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Gold Coast 50000

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25.01.2022 Full basketing list now available at benzingoneloftrace.net Tomorrow, will also provide a list of birds withdrawn over many weeks due to injury, to be returned with race birds completing the series

25.01.2022 GC50000 team once again went to Springwood 28km to improve from their last outing, which they did. SE winds on a NW line saw the first arrivals time in at a little under 29 minutes, satisfactory after what they did a few days ago but not brilliant. Brilliant or not, the team is going well enough to continue on to 40km tomorrow with the clock ticking, the calendar reminding us that Race 1 is just 5 or 6 weeks away now. Todays run saw close to 800 birds time in within around 3 minutes of the first trappers, with again constant follow up of later arrivals, leaving just 4 missing tonight, 1 or 2 likely to appear tomorrow.

24.01.2022 First of 3 cheques as promised. Thankyou to all that took part in buying a charity bird and supporting Kids with Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer

24.01.2022 Short video of the birds working today. They've been working over an hour each day since race 3, 80 minutes today

23.01.2022 2nd training run today, again from 28km and into a south-easterly wind, timing in at 27 minutes, a very good effort. The team was a little scattered leaving 10 still to come. 752 in the system in less than 3 minutes was great, birds continuing to arrive, even with a sizable group around 40 minutes behind, and still learning. Weather permitting, training should continue Friday and Monday. Results, google benzing one loft races gold coast 50000

22.01.2022 Acknowledgegement from the 3 charities supported in 2020 by the GOLD COAST 50000. 2021 will see such support go back to the clients involved in our 10th Anniversary, by way of give aways. A magnificent 10th year Anniversary trophy will also be up for grabs showing all 10 winners over the 10 years, much like a perpetual trophy, but for keeping

20.01.2022 12.20pm update. Winds up and down the coast have been SE all morning, turning slightly ESE. By the time birds reach Brisbane the winds should be lighter and from the east, locally light and variable now, even with some north in the wind at times and very warm. Video of the liberation was of no consequence today with the birds gone too fast, technology beating the operator on this occasion LOL Birds should still be quite some distance away but cameras are now active, one only from mobile phones, laptop or equivalent required for both cameras. My I.T guy Jesse will put up a comment with the link for you to click on

19.01.2022 Gold Coast 50000 birds were released this morning at 7.15am with little wind early in the morning from Hervey Bay 285km. Birds were running south within 2 minutes of release, but a minute or two later were seen turning in the distance and splitting in to two groups. 6 minutes after release was the last sighting with the 2 groups heading south, one higher than the other. Winds for most of the journey are forecast to be 15 to 20km SW, with winds strengthening closer to home fro...m the WSW. Winning birds are still expected just either side of 4 hours or 11.15am. Our I.T man worked on hooking up cameras to YouTube for some time last night, taking one camera and laptop specifically for the cameras home last night hoping to connect this morning. The wonderful world of technology is forever changing things to the point where one thing cant communicate with another, requiring new programming, so we can only hope at this stage. Good luck to all for today's result and returns See more

19.01.2022 A long time ago, way back in 1970, my parents in their mid 20s left Germany via Africa by boat, destined for Sydney for a new life with 2 little boys aged 1 and 4. Soon after finding a home, the first 2 pigeons were acquired, their first home in the shipping container that came with us. Soon thereafter, a simple loft was built with a few more pigeons. But Sydney was a relatively short stay, moving to Melbourne a year or so later. Pigeons would be put on hold until I was 10, w...hen we again built a small loft, acquiring just 4 pigeons from a certain Allan James, VHA Fed champion at that time. A few young ones were bred, and the next thing we all headed to Germany for a year. On returning to Australia in 1980, no sooner had we arrived, a piece of land was purchased, a family home was built, closely followed by the next pigeon loft, where dad and I would start racing in 1982 as E & S ZANDER with a modest team of 19 birds, enough to carry us through the entire season, even winning our first race surprisingly, from 560km. 8 years racing in the VHA with my father, and I made the decision to move to Queensland where I raced from 1992 to 2009. Not long after I found myself moving to the Gold Coast, and again not much time would pass before again pigeons were a part of my life, starting and running the Gold Coast 50000 in it’s tenth season coming up, as well as racing at club and fed level. Throughout the many many years of racing pigeons, and in particular the One Loft Race, my father was always keenly interested in how things were going, even keen to read the updates. Sadly this year was to be his last, passing away at 4.45am this morning. Without my father’s initial passion for pigeons, I would most likely have never been involved in pigeons at all. Thankyou to my father for everything you have done over the years, you will be sadly missed See more

19.01.2022 Entries for 2021 start in just 7 days. With limited flights due to covid, entries will be accepted fortnightly through to mid January, friday and saturday. Due to limited flights, Brisbane airport pickups will likely be both midday and early evening to accomodate the various arrival times. For local drop offs as per previous years, 9am to midday please, or by appointment. Several new flyers have already nominated, excited to be on board, with quite a few existing clients hav...ing nominated early, some with increased team sizes, eager to compete for the new Ace Flyer. We are currently in the design and build process of a spectacular trophy for the 2021 feature race winner, which much like a perpetual trophy will depict all of the winners of the 10 years for this special 10th year anniversary. Prior to sending, please send me a text or phone me on 0447 966 425 with flight details and number of birds. If possible try to co-ordinate flights with at least one other flyer, and if possible, please vaccinate your birds against PMV upto 14 days prior to sending. If unsure about anything, please feel free to text or call. Wishing you all a great breeding season. 2021 promises to be very different with 6 races scheduled and plenty of cover at each race on this tough north route See more

18.01.2022 Good morning to all on what feels like Sunday morning, but is in fact Monday 14th September. The GC50000 birds have been well looked after, driven to their final release point for the year by Shane Smith flying with the QPF and Terry Stephens racing with the Sunshine Coast club, thanks boys. The birds ate and drank well and had plenty of rest. Sparkling was the birds appearance according to Shane impressed also with the small tight droppings throughout the units, clearly in o...ptimum health. Birds were released from Marmor at 6.45am, a straight line distance of 527km, some 28km South-East of Rockhampton ( breaking point distance of 542km). Two federations were to fly north this same weekend but the Moreton group cancelled, whilst the NRC flew yesterday. To give an idea of velocities expected today with similar conditions, the NRC winner flew 1083mpm on a breaking point ( straight line velocity 1036mpm ). NRC winner flew a distance of 351km yesterday ( 449km to the long marker ) with the GC50000 birds flying 527km. At 1036mpm the birds would need to cover the distance in 8 hours 29 minutes, but are very likely to take a little longer, time will tell. ( 1036mpm would see the first arrivals at 3.14pm ) The birds left the unit as one, and after just 2 circles were racing hard to the South-East at reasonable height, never turning and disappearing into the distance within minutes and out of sight into a south-easterly wind of around 10km. A good start is critically important, the rest is now up to them. For the final time for 2020, good luck to all See more

18.01.2022 Birds on the results page listed in positions 283 to 287 were collected from around the sunshine coast thanks to David Tester and brought back to the local area by Dave Horn, thanks guys. Another bird has been reported at Bundaberg, yet to be collected, 50 to 60km north of Hervey Bay in the opposite direction, fairly supportive of where some or many others headed that day

18.01.2022 With covid once again spreading, and border closures once again a reality, please book as early as possible to not miss flights for your 2021 entries, keeping in mind there are likely to be numerous flight cancellations. Recent information received suggests that most Australian's are likely to wait 9 - 12 months before receiving covid vaccinations, suggesting border closures are likely to be an ongoing threat throughout 2021, so with the GC50000 heading north once again in order to guarantee another race season would seem once again to be the best decision. GC50000 birds are looking great, with no PPMV1 or rotavirus at this stage. Stay safe, enjoy your Christmas, and may 2021 be a much better year for everyone

18.01.2022 A number of people have been asking about next year already, so the following dates have been provided Entry Dates for 2021 ( 5 intakes ) Due to Covid 19 and border restriction issues, we will again be racing NORTH without the initial south training that took place in 2020. Should border restriction issues become resolved through a vaccine, NORTH will still continue as many will have committed to birds that may better suit North than South.... Friday 20th November Saturday 21st November Friday 4th December Saturday 5th December Friday 18th December Saturday 19th December Saturday 2nd January Friday 15th January Saturday 16th January Please note that entries due to Covid 19 and limited flights being available at this time, which is likely to continue will see airport pickups Friday and Saturday for 5 weeks except for January 1st. Please try to work together to not only save on the cost of freight, but limit the number of consignments being sent as they will be difficult to achieve. Booking well in advance will also help secure the flights you need, keeping in mind that many destinations are now restricted to a single flight per day. To combat rising freight costs at entry only, the Gold Coast 50000 will assist each client sending birds by air freight in reimbursing clients some of their freight costs in order to soften the blow. In order to do this, entry costs across the board will have a small increase, but still with the 5% discount for payments made in full at entry or prior. Teams of 3 to 6 birds are $385.00 each ( $365.75 each with discount ) Teams of 7 to 10 birds are $360.00 each ( $342.00 each with discount ) Teams of 11 birds or more are $335.00 each ( $318.25 with discount ) To protect your investments, please try to vaccinate your young entries against PPMV1 two weeks prior to sending or earlier. Do not send pigeons that have been pox vaccinated.

17.01.2022 The outlook for the next 14 days for the Rockhampton and Yeppoon area is consistently ESE to ENE winds, not in any way conducive to a good race, or the conditions being targeted. As stated several times in the past, due to covid 19 there will not be the possibility of spectators at the loft for 2020 which is unfortunate but the way it is this year, so therefore for the first time, we are able to be flexible in regards to the race day chosen, which at this point is incredibly ...Continue reading

16.01.2022 Happy New Year to all, far and wide. May all your wishes and dreams come true in 2021, but above all, a better year than 2020. Best wishes from Steve, Sonya, Eric & Justin

16.01.2022 Birds are working really well, out of sight most of the time ranging, but I managed to catch them after training over an hour, working 90+ minutes every afternoon, as well as roadwork every morning this week. Monday is looking good for the final event. The 2 local federations in South-East Queensland also flying north are the NRC and Moreton, one deciding to postpone racing until Sunday, the other cancelling the weekends racing all together. The line of flight this year is referred to as north, but is strictly speaking north-west, so south-east winds will see a tough final. You may find footage on a phone is difficult to see with the birds so high, maybe try the computer

15.01.2022 CONGRATULATIONS to all winners, place getters, and owners who homed one of the 45 special birds home today in very tough circumstances, in an incredibly challenging season. The Gold Coast 50000 holds its final race each year from 600km with a maximum allowable adjustment in distance of 50 miles or 80km further or shorter subject to the conditions on the day of the race. Finding the perfect liberation point for the conditions is further complicated and sometimes not so simple,...Continue reading

15.01.2022 To all our valued pigeon friends. Thankyou sincerely to all who sent kind messages during this difficult time, it is greatly appreciated by the whole family. The Gold Coast 50000 is heading into it’s 10th season in 2021 and a special 10th Anniversary, so a number of changes will be made to mix things up, for more entertainment and excitement. Rather than spend money on advertising and sponsorships for 2021, there will be a number of additional prizes or give aways to clients...Continue reading

13.01.2022 With just over 100 new entries this weekend, the loft now houses 600 potential champions. Intake 1 has now been vaccinated for their second time protecting them from PPMV1, the same day that intake 3 was vaccinated, whilst intake 2 were out for their first time, with all but a couple back inside, having learnt from observing the others day after day, in and out. Nice to see everything going to plan, birds looking well and relaxed in the loft. A couple of shipments have been r...ejected in recent times due to baskets not being of a decent standard, so please be careful for your own sake and maybe make your own enquiries as to what and why. The best option is still a pet carrier worth $20.00 at Kmart which will hold 8 comfortably, which you can even dismantle, putting a floor through the middle providing a top and bottom level now holding around 16. The critical component according to both airlines are the metal bolts in the 4 corners, so no cheap dollar shop crates would be advisable as they are all plastic. Next intake will be Saturday January 2nd. As flights should be more readily available now with things opening up more and more, please try if possible for shipments to again arrive after midday and before 5pm as was the case in the past. See more

13.01.2022 Hi all. My name is Peter Utz. Sorry for being late to post my thank you as I am not too good on computers I had to wait until i could get my daughter inlaw Mellony to do this for me. WOW what a BUZZ!!! A big big thanks to Steve & Sonya for all their patience and hard work to do such a wonderful job with all of our birds. The photos of the winners, Flash & Bling are brilliant! They show what great condition the birds were in for the race. At least now I can say that I know how... past winners felt when receiving that phone call - Wow Wow Wow!!! A big congratulations to all other place getters. I hope it was just as exciting for you all! Once again thanks Steve and Sonya. I know we all complain a lot during the year but please know that we really do appreciate what you do for us with this race. Thanks on behalf of Sel & myself. Peter Utz. I bet the words ' wow wow wow ' were toned down by Mellony, good job, knowing how passionate we can be, the true words may have been a little different, fantastic either way. It's taken Peter a little time to share his post, but felt it was only fair to hear from this years winner, well done again Peter and Sel. Heading north next year may also be a little kinder than 2020, keeping in mind that all the competitions here in the south-east will be racing north, NRC, Moreton and the QPF

13.01.2022 Thought we'd post a picture of this years GC50000 Ace Pigeon, Bling, owned by David Winkler from Northern NSW. Bling not only won Ace Pigeon, but finished 4th in the final Feature Race, just 2 minutes behind third place and winning a tidy sum of $20,217.00 With a distinctive color marking, she is easily identifiable, and ironically was the bird, the only bird to spend the night out, sitting on the loft for the night after training 90 to 100 minutes just 2 days before basketi...ng for the final. Believe it or not, 2 to 3 days earlier she did the exact same thing on her own. What goes through their head at times we'll never know, but she happily trapped in when it mattered most. Her sire is a Heremanns direct from Greg Hamilton, her Dam was 26th in the GC50000 final last year, also a tough race and finished 12th Ace Pigeon, a Heremann crossed Staff Van Reet. Well done Bling and David. Magnificent looking pigeon, even better in the hand, and condition to die for, just amazing See more

12.01.2022 Three remaining entry opportunities for the 2021 GOLD COAST 50000 are as follows : December Friday 18, Saturday 19 January Saturday 2 January Friday 15, Saturday 16... Entry costs are as follows : Teams of 3 -6 are $385 each ( 5% discount for teams paid in full at entry) Teams of 7 - 10 are $360 each ( 5% discount for teams paid in full at entry) Teams of 11 or greater are $335 each ( 5% discount for teams paid in full at entry) Teams not paid in full must be paid up no later than April 1st 2021

12.01.2022 It's not over until it's over. Unless there are some birds through the night, there is still $176,455.00 up for grabs tomorrow, worth getting excited about, even getting up early for. No doubt there would be disappointment for many of us after today, fully understandable, but not everything can be controlled despite our best endeavors. The north route can be brutally tough, particularly with east in the wind, something we tried hard to avoid. But despite today's outcome I am confident we will see birds back tomorrow. 2017 final was won by S & M Klaassen on the second day, with Johnson's Firebirds winning at 8.28pm through the night last year. 2020 just seems to be one of those years

12.01.2022 Flash by name, flash by nature. Picture taken quite a few hours after returning home to win the Gold Coast 50000 by a comfortable margin of 20 minutes. She is only little, but nicely put together having lost no condition and still sparkling. The picture alone tells the story, glowing with health, owned by a partnership from the Lockyer Valley, Queensland, Peter Utz and Selwyn Andrews. Peter bred Flash from an inbred Randall bred for stock, mated to a Gaby x Heremanns, also br...ed for stock, bred from 2 double winners. Flash may very well have flown some distance through the night, after she timed in from Race 3 at 7pm, over an hour into the night. Well done boys See more

11.01.2022 GC50000 birds had their first toss today after working well for weeks and ranging well for long periods of time, it was well and truly time to start with Race 1 fast approaching just 6 weeks away. As expected the birds circled for a little while before getting away, overall doing a very good job covering the 28km in 32 minutes. Of the 871 birds still in the loft, just 6 are missing at this early stage. Full results are available at benzing one loft races. With the Anzac day ...long weekend, every man and his dog will be out training their birds, so the one lofters will be back to loft work for the next few days, before road work continues later next week. Enjoy your long weekend. For those of you still not paid up, please get it sorted ASAP, thankyou See more

10.01.2022 Congratulations to all who placed in today’s Gold Coast 50000 Race 3 from Hervey Bay with a distance of 285km. Four birds were seen way off in the distance coming from the north, racing hard and trapping well after just a single tight circle of the loft with a 5th bird right behind them at 3 hours 45 minutes at a winning velocity of 1267mpm. Congratulations go to Alan Whitaker todays winner, unable this year to breed his own, taking on a team bred for him by Hudson Lofts. T...he 3 birds landing together with the winner, split by just a few seconds were owned by Gorman Family, Roy Xia and Michael Young, with Greg Kelleher’s bird right on their hammer. Fifteen prizes were all filled in the first 7 minutes, with 60 home in the first 13 minutes. 19 minutes after the first arrivals and we had 149 birds back in the loft and looking good, but pretty soon returns slowed right down, with some of the birds much like in race 1 struggling to get the job done, likely repeating the pattern from 3 weeks ago. By darkness and almost an hour since the last arrival the loft was closed for the night but lights left on. On the first of many regular checks, 4 birds were found waiting in the dark at 7pm, none of which were there half an hour earlier, with a fifth bird also arriving in total darkness as the loft was again being closed 5 minutes later, suggesting there may be more to come but no more at 8pm. Fingers crossed for all, for some decent returns tomorrow with just over half home so far. RESULTS RACE 3 1st Alan Whitaker INDIA 10 59 53 bred by Hudson Lofts $6,190.00 2nd Gorman Family KAHUNA 10 59 55 $1,651.00 3rd Roy Xia LUCKY 11 11 00 02.0 $825.00 4th Michael Young SABAGASSI 2 11 00 02.4 $413.00 5th Greg Kelleher FORBARS OF WATTLELAND 11 02 16 $413.00 6th Darren Watts PERIKLES 44 11 04 42 bred by Hudson Lofts $413.00 7th John Commons XENA 11 04 43 $413.00 8th Van Jack Lofts BLUE MAGIC 11 04 49 $413.00 9th J & R Lofts ARDALA 11 04 50 $413.00 10th Peter & Poi Weynton POI 14 11 06 25 $413.00 11th Magic Millions Syndicate BLUE BOY 11 06 26.4 $413.00 12th Whitechurch Family THE HURRICANE 39 11 06 26.9 $413.00 13th FNQ Avengers BLACK PANTHER 11 06 27 $413.00 14th Primmer & Primmer GABRIEL 11 06 30 $413.00 15th Pat Malone CARLOW MOMENT 11 06 38 $413.00 ACE PIGEONS TOP TEN ( after 2 of 3 races ) 1st Baochun Yao YAO 4 1106mpm 2nd Aardenbelle Lofts SUBSTITUTE MOMENT 1084mpm bred by Hudson Lofts 3rd Johnson’s Firebirds SATIEV 22 873mpm bred by Hudson Lofts 4th Roy Xia LUCKY 11 857mpm 5th Gorman Family KAHUNA 844mpm 6th Phil Gorman BUTTER BEAN 839.5mpm 7th Wayne Devine PAUL 839.4mpm 8th Roy Xia LUCKY 14 839.3mpm 9th The Flightless Bird Syndicate TUI 838mpm 10th Phil Gorman CHOCOLATES 837mpm

09.01.2022 Raining and closed in was the way the day started and finished. At liberation conditions were fine with the birds climbing quite high despite headwinds, encountering only a couple of small showers on the way home, with sun breaking through mostly cloudy skies. Despite taking far too long to find their way home today, 777 timed in within 4 minutes, with birds continuing to roll in. Despite dark conditions with consistent drizzle after lunch, birds continued to return right up until dark, so likely a few more will turn up tomorrow with rain forecast for most of the day. 846 of 863 home today, road work continuing once weather conditions improve

09.01.2022 Day time temperatures are still mid to high 20's, but the weather has definitely changed for the better with early mornings cold, and late afternoons cooling down. With fitness building, the peregrines have had little success in recent times, both here yesterday and failing, neither of them here today with the team training 2 hours, but not much to see for the first hour, with all but the odd bird or two ranging and gone. A couple more days and training will be switched to the mornings in readiness for roadwork

09.01.2022 One day to go, and the first babies will arrive for 2021. The loft has been cleaned out, burned out, and disinfected. If you are sending Friday or Saturday, please text arrival time and day, number of birds being sent, airway bill number, and a copy of your freight invoice/receipt as there will be 2 pick ups per day. We dont want to have any sitting for too long not being collected. Steve... 0447 966 425 See more

08.01.2022 Was the night before basketing, for this year’s final, amidst border closures, lockdowns, mask wearing, and god only knows the rest of the dramas going on. But in handling, scanning and checking each and every bird, there was just a single broken flight found today, no further injuries, and happily no more withdrawals. Tomorrow’s official basketing list should show 286 entries for Monday’s race at this stage to take place somewhere between Gladstone and Rockhampton with a min...imum distance of 520km as per GC50000 rules, with a liberation time planned for 6.30am. Forecasts would suggest south-easterly winds from start to finish with a winning velocity very likely to be under 1000mpm. The most likely scenario will be a race winner being timed in either side of 9 hours, and whilst 8 to 9 hours is always the target for the final, it will not be surprising to see the first arrival(s) closer to 10 hours. The preparation this year has been incredibly tough, and by default has conditioned the birds for the final better than in most previous years, so i have no doubt that the best on the day will see their owners incredibly proud. Handling all of the birds was again a privilege as they were incredibly silky to the touch, buoyant, with many nicely rounded with muscle without being heavy. Amongst the team were some nice little hens, a few bigger cock birds, and many others in between. Generally we see around 2/3 of entries being hens, and yet the ratio of hens to cocks going to the final is probably closer to 50/50. The team is heavily represented by checkers and blue bars, with just a solitary gay pied and a single red checker to represent the coloured birds, most of the pretty colours long gone, but still the odd dark grizzle and white flight. The plan was to stick as close as possible to the coastline, however at this stage the options are either 560km ( possibly further than necessary ) or 500km, which is less than the minimum distance as per GC50000 rules, so it is likely that the ultimate point of liberation will be along the Bruce Hwy, slightly west of the coast, as there are simply no roads along that part of the coast to suit the required distance. This decision will ultimately be made at the last minute See more

08.01.2022 Afternoon fly on the Gold Coast, plenty going hard, some still watching

06.01.2022 The GC50000 birds left in the very early hours of this morning at 2am, and by 10.30am were drinking and feeding at their final release point for 2020. Resting throughout the day in the shade, they were again fed and watered between 3 and 4pm before settling down for the night. As per request there is a list at benzing one loft race, listing all of the birds withdrawn due to injury, unable to continue. Included in this list are 2 birds which returned this morning from race 3 f...rom 3 weeks ago in great condition, free of injury, together with a 3rd bird which was lost from race 1 six weeks ago which very nicely had its ETS chip ring removed and stolen. Fortunately we do not know who has been holding these 3 birds for as long as they have, nor do we know why they would hold them until basketing for the final is complete, all 3 owned by Victorian flyers, each one contacted explaining the unfortunate situation. Liberation tomorrow is set for 6.45am, and at this stage, predictions for the arrival of the winning bird is either side of 3.30pm, fingers crossed for a clean get away and an honest race. Conditions forecast certainly won’t make it an easy journey. A liberation report will be provided tomorrow together with camera details. Race 1 will see $5,880.00 paid out. Race 3 will see $13,622.00 paid out. Tomorrow’s final will see an amazing $154,116.00 paid out, with the ultimate winner receiving no less than $52,645.00. Ace Pigeons ( which is likely to be finalized Tuesday with significant time gaps ) will see $22,339.00 paid out. With a total payout this year of $195,957.00 the Gold Coast 50000 remains the biggest and best One Loft Race with an affordable entry as little as $318.25 ( subject to number of entries ). 2020 has seen some punishing training runs, races 1 & 3 no different, but the final has arrived and for those of you with a bird or two out there tomorrow, you are in with a chance in a final that promises to be a classic. GOOD LUCK to all involved See more

06.01.2022 Gold Coast 50000 first intake for 2021 took place yesterday and today, with 211 birds entered in fairly kind conditions, no storms and not overly hot. All birds seem very content, quickly relaxed, bathing, relaxing in the aviaries, seemingly at home. Thankyou to all that have already entered, the quality of youngsters is a credit to you all, seemingly a step up compared with some from previous years. Nice to see some first time entrants, we welcome you, just as nice to see some coming back after a few years missing, but equally nice to see those keen, back to have another go. Good luck to all, maybe the major winner is already here, or then again, still coming

03.01.2022 Many of you are waiting for news about this years final. Whilst it is a little early to say for sure, Monday or Tuesday at this stage are serious considerations. Winds for Monday early are light SE, Tuesday early are light SW, with still predominantly easterlies throughout the journey for both days. Rockhampton is an approximate destination, however given the amount of east in the wind, the ultimate liberation point is likely to be tight on the coast, either side of Emu Park... to the east, as far away as possible from the gap in the great dividing range. Provided the birds head off in a southerly direction they should avoid getting around the back of the ranges. Rest assured we were never targeting an easy race, and the birds to feature in this years final will have well and truly earned their prizes. Most if not all of the South-East Queensland federations are likely to race Sunday due to rain forecast for Saturday, so fingers crossed for us all for early next week. Once a decision is made, it will be posted right here See more

03.01.2022 Cheques totalling $196,848.00 will be sent out this week with the top 10 listed to inspire everyone with something to aim for in 2021, our 10th anniversary. Some years success is achieved, other years maybe not so much, but easy or hard, prize money is amazing year after year with 9 different winners in 9 years. Odds are it will be a 10th different winner next year, with no one entrant dominating the event with so many top competitors sending their very best with the hope an...d dream of winning. Whilst a cliché, whether the team is over or under trained, over or under fed, medicated or not, the start and finish line is the same for every bird competing, no fairer form of racing than that. Whether you have many or just a single bird left for the final event, you are in with a genuine chance of a result where weather, winds and loft location are never a disadvantage to anyone, the same for every single bird competing. Racing has been tough in 2020 Australia wide, no different here on the Gold Coast, and whilst heading North again next year with another hard year of racing likely, hopefully a little kinder. In order to discourage clients from sending outright sprint birds which are unlikely to make it from the final, prize money will be adjusted once again, with an even greater focus on the final event. Races 1,2 and 3 should be seen more or less as preparation for the final event, but still some prize money for these races will apply. TOP 10 CHEQUES for 2020 ------------------------------------ Selwutz Supercells $53,507.00 Tootgarook $29,881.00 Winkypop Lofts $20,217.00 Jamie Ennis $18,073.00 Damon Holmes $10,604.00 China & Orca $8,004.00 Alan Whitaker $7,449.00 Lewis & Kissane $6,190.00 Butch’s Bottlers $4,868.00 Phil Gorman $4,734.00 See more

01.01.2022 Apologies for some premature excitement. A few droppers earlier in the day decided to not trap. Now after sunset there are the last 2 about to trap. Still waiting for a winner

01.01.2022 A number of changes are set for 2021. We will have additional cover by way of extra birds going up together, details to come. We are targeting 6 races compared with the usual 4. For the first time there will be Ace Flyer as well as Ace Pigeon on a points basis mentioned in a recent update. Flying north again in 2021, there will be a small adjustment to the allowable variation in distance to avoid no birds on the day as much as possible. Variation in recent years has been +/- ...Continue reading