sleeper units, ideal for a weekend getaway or longer stays. These are situated just a quick walk from the banks of the Vaal River, the chalets offer guests easy access to a range of adventures including boating facilities for the water sport enthusiasts.

For anybody intending to travel out for the race weekend or longer, please log onto www.samdpr.com and hit the Accommodation button at the bottom of the home page, there you find a “SPECIAL 3 & 4 NIGHTS PACKAGE”, which includes all the official functions and dates. Both these packages represent great value for money. Road Transfers to and from Emerald Resort can also be arranged by African Olive Travel Concepts. If you or any friends wish to do pre or post travel bookings, Deirdre will be only too pleased to give you prices, just tell her what and where you would like to go. All bookings must be done directly through the sole agent Deirdre Kallmeyer at African Olive Travel Concepts (www.aotc.co.za) or email [email protected]

***SPECIAL NOTIFICATION*** One point that should be pointed out to all competitors and entrants is that only your NUMBER 1 pigeons is “ACTIVATED” (FULLY PAID UP ENTRY). If of course you entered a “TEAM OF 4” and you lost your first 3 pigeons, your fourth pigeon would then be your “ACTIVATED PIGEON”. If you were unlucky enough to lose all your 4 pigeons in any of your “TEAMS” and they had won no “Special Prize Money” in the new HOT SPOT 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 then you are entitled to a “FREE ENTRY” into the 25th SAMDPR and all you have to pay is the official shipping and export costs to your Country Co-ordinator/Shipper. This offer can only be actioned once, for example if you lost your team in your first year, you would get a “Free Entry” the following year but then if you lost all your pigeons in that year, the “Free Entry” offer then does not count. This of course represents great value for your money. All the pigeons go to every training toss, Mid-Week and Saturday races providing they are fit enough but can only compete for any of the allocated PRIZE MONEY or SPECIAL AWARDS in the 5 x HOT SPOT RACES if they are “ACTIVATED” and that means that these must be paid for prior to the HOT SPOT 1, which is due to take place on SATURDAY 30th NOVEMBER 2019 from 165km (approx. 103 miles). The cost to “ACTIVATE” these “RESERVES or BACK-UP PIGEONS” is US$1,100 (approx. £916) (THIS OF COURSE MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY DEPENDING ON CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE AT THE TIME OF ACTIVATION) but that will then entitle all these fully paid up pigeons (ACTIVATED) to compete and be eligible to fly for all the extra cash prizes and special awards that amounts to over US$318,000 (approx. £265,000). The one thing to remember is that once your reserve pigeon or pigeons are fully paid for, if then they get lost and have won no Prize Money or Special Awards in the Special Money Races, then you will get US$1,000 paid back into your ASI Account, which can then be used to purchase another pigeon at a later date and be entered into The Final Race under your name or syndicate or even under another name of your choice. So as you can see it is “BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY” and pay for them early, after all you have nothing to lose.

HOW MANY OTHER ONE LOFT PIGEON RACES IN THE WORLD OFFER THIS SORT OF OPTION TO COMPETITORS AND ENTRANTS?

***WHAT CAN BE WON DURING THIS 2019/20 RACE SERIES*** Prizes and Special Awards now add up to a staggering US$1.55 Million American Dollars £1.29 Million Pounds Sterling). This total includes US$247,500 (£206,250) in 100 Hot Spot Cash Prizes over the 5 x Hot Spot Races as follows:- In each Hot Spot Race 1st US$17,500 (£14,583), 2nd US$10,000 (£8,333), 3rd US$5,000 (£4,167), 4th US$2,500 (£2,083), 5th US$2,000 (£1,667), 6th to 10th US$1,250 (£1,042) each, 11th to 15th US$750 (£625) each and 16th to 20th US$500 (£417) each. ONLY ACTIVATED PIGEONS CAN WIN ANY OTHER THESE CASH PRIZES. THESE 20 CASH PRIZES WILL GO TO THE FIRST 20 ACTIVATED PIGEONS IN EACH OF THE 5 x HOT SPOT RACES. Then a US$10,000 (£8,333) Hot Spot Ace Pigeon Award for the best pigeon in these 5 races, A Two-Bird Average Competition and a US$2,000 (£1,667) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Hot Spot Races & The Final Race, A Three-Bird Average Competition and a US$3,000 (£2,500) Cash Prize in each of the 5 x Hot Spot Races & The Final Race, The South African Million Dollar Ace Pigeon Award carries US$50,500 in Prize Money, split into three cash prizes with 1st US$25,500 (£21,250), 2nd US$15,000 (£12,500) and 3rd US$10,000 (£8,333) Cash Prizes for the 3 pigeons with the best overall average in all the Official Training Races and 5 x Hot Spot Races and The Final Race. There will also be an overall Knockout Winner Competition and US$25,000 (£20,833) Prize Money, which starts on the Hot Spot 2 and the winner is the first one to be clocked in the “FINAL RACE” (over the past few years there has been around 40/60 pigeons still left in this competition). There will also be 3 x Country Cash Prizes of US$125 (£104), US$75 (£63) and US$50 (£42) in each of the first 4 x Hot Spot Races (1 to 4). In the 5th Hot Spot Race US$70 (£58) from every entry will be added to the starting Prize Money of US$250 (£208) for the Country Challenge. All the Prize Money will be paid out to the first three Country Challenge entered pigeons in a ratio of 50%, 30% & 20%. The SAMDPR website will have an up to the date listing of which pigeons are entered and how much Prize Money will be flown for, plus and an ACE Pigeon Country Challenge which will be won on the FINAL RACE. There is an Entry Fee of US$120 (£100) per pigeon to enter these Country Challenge Competitions and this has to be paid for before the basketing for the 3rd Hot Spot Car Race. The COUNTRY CHALLENGE ACE PIGEON, all countries participating will be given a US$200 (£167) starting Prize Money and US$40 (£33) from each Country Challenge entry fee goes to the “WINNER TAKES ALL” cash prize, which will be awarded to the first Country Challenge pigeon which is clocked in THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON FINAL RACE. The pigeon that wins this award will be named the COUNTRY CHALLENGE ACE PIGEON. It should also be mentioned that during the 2016/17 race series the UNITED KINGDOM COUNTRY CHALLENGE paid out £14,777 in PRIZE MONEY. Then in the “FINAL RACE” on the 1st February 2020 there are also 10 magnificent gold pendants to be won worth well over US$1,000 (£833) each and now over US$1.20 Million American Dollars in Prize Money (£1 Million Pounds) and 300 cash prizes being on offer. These estimations are done at US$1.20 to the Pound Sterling. This could of course change on the Final Race.

THE ZANDY MEYER MEMORIAL RACE & US$1,000 (approx. £833) NOMINATION will also take place on the “FINAL RACE” and the winning will be A BRAND NEW MERCEDES BENZ SLK 555 MOTOR CAR, worth a staggering US$85,000 (approx. £70,833). (ONLY “ACTIVATED” PIGEONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE FOR ANY OF THESE SPECIAL CASH PRIZES OR AWARDS). This new competition was very well supported in its first year and had over 160 entries and was so successful that it also paid out a staggering 2nd prize of US$54,000 cash. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to win a fabulous new car. The 19th SAMDPR attracted about 140 entries and two staggering prizes were once again won by two worthy winners. The 20th SAMDPR attracted over 100 entries and the US$85,000 (£68,000) was won by Lloyd & Kelly from the UK, who actually won 37th OPEN in the FINAL RACE. It was the first Activated pigeons and walked away with the top award. In The 21st SAMDPR Michael Mellor from Crewe was the runner-up for this prestigious award, with over 100 entries, which once again just goes to show that the UK pigeons will hold their own against the best pigeons in the world. In The 22nd SAMDPR, Karl Donnelly from Ireland won this fantastic prize, when his pigeon won 5th OPEN.

PRIZE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE 24th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR FINAL RACE, WILL NOW BE AS FOLLOWS:- 1st US$300,000 (approx. £250,000), 2nd US$150,000 (approx. £125,000), 3rd US$100,000 (approx. £83,333), 4th US$75,000 (approx. £62,500), 5th US$50,000 (approx. £41,667), 6th US$25,000 (£20,833), 7th US$20,000 (£16,667), 8th US$15,000 (£12,500), 9th US$12,500 (£10,417), 10th US$10,000 (approx. £8,333), 11th/15th US$7,500 (approx. £6,250) each, 16th/20th US$5,000 (approx. £4,167) each, 21st/25th US$4,000 (approx. £3,333) each, 26th/30th US$3,500 (approx. £2,917) each, 31st/40th US$3,000 (approx. £2,500) each, 41st/50th US$2,500 (£2,083) each, 51st/75th US$2,000 (£1,667) each, 76th/100th US$1,500 (£1,250) each, 101st/125th US$1,250 (£1,042) each, 126th/150th US$1,100 (£917) each, 151st/200th US41,000 (£833) each, 201st/250th US$750 (£625) each, then 251st/300th US$500 (£417) each. (Subject to terms and conditions of entry). The actual cash prizes stated above represent exchange rates (US$1.20 to the Pound Sterling) at the current time and may of course change at the time of each race depending what the currency exchange rate is on the actual race day. A total of US$1.30 Million American Dollars (£1.08 Million Pounds Sterling) Prize Money will be paid out in this FINAL RACE.

Something else worth mentioning that seven brand new motor cars have been won by fanciers representing the United Kingdom Team in the last seven years, Richard Elliott/Robbie Prettejohn and Chris Gordon both won new motor cars during the 2005/6 race series and Paul & Dave McCarthy won one a new motor car during the 2006/7 series. During the 2011/12 race series fanciers from the UK won a staggering 3 x brand new motor cars and these were won by Nev & Angi Evans & Steve Cuthbert, Robert & Peter Montila and then Phil Bond. Alistair Hogg also won a brand new motor car during the 2017/18 race series. This in itself was an outstanding team performance. No other country has ever won three cars on the trot. Also an Irish fancier named John Nash also won a brand new motor car in the 2008/9 race series. I am very hopeful that somebody from the United Kingdom or Ireland will also win some of this newly allocated Prize Money in the 2019/20 race series. GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS.

I would also just like to notify fanciers that my weekly “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE”, “NEWSLETTERS” and “UPDATES” can now also be seen on the following pigeon web sites:- www.regencylofts.com www.iprr.co.uk www.elimarpigeons.com www.pigeonportal.com www.pigeonglobe.co.uk www.cyberpigeon.co.uk www.pigeonbasics.com www.starpigeons.com www.pigeonpixels.co.uk www.theloftreport.com www.oneloftracing.com www.ukpigeonracing.co.uk www.AvianExportServices.com www.pigeonnetwork.com plus of course they will also be published in the “BRITISH HOMING WORLD” and “THE RACING PIGEON” weeklies and many other international world pigeon publications for all to see, read and enjoy.

The race date for THE 25th SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE has already been provisionally agreed and confirmed by the race organisers as SATURDAY 30th FEBRUARY 2021. (However, this date is still awaiting final confirmation). This will be the 25th anniversary of this great race and it is sure to be a very special occasion with lots of interesting things going on to celebrate this outstanding achievement.

If you are interested in participating, helping us or acting a Country Race Team Co-ordinator or Shipper, then please telephone me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or SMS or email on [email protected] and I will give you all the information you require. My two proposed shipping dates for THE 25th SAMDPR will take about the middle of MAY 2020 and then the second one should be around the middle of JUNE 2020. Of course these two dates will be confirmed nearer the time. I strongly recommend that you try to ship your race entries on the 1st shipping date as this then gives these pigeons much more time to settle into the race loft.

If you have any questions about any aspect of THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE, then please contact me as soon as possible on 01279-812005 or my mobile 07860-568216 or by SMS or email at [email protected] and I will do my best to answer any of your questions or queries about this great race.

These “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES” do take a lot of my time to prepare and I try to get as much into them as possible as I know fanciers and entrants like to know what is happening, unfortunately some time, some information will not be to hand when the print deadline is reached so can’t be included in that report. I can only apologise if I leave something or somebody out but I can assure everybody that I do my best to get as much information as possible to put into each of these international reports and give as much credit to those that deserve it.

IF ANY PIGEON FANCIER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR IN FACT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE MY WEEKLY “INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASES”, “NEWSLETTERS” AND “UPDATES” BY EMAIL, THEN ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS EMAIL ME THEIR ACTUAL EMAIL ADDRESS I WILL PUT THEM ON MY EMAIL DATABASE AND I WILL THEN FORWARD THEM ALL THE INFORMATION BY EMAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS.

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL THE PIGEON FANCIERS/ENTRANTS AND SYNDICATES WORLDWIDE DURING THE 2019/20 RACE SERIES.

THIS PHOTOGRAPH ABOVE SHOWS THE COMPLETED STATE OF THE ART RACE LOFT WHICH IS 370 FOOT (113 METRES) LONG AND WHICH IS SITUATED IN STUNNING SURROUNDINGS ON THE OUTSTANDING HERON BANKS GOLF & RIVER ESTATE, VAAL RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA. IT HAS THE TRAPPING/CLOCKING SECTION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LOFT, WHICH IS BELOW THE ADMINISTRATION CENTRE AND HAS 44 EQUAL SIZED SECTIONS (22 EACH SIDE) THAT ARE ALL ACCESSED FROM A FULL LENGTH CORRIDOR THAT RUNS ALONG THE BACK OF THIS FABULOUS PIGEON LOFT. ALL THE 44 SECTIONS HAVE GRILLED FLOORING AND THE LOFT HAS A TOTAL PERCH CAPACITY FOR WELL OVER 9,500 PIGEONS IN COMFORT.

If you wish to know any more information on this prestigious international pigeon race please contact me ASAP:-

Paul Smith, United Kingdom Race Team Co-ordinator/Shipper and International Race Co-ordinator for The 24th South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, which is due to be held at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate and Emerald Resort, Casino & Hotel, South Africa on Saturday 1st February 2020. Regency Lofts Limited, 2, Highmead, off Coltsfield, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. CM24 8LJ. England. Tel/Fax:- 01279-812005. (Int. Code:- +44-1279-812005). Mobile:- 07860-568216. Email Address:- [email protected] Regency Lofts Website:- www.regencylofts.com Skype Address:- talbot7944 Twitter Address:- PaulSmith@SmithReglofts The South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race Website:- www.samdpr.com