Having won 1st federation prizes over 10 times from 50 -300 miles, this father and son partnership were delighted with their latest fed topping performance, their first since 1998. For them it was the success of a utilising a different source of young birds for them. Their 1st pigeon, a blue cheq hen doing 1730ypm was of Janssen breeding, bought from the Natural Breeding Station, in Belgium. This was the first time that the pair had pre-ordered birds from there and then went over on a coach to pick them up. These youngsters are sold with no pedigree, but come with a certificate of origin. Youngsters were also bought this year from the Lier Market, and other British studs. Keith and Lee's previous successes were due to the excellent quality of stock they received from their relation Brian Harris, who has in the past bred them winners of 1st & 2nd Saintes, and a Solent Fed Gold Ring prize winner from his 'Red Family'.One from this family is 'Ella', a favourite red hen that was 1st Saintes 2006, and this year 3rd Saintes and then a fortnight later the only bird on the day in the very strong Channel club. For his support they are very grateful. Ken (aka Buster), and Lee start each season with 28 old birds which are raced on a natural system. The loft is in a central position of the 'Golden Mile' at Paulsgrove, Portsmouth. Their 28 young birds are trained for about four weeks before the start of the young bird season, the first being from about 9 miles, after which they a stepped up to their final training race point of Poole. My opening statement comes into play with the time they train! Lee's alarm clock rings at 0410hrs. Yes, ten past four in the morning every day with the birds having only a lay in on Sundays. He picks up the youngsters in the dark and meets his good friend Mark Ellins, also of Paulsgrove, and they train together. The advantages of this are obvious, halving ever increasing costs. But Lee sees Mark's habit of buying the hot chocolates as the best perk. Their team are trained to the whistle before training, and it to this that Ken attributes this win, as it enabled him to pull out of the pack of birds that came across Paulsgrove his first and second fed pigeons efficiently. I must say at this point that it must be great on race day on Paulsgrove. When the first batch of birds hit the estate, they are met with a chorus of corn tins, whistles and shouting as the many lofts try to break out their entrants. Their 2nd Fed youngster, a blue cheq Bras Penning hen on 1729ypm was a later bred gift bird from the G & M Stud. So much younger than the rest of their team was it they had to consciously nurture it along. That extra effort has been paid back with dividends. The Channel club hosts many Classic and National winners. It is a phenomenally strong club, and this, Ken feels ensures that to be competitive he has to keep his team in tip top condition. Next year this loft will be concentrating on the classic and nationals. Look Out!
3rd Club, Channel SRFC 3rd Fed was Moody & King with a grizzle Silver Shadow hen on 1729 ypm. Flown naturally, this hen was from Bob Thompson of Wales.
Parade FC had 12 members send 178 birds to this race. 1st club, 4th fed was S & K Brimecome & Son with a cheq pied Jan Aarden cock on 1727 ypm. This darkness bird was bought at the Lier Market on one of Clive Jones weekend trips. It was sent to the race sitting 7 day old eggs. They also won the club £5 noms. Tony Barratt took 2nd club, 16th fed with a blue white flight Frank Karts cock, on 1716 ypm. Flown naturally, this bird was bred from stock that he has had for many years. Jason Ross was 3rd club, 18th fed with a blue pied Colin Ganus darkness hen on 1710 ypm, one of a kit of six birds bought from Wales. 4th club, 21st fed was Tony Barratt again on 1705 ypm. His dark cheq cock was bred by the late Joe Hopkins.
6 members sent 70 birds from the Portsmouth Manor Park FC. Mark Drackett took 1st club, 8th fed on 1725 ypm and 3rd club on 1653 ypm. Both flown naturally, the first bird was a red cheq cock, and the third, a blue cock. 2nd club was K W Wearn with a blue cheq cock on 1671 ypm.
There was a good turnout at Wootton & Bashley WMFC where 10 members sent 177 birds. Taking 1st club, 17th fed was club secretary Don Ellis. His blue Van Reet/Janssen hen was doing 1715 ypm. 2nd club, 22nd fed were Berry & Matthews. Their blue cheq hen is from their Janssen/Jos Thone stock birds. 3rd club, 36th fed was Mr & Mrs M Whiddett with a blue cheq hen.
Bognor & Chichester SRFC had 4 members send 73 birds to this race. The three top club positions were taken by Alan Akmenkalns. 1st club, 19th fed was a slaty Janssen cock on 1709 ypm. This pigeon is bred from stock of Spitfire bloodlines that are responsible for 30 x 1st prizes to a guy in Nottingham. 2nd club was a blue bar Van Meldmerk cock on 1666 ypm. Janssen based, this bird is bred from stock from the Foxwood Lofts. Taking third club for Alan was a light cheq Janssen cock on 1639 ypm. This is bred the same way as the first pigeon crossed with Ponderosa 'James Bond' lines.
20 members sent 235 birds to this race, a splendid turnout at Milton HS. Winning this race,and itr was well worth winning was Kevin & John Zerafa. Their blue white flight cock from their own familt was doing 1704 ypm. This pigeon was flying to his perch, and also won £1 noms and the star pool. Kevin & John also took 2nd club, 43rd fed with another of their own family, this time a mealy hen, on 1685 ypm, also flying to her perch. John & Tommy Austin were 3rd club on 1666 ypm. Their blue hen was from a brother sister mating of their own blood lines
.
Steve and Bernie Cox had their revenge on son James this week, taking 1st club at Fawley with their dark cheq Delbar x Busschaert on 1660 ypm. Flown naturally, this bird was bred from stock birds that have previously produced Solent Fed card winners in the past. James was 2nd club with a grizzle Busschaert/Janssen on 1649 ypm. The dam of this bird was 8th Solent Fed Exeter in 2006 as a young bird. 3rd for James was a slatey Janssen cock on 1613 ypm. The grand dam of this bird was bred by Ron Ayres for Steve, and won the Wilts Open Race on 2004 as a young bird.
East Cowes saw 7 members send 84 birds to this race. Mr G Deacon was 1st club with a blue pied Van Reet/Busschaert on 1646 ypm. 2nd club was Mr R Harbour with a blue pied Cattrysse cock on 1638 ypm. Mr E Wiltshire was 3rd club with a blue cheq Brabon x hen on 1625 ypm.
6 members sent 55 birds to Exeter in the Eastleigh Irish RPC. D Hayles & Son took all three places. 1st club was a blue cheq Busschaert hen on 1617 ypm. This hen was previously 3rd club Kingsdown. 2nd club was his blue pied Busschaert hen on 1560 ypm. 3rd club was a dark cheq Spangels hen on 1520 ypm that was 2nd Kingsdown last week.
Romsey SRFC saw 12 members send 140 Birds. 1st club was Martin & Clare Norman with a pencil blue Delbar x Van Loon Cock on 1555ypm. this bird is a half brother to the pigeon that they clocked from both Tarbes and Bordeaux on the day this year. 2nd club was Charlie Vincent and Richard Bull. Their blue cheq Janssen x Van Reet hen, on 1554 ypm was bred from their stock loft. Gerry Worrall was 3rd club with a blue cheq Van Reet Hen on 1536 ypm. Gerry has had some great results this year with his family of R & B Smiths Van Reets, and this is another!
Meon Valley saw a 1st, 2nd & 3rd win for the federation Race Controller Mr & Mrs Adams. Tony's first pigeon, a Gaby Vandenabeele, was a gift bird from his good friend Steve Vaizey. Although this was the first race for his team, they had been extensively trained.
Many Thanks as always to the club press reporters.
|
