THE MESSAC NATIONAL RACE REPORT

The race marking at The Salisbury livestock market in Salisbury for the Messac  National our first overseas race of the season went well albeit there was a longer wait than is normal for the competitors due to us having two marking tables out of action as some of our usual volunteers having gone on holiday and who can really blame them, but as always members took it all in good part with some enjoying the warm weather while outside in the inevitable queue. The General Manager of the R.P.R.A. Mr Peter Bryant who had come along to pick out the winning tickets in our annual Magnificent dozen draw the result of which is on the club website, even helped out with the race marking of some of the 1700 birds that were entered.

 

With the weekend forecast looking very good indeed it was on the cards for a good race but as there was to be east in the wind we all know that a harder race would more than likely be the outcome especially to the competing lofts situated on the east side of the country.

The birds arrived at Messac safely and were fed and watered and left to settle down. Saturday dawned and our convoyer Pete Willcox after conferring with our weather man Steve Appleby had the birds away at 06.00 hours, there was no wind reported at the lib site, but the birds would pick up on a south east wind which was forecast to turn to North easterly over the channel, and with very little cloud cover the birds would also have to deal with the heat of the day which did become very hot as the day went on.

With east in the wind the birds on reaching the mainland kept more to the west and centre of the country as predicted and as the eventual result will show this is where the majority of the leading birds were found to be, although having said that, some members had them dropping in really well and others were looking to time in their first bird much later in the day, especially those members residing more to the east of the country please look to Steve Appleby’s weather report and satellite picture to confirm the weather conditions mentioned above.

The velocities shown are only approximate unless shown otherwise and may possibly change as may the positions given, especially where vels are so close, we will soon see when all the clock paperwork is in and checked. My grateful thanks go out to all those that I called on to go and verify the leading birds in each section and open.

 

Ray Barrington of Wellington. Somerset leads the field  in this one by timing in three really nice ones at 11.01.03, 11.18.03 and 11.28.50 to probably take 1^st, 7^th and 14^th section C and 1^st, 10^th and 18th Open with approx vels of 1330, 1259 and 1220 flying 227 mile.

The first pigeon in the clock is a 2 y/o Schumman dark cheq cock named “Ambition” raced on the natural system and was sent to this race sitting eight day eggs and feeding a large youngster.

Ambition was prepared for this race was by way of private training to the fifty mile mark and then on into Messac, this being his first race of the season.

He was not raced as a youngster as Ray only trains his babies but as a yearling he flew two Lamballe races with The Devon and Cornwall Continental F.C and then further races from St. Nazaire, Saintes-Messac with the NFC.

The second bird timed is a 2 y/o Van de Wegan Jan Aarden blue cheq cock and Ray’s third bird timed is again a 2 y/o blue cheq but is a pure Jan Aarden

Birds here are fed on Countrywide and Versele Laga mixtures and are treated for canker and worms at regular intervals of six to eight weeks.

Ray passes on his thanks to the driver and convoyer for the way that they looked after the birds while in their care as they were in fantastic condition on their return. Ray would also like to say thanks to his friends Tom Stout and Fred Bloor for their marvellous support given to him over the past few months.

The Officials and membership of the BBC extend Congratulations to Ray Barrington on his marvellous achievement in winning The British Barcelona Club’s Messac National.

 

M/M. John Hartley of Carmarthen. West Wales kept the welsh flag flying by  timing in his blue cock to take probable 2^nd sec C, 2^nd open. John clocked in his yearling at 12.40 flying 298 miles for an amended vel of 1310.

This cock has had three races to Messac being his first bird on each occasion. Bred down from his 8^th open BBC Nantes plus 17^th open WSRNFC Pau, 1^st West Sec, 14^th open Nantes also 20^th and 55^th open WSRNFC.

The bloodlines here are Johns own which he has blended together from all honest channel winning pigeons “Brynceriths” which have all flown to a much disadvantaged loft over in West Wales. Although just being beaten for a BBC National win John sends his congratulations to Ray Barrington on his fine win.

 

In for probable 3^rd section C, 3^rd open we have Bryan Isaac of Bristol who timed in his 5y/o blue hen flown on the w/hood hens system, Bryan stopping his cocks for a few weeks rest, at 11.39 flying 250 miles approx vel 1301.

This hen has been a very consistent bird for Bryan having already taken 32^nd sec, 100^th open in our Ingleton National, she was also 77^th open CSCFC Penkridge both on the north route, last season she was 146^th sec, 350^th open in our St. Nazaire baby national.  She has now flown the channel on seven occasions up to Saintes also a full sister was 8^th sec, 15^th open Ingleton.

The sire of this one is a fountainhead Leo Van Rijn out of a g/son of Blue Diamond, the dam is a Janssen which came to Bryans loft as a y/b from the loft of Chris Balson also of Bristol who transferred it over after it returned to Bryan’s loft during training, this hen has flown the channel many times up to Bordeaux.

Bryan says he has been racing since the 1980’s and this is the first time he has had a bird verified at his loft.

 

Probable 1^st sec E, 4^th open is the husband and wife partnership of Alan and Cynthia Shore of Hankelow. Cheshire who timed in their yearling cheq pied hen “Harry’s Girl” at 14.07 flying 359 miles for a vel of 1298.

This hen was sent sitting on month old eggs and paired to another hen in the young bird loft.  She was trained but unraced as a y/b and has flown the two north road races from Ingleton and Carlisle with us this year having only been trained on the south to 56 miles.

Harry’s Girl is a g/dtr of Danny Boy a NFC Meritorious performance award winner  on her sires side and a g/g/dtr of Danny Boy on her dams side, her parents were always stock. Alan says that her uncle won from Market Drayton 2-bird club from Messac on the same day, a cracking double that Alan!

The G/Dam of Harry’s Girl is a Belgian hen which cost £10 from Lier Market.

 Feed here is by way of Versele Laga depurative and Junior UK 50/50. Vitamins are given in the water a couple of times a week plus electrolytes are given after each race. Apart from routine worming no medications are used, any birds that become sick or show any weaknesses they are culled regardless of how they are bred.  Alan I wish a lot more fanciers would take that approach with their birds.

 

Probable 4^th sec C, 5^th open are Dave Wyatt and Mervyn Gray of Nailsea. North Somerset who timed in their 2y/o blue cock a Staf Van Reet at 11.48 for an approx vel of 1282 flying 253 miles.

Although having done nothing outstanding up till now having previously flown Ingleton and Carlisle plus a few local club races, this one is bred down from a cock from D. Downing of Newmarket and a Staf van reet hen which came from Eddie and Geoff Bracey of Bristol.

All birds here are raced on a semi w/hood system as both the hens as well as the cocks are raced. Feed here is by way of good w/hood mixes of versele laga.

Other birds timed to this loft were at 12.07, 12.14, 12.32, 12.36, 12.37 and 12.38.

   

John and Tania Barnett and Daughter Julie of Telford. Shropshire are in next to take probable 2^nd sec E, 6^th open clocking in their 3y/o red hen at 13.45 flying 338 miles for an amended vel of 1280.

This hen has previously flown our Ingleton and Carlisle Nationals plus our Bordeaux National last year.

This one is a half sister to their 79^th open NFC Tarbes, her dam 208^th open NFC San Sebastian. Her sire is a g/son of the Bronze cock 38^th open NFC Pau, so she is full of good distance stock. Other birds timed recorded vels of 1137, 1044 and 965 four sent and four in the clock.

 

Probable 5^th sec C, 7^th open is Fred Bloor & Son of Charlton Mackrell.  Somerset who timed in their 5y/o blue cheq cock “362” at 11.13 for an amended  vel of 1273 flying 226 miles.

362 is a nest brother to 363 which was 20^th open Tarbes 556 mls 2005.

362 was one of the Tarbes team last season being clocked early next day.

The sire is Champion “Young Harry” the perfect racing machine winning from 80 mls in open races to Pau, scoring three times from Pau including 8^th open.

In our own Bordeaux National he also took 2^nd open having over 11hours on the wing, in this race Fred also took 6^th, 7^th 19^th and 35^th open as well.

Fred believes distance racing is the backbone of our sport in this country and channel racing is the ultimate challenge, I for one certainly second that.   

Fred sends his own congratulations to race winner Ray Barrington and to the BBC committee for putting on this overseas race and for the wonderful condition of his birds that arrived home. 

 

Nick Pearse of Poole. Dorset had his 2 y/o blue hen “Bonnie Blue” in the clock at 10.41 flying 201miles approx vel 1262 to take probable 1^st sec B, 8^th open.

This hen was bred by Nick from one of Charlie Cherrett’s Van Reets crossed with one of Nick’s own Barker family of birds.

Raced on the natural system she was sent sitting 6 days prior to this race. Bonnie Blue has been raced north and south and from the east coast always being a consistent bird but this is her best performance so far. Nick does early morning training with his mate Mickey Bastable going at least three times a week.

Being a member of the strong Branksome & Upper Parkstone club Nick says that the members there are a very friendly bunch who are always willing to help each other and in this particular case club member Mike White brought Nick’s birds to our race marking for this race as he was unable to do so because of his work.

 

Ernie Smith and Darren Baker of Swindon. Wiltshire should end up with probable 6^th sec C, 9^th open with their 6 y/o w/hood cheq cock named “Golden Balls” which they timed at 11.59 approx vel 1262 flying 257 miles.

Golden Balls has already won over £7,000 in his past races having previously taken 1^st open CSCFC Messac,  1^st sec, 28^th open NFC Nantes plus nine 1sts in their local club Watchfield in the Vale also four times 1^st federation plus many other awards that are too numerous to mention here, what a really super pigeon.

Golden Balls was bred from their own Janssen based family that has been blended together like the best wines, matured and now winning out of turn for Ernie and Darren as they have already won many 1sts in their local club this season and that is without calling in the other positions and awards that have been achieved by this very successful partnership.

John and Ann Rake Caldicot. Gwent have their one a 3 y/o Van Bruanne x Emiel Deweerdt cheq hen in at 12.09 flying 263 miles for an approx vel of 1256 to probably take 8^th sec C, 11^th open

This hen is bred down from their Dark Hen which was 2^nd open WSRNFC Pau 1998. This hen was their second bird on the day from Bergerac last season taking 6^th open WSRNFC, she flew Hexham and the hard Crieff this year on the north where there were no day birds in the federation. She flew this race on the r/about system.

J.J. Williams & Son, Ray of Pontypool Gwent timed in their 3y/o pencil cock of the old Westcott family at 12.30 for an approx vel of 1248 flying 276 miles to take probable 9^th sec C, 12^th open.

This cock started life off well being brought back in a box from Swansea but since then has been quite consistent although always being beaten by loft mates, in 2005 he was 7^th open in the Dax International race in the WSRNFC and this year having lost his hen he has taken up residence with the young birds and having found an hiding place in the y/b section he has been missed when basketing for club races so has had only one race plus a training flight down to Chepstow prior to this one. Ray has always flown his Wescotts this way.

A lot of time was wasted on his return here as a stranger was at the loft and he took his time before going in to be clocked.

Richard Green and Anna Crowley of Compton Bassett. Wiltshire had their first in the clock a yearling Van Loon chequered cock at 11.58 approx vel 1232 flying 250 miles to probable take 10^th sec C, 13^th open. This cock was bred from stock introduced from Steve/Paul Kulpa of Reading.

They also timed in another sharp one at 12.00 for an approx vel of 1225 which could also see them take 13^th sec C, 16^th open, this one is bred down from the Leadbeater’s Imortal 48 line.

Richard and Anna were extremely pleased with the way their birds performed as the whole team of 40 birds were entered, all of whom had previously had 8/9 races on the north this year.  This was their first race south having been turned and given eight training tosses from the south in the previous two/three weeks, they will now be prepared for our Bordeaux National our last old bird race of the year. 

Brian Millard of Templecloud. N’E’ Somerset timed in his 3 y/o w/hood blue cock at 11.49 for an approx vel of 1229 flying 243 miles to probably take 11^th sec C, 14^th open.

This cock flew the young bird inland programme and as yearling competing in  the WOESRC inland races then lifted into Nantes having 12 hours on the wing homing as fresh as a daisy. Last year it was earmarked for Pau but having a prep race from NFC St. Nazaire it homed covered in oil and a injured leg it was then cleaned up and allowed some rest before being sent on to Tarbes being the fifth bird to the loft.

This year turned north with the combine flying every race through to Hexham 250 miles and was then being prepared for Berwick but with the all clear being given for channel racing it was sent on to this Messac race and then Bingo.

Sire of this one was a gift bird from the Late Mike Young of Timsbury bred down from the Channel Queen lines.

The dam was also a gift bird from Mike from a late bred hen that was 5^th open Palamos 2001.

R.E.Taylor & Sons, John and Nigel of Bristol timed in three good birds all hens of their old spangle distance family within ten minutes at 12.01, 12.09 and 12.11 all having their very first channel race having been kept on inland racing the past two years. Their first in the clock could probably score 12^th sec C, 15^th open with an approx vel of 1227 flying 251 miles.

The other two birds timed could probably take 24^th open and 26^th open.

These hens were being used to keep some w/hood cocks happy and just competing in short races but with the restriction being lifted for channel racing they were re mated and all were sent sitting about 8 day eggs.  Out of their 8 entries 7 were home on the day the last arriving home next morning such was their fine condition they all carried on sitting so will now be entered for our Bordeaux National on the 22^nd July where they should be feeding young.

Alan Parker of Downham. Lancashire is in for probable 3^rd sec E, 17^th open clocking his “Millards Boy” a 2y/o shallie cock at 16.04 flying 420 miles for an approx vel of 1224.

The sire of this one was bred by Bruce and Sam Millard of Chew Magna and is a gifted son from Sam and Gemma who in 2000 were 1^st and 2^nd open from Palamos 709 miles.The dam was also a gift bird from Neil Bush of Ammcots who has a long distance record second to none and is a direct daughter to Neil’s famous Lolley Dolley and a daughter to Neil’s brother Keith ‘s famous pair, Alan has asked that thanks be shown to the Bush brothers.

Birds here are fed on beans and 50% maize is added as the birds get into France plus peanuts are given.  Alan entered ten birds and had seven on the day  

Frank Kay of Bolton. Lancashire could come in for 4^th sec E clocking in his yearling cheq cock flying 401 miles approx vel of 1214

Tom and Catherine Avis of Winterbourne. South Gloucestershire are in to probably take 15^th sec C, 19^th open clocking in their one a 3 y/o natural cock named “Johnstone” which was sent sitting 9 day eggs at 12.12 for a vel of 1219 flying 257 miles.

Johnstone has been lightly raced and was not trained as a y/b. As a yearling he was raced to the coast and as a 2y/o he has had more inland races and one channel race before being stopped and put away for this season.

This year he has been raced north with the WOESRC having had five races as far as Hexham 237 miles, this  Messac race was his first south road race.

The dam of Johnstone was bred by Steve Bennett of Winterbourne and has won many prizes for Tom and Catherine including 1^st club and 1^st S.&A from Nantes and 3^rd WOESRC Messac.  The sire of Johnstone was bred by Arthur and Jeff Avis of Peasedown being bred from their Agen 512 mile combine winner.

Tom and Catherine had all seven of their entries by 15.30 and would like to praise our convoyer for the superb condition of the birds when they returned. 

In for probable 2^nd sec B, 20^th open are Mel and Sue King of Blandford Forum. Dorset who had their “Stourcrest Deadalus” a 3y/o Vandenabeele blue cock top of the sheet in the clock at 11.01.44 for an approx vel of 1215 flying 208 miles

This cock has been a flying machine for the Kings having previously won 19^th sec, 186^th open NFC Nantes,  5^th sec, 81^st open NFC St. Nazaire, 8^th sec, 253^rd open NFC Messac and 78^th sec, 175^th open CSCFC Vaines.  An older brother to this one named “Stourcrest Icarus” has also been a good pigeon having won 3^rd sec, 12^th open BBC Ingleto, 20^th sec, 136^th open BBC Carlisle and 1^st sec, 35^th open CSCFC Penkridge.

David Newey of Weymouth. Dorset could be in for 3^rd sec B timing his one in at 10.50 approx vel 1180 flying 194 miles.

Probable 1^st sec A is Charlie Lakeman of New Milton Hampshire who timed in his yearling dark cheq cock at 11.26.55 flying 202 miles for an approx vel of 1092

This one has had six races from the north and south routes this year and then into this channel race, the birds here are hopper fed beans.

The sire was bred by a Mr.Watkins of Wales and the dam was bred at Kingston, Charlies home before moving down to New Milton and is bred down from the King of The Faroes J.Wills and Sheppard. Not one with the words is our Charlie!    

In for probable 2^nd sec A is Colin Edwards of Romsey who had his one in the clock at 12.00 for an approx vel of 1075 flying 219 miles with Tony Waite of Whitchurch. Hampshire having his first in the clock at 12.38 approx vel 1055 flying 238 mile to be probably 3^rd sec A.

David and Joan Glover of Hinckley. Leicestershire are in to take probable 1^st section D, clocking their 2 y/o cheq hen at 14.13 for an amended vel of 1161 flying 325 miles, their second bird timed at 14.24 could be in for probable 3^rd sec D with an amended vel of 1136.

This hen was sent on what David describes as a sort of r/about system. This year the partnership decided to concentrate on their hen team as their most successful results have been with hens and having about thirty hens as apposed to their twenty cocks only twenty “lucky” hens could be paired and after the youngsters had been reared from the matings they were all sent to every club race.

After David retired as Editor of The BHW they moved from Pant near Oswestry with their team to their native county and quickly established a loft at Burbage.

David born into the world of pigeon racing his family having been in the sport since the 1800’s does not bother too much with local club racing results saving their best efforts for the longer races with the National organisations such as the BBC.

Good performances have already been achieved such as 1^st sec, 8^th open NFC Dax International race with a bird of similar breeding to this section winner.

Their selection methods are to send all birds to as many national events as possible each year and those that survive are then worth breeding off. David’s Grand dad was Jud Glover of the Glover & Son partnership of Ravenstone.

Five of their six Messac entries were home on the day and the last one was at the loft by 06.00 hours the next day.

In for 2^nd sec D is Roger J. Lowe of Reading Berkshire who timed in his good one at 12.27 flying 255 miles for an approx vel of 1158. Once again another 2^nd section for Roger.

Probable 1^st Section G, is Lou Severe of Chichester. West Sussex who timed in his a 2 y/o blue cheq cock, which was sent sitting 10 day eggs, at 12.22 flying 213 miles approx vel 982.

This cock a steady racer to the loft is a Janssen x Verheye and he has already had 3 races on the north and 3 races on the west routes before going south in this race so has certainly been put through his paces.

The sire of this one is Lou’s great racing cock who has flown all stages many times never having a night out.  Lou had 26 out of his 30 entries on the day which is no mean feat when you consider where he is living as the centre and west of the country did fare best overall.

David Farr of Bognor Regis. West Sussex could be in for 2^nd sec G timing in at 12.53 approx vel 902 flying 211 miles with Derek Reid of Weybridge. Surrey clocking his one at 14.25 flying 252 miles approx vel 880.

Probable 1^st sec CI, and should finish up in the first sixty of the open is  Lawrence Ruez of St. Peter. Jersey who had his “Fairfield Mike” a 5 y/o dark cheq cock in at 08.30 flying 98 miles.

His sire is bred off a pair of birds from the spangle family of the Late Mike Young of Timsbury and his dam was a gift from Mike which has been an outstanding breeding hen for Lawrence.

Probable 2^nd and 3^rd sec CI could well be Paul Davies of St. Clement. Jersey who had two in the clock at 08.35 and 08.37 flying 95 miles with approx vels of  1084 and 1070.   

Our next race is our Bordeaux National, look to page 12 in the club hand book for all the details on this next National which is on Saturday 22^nd July with race marking to take place on Thursday 20^th July 10.00 until 2.00pm and do not forget it is only £3.50 per bird so make sure you post Part A of your Bordeaux race sheet no later than Friday 14^th July, you don’t want to miss out on our last old bird National especially as we have lost our Blue Riband National from Palamos for this year.

Keep checking out the pigeon press as well as our club information line & this web site.