700-MILE PIGEON RACE

Northern Advocate, 2 December 1936, Page 6

700-MILE PIGEON RACE

WHANGAREI CLUE’S EVENT THIS

SATURDAY

One of the longest homing pigeon races staged in New Zealand is taking place on Saturday under the aegis of the Whangarei Club. It is from Timaru to Whangarei, an airline distance of approximately 700 miles, and it will be very interesting to see whether the birds reach home in race time. This race is the last in connection with the old bird average. New Zealand is considered very difficult for long-distance pigeon races and a bird covering the 700 miles in under the stipulated time must record a fine achievement. The winning fancier in the Timaru event receives a handsome cup donated by Mrs. Ann Powell, of Auckland. For birds not competing in the i marathon, a race is being put on from Mercer.

A relay race was staged by the Whangarei Homing Pigeon Club on Saturday in the form of contests from Paparoa, for youngsters; Auckland for yearlings, and Frankton for old birds. E. Gilbey had a day out, clinching each of the three events. The youngsters did not take too kindly to the racing, and must have flown about for some time before getting their bearings, as they averaged only about 600 yards per minute. Seven fanciers were represented in the race, which resulted: E. Gilbey’s bbc Storm Chief, 1; F. Redmonds’ rcc Sandy.. 2; A. Balfour’s bch Hope. 3; A. Stanton’s bcc Great Expectations 4. In the yearling "ace, the birds recorded over 1100 yards per minute. The first four to finish were: E. Gilbey’s bcc Chief Ruler, 1; D. Wilson's bch Dark Marble 2; F. Redmond’s bcc King Pin, and A, Balfour’s bph White Wings dead heat 3.

The old birds flew vei’y fast, doing nearly 1400 yards per minute. The finishing order was: E. Gilbey’s bch Miss Chief 1; F. Redmonds' rcc Sunset 2; A. Balfour's hcc Blue Sky 3; D, Millington's bcc Pino King 4. The combined result was. E. Gilbey 1; A. Redmond 2; A. Balfour 3. and D. Wilson 4.