Welcome to McLaughlin Lofts. Please check back for updates, champion pigeon additions and articles. Feel free to contact us with any pigeon related questions. Notice 'Our Systems' for all methods, health, racing systems and The Art of Selection. We will also be adding regularly to our 'Secrets' page . We work closely with the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race. Please check out 'Sun City Million Dollar ' and contact us if you need any assistance.
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2/4/2012
| Fine Season for the US! |
Last Saturday we completed Sun City 2012 with an outstanding final race. We could not have asked for a better day to culminate an exciting racing season. I was pleased to see so many US and Canadian pigeons at the very top of the Grand Averages. I was also satisfied to know I shipped the top Canadian pigeon and the top five US pigeons in the overall Grand Averages. My greatest disappointment was the the Defaulted pigeon that would have finished 9th in the final race. This was a US pigeon I shipped to Sun City. The owner lost a once in a lifetime opportunity to finish top 10 Sun City, USA lost the Flag on top of the result, Sun City lost every cent of the money they invested in getting the pigeon to that point and I lost my export fees along with some country coordinator pride. The Defaulted will forever be banned from entering Sun City in the future. Before we break down the results, I would like everyone to know I updated my shipping schedule and export dates to Sun City for this coming spring, under 'Sun City Million Dollar', on my website. I added pigeon pictures and wing pictures of the top five finishers 2012 for everyone to analyze. I have the new DVD and 2013 brochure that I will ship to everyone that entered through me this past season. If you did not enter last year, please email your name and address and I will send you out a DVD and brochure. Let me congratulate everyone that had a pigeon in the top 300 which are the prize winners. Less than 10% won prizes and in this competition top 300 is an outstanding feat. Some lofts enter year after year and have never cracked top 300. Even top 20% in the final race is remarkable. Sun City combines thousands of the best racing pigeons from the top fanciers under the most challenging race conditions our sport has ever known. We are lucky to have this race. No other sport allows a competitor from Any Town USA to compete head to head with the sport idols, giants and legends. Now to the Results: The 1st US pigeon at 32nd Overall was a pigeon named 'Impulse' bred and owned by Tony Kan. Congratulations Tony on your outstanding performance. It has been my pleasure assisting you with the race. The 2nd US pigeon at 35th Overall was 'Yonny 3' bred by my friend Yoannys Sainz of Si Se Puede Farm Syndicate. The 3rd US pigeon at 44th Overall was 'Global Success' bred by another pigeon friend in California, Ahsan Khan. What a great result for these three!! The Grand Averages were also impressive with five US Flags in the top 16. A different US pigeon led the Grand Averages from nearly start to finish. The 1st US pigeon at 7th Overall was again 'Global Success' owned by Ahsan Khan. The 2nd US pigeon at 8th Overall was 'Slatybrig' of APC Loft owned by George Rankin. The 3rd US pigeon at 12th Overall was 'Jena Jena' of America's Dream Loft owned by Jim Gabler. This is several years in a row with an America's Dream Loft pigeon at the top of the Grand Averages. 'Global Success' and 'Slatybrig' were bought back for the owners by my wife Robin at the top 100 auction. It was fun watching Robin bidding on many US pigeons for their owners last Sunday. I must point out our Up North Fanciers from Canada. 12 Canadian pigeons were shipped direct to me from their owners and included in the 12 was the 3rd Overall Grand Average Pigeon 'Sister Sarah' flown under Jancan bred by Tom Spring. Also in these 12 pigeons was the double Car Race prize winner 'Lee' of F and D Lofts (Fred and Dori Goodchild). I am sure I will see many Canadian pigeons shipped direct to me this spring. There goes that theory of breeding the Sun City pigeons in a hot climate. On closing I would like to mention several outstanding pigeons that needed to finish on the day to be at the top of the averages. We had the great 'Double Delight' by RMC Loft leading going into the final race. 'Omni Vi' of Tony Sorrentino and 'Air Bear' of Eric Wessel also had a turn at top of the averages. 'Blue Water Dutchess' of Ken Easley and 'Court Martial' of Marengo Creek Farm were both in striking distance. 'BB31' of Team Elite (Manny Pol) was on fire and won the Country Challenge, a Car Race and another Car Race prize. A few more notables were 'Howard the First' of Ganus Family Loft which won two Car Race prizes. 'Gary Owen' bred by Christine and Byron Weaver led the Grand Averages for several weeks. At one point late in the season Ganus Family Loft had four pigeons at the very top of the Grand Averages. I am know I missed some notables but I am sure that the over 100,000 fanciers that follow Sun City did not. I now will start assisting everyone with the Auctions. My next update will contain all the Post Race Auction Info. Auctions should be listed on the Sun City site within a week. First shipment to Sun City May 15th. Here we go again. Frank McLaughlin |
2/2/2012
Hello Everyone,
We have returned home from South Africa and I must say that we had an incredible trip! I will focus on pigeons in this update but wanted you to know that my wife thought I was exaggerating about South Africa in the past. Robin had such a great time she is already making plans with the other women on the trip to return in 2013. I will write an article on the entire trip very soon and post it on my website. Now I will stick to pigeon related events. I will do a separate update when the race is official to give accolades to the winners and top average pigeons.
Sun City is the only true International pigeon event we have in the sport. Nothing compares to it and no race comes even close. Competing on the world stage at this level is not for everyone but it is certainly for me and thousands of others. Having the very best pigeons from top fanciers from 30 plus countries under identical challenging conditions is the core of Sun City. Winning a single 50 mile training toss at Sun City is the highlight of some fanciers’ entire racing career. Thousands have the guts to enter and hundreds of thousands watch the results. One cannot have stage fright if you enter Sun City. The pigeon world stage is what I am talking about.
Thursday, January 26th was Shipping Day and everything went smooth as expected. There were four lines set up for basketing and all of us were allowed to help with the process. By working as a team we managed to see many of our own pigeons. It was still somewhat of a needle in a haystack when you consider 3500 pigeons had to be entered. The health and condition of the pigeons was outstanding. Snow white wattles, buoyancy, tight eyes and overall top form for nearly every pigeon. Of course there was a percent that did not emit quality but I am sure that they did not emit quality when they were sent to South Africa.
One thing we all noticed was that the molt ranged from pigeons on their second and third flight to any other possible stage in the molt. I thought that I would have more answers than questions but this was not the case. I was able to see seven of my own pigeons altogether and three that I sent over at the exact same age varied from the third flight, to the sixth flight, to the ninth flight. I really thought that all my notes would provide me with answers. What I do know is that we should not try to play games with the molt before shipping pigeons to Sun City. It will probably only hurt. I kept records on all the strange things the owners did to their pigeons before shipping. Do you know how many of the pigeons that had the tails pulled, 7th to 9th flight pulled, 9th and 10th pulled, 7th to 10th clipped and the entire wings pulled scored in the top 100??? None! Not one of these altered pigeons scored. None of the pigeons kept in the dark scored, none of the pigeons not allowed outside to look around scored and none of the freaks scored. Was the sample small? Yes, the sample was small but still I expected a couple of the altered pigeons to score in the top 100. What did I learn? I learned what I already knew...send the best and hope for the best. The bottom line is that a magnificent pigeon is needed to finish in the top at Sun City.
Saturday, January 28th was Race Day. It was perfect day in every way and exactly what we were hoping for. The race had heat with mild to moderate head winds and some side winds along the course. The liberation was beautiful and the trainers said that the pigeons left together. Not once did the truck see a pack of pigeons along the route back. The Sun City organizers goal is to have all the prizes won on the day of shipping and we had this and a few more.
We waited in the Superbowl with several thousand others all trying to estimate the time of arrival. The food was endless and we had live entertainment. Regular weather and wind updates were given throughout the afternoon. The tension was high but the party was going full steam ahead.
At 8 hours 56 minutes a single German pigeon landed and three minutes later two more arrived. The dark cock that finished 2nd place was cooing and strutting as soon as he touched down. This was a fine indicator of the conditioning of the pigeons in the race. After a gap between the third pigeon and the next group the pigeons arrived right up until dark. A few continued to come in after dark. Sun City 2012 was in the books.
Sunday, January 29th was Auction Day. It was easy to see the high percentage of cocks in the Top 100. It seemed that there were a higher percentage of cocks in the Top 100 than the overall percentage of cocks in the race. It was also easy to notice that the size varied from small through medium with some on the larger size. This variation could be due to the entries of larger pigeons being higher so some great ones were actually on the bigger side. What did I learn from this? Again, send your best.
I also noticed that the wing molt varied but for the most part the Top 100 pigeons had a relatively full wing. If you were racing young birds in the U.S. and had young birds on the team from different rounds, without the aid of a system, you could realize the difference in the Top 100 pigeons.
Now to the Sun City Top 100 auction. Sun City had a record number of entries, pigeons going to the final race as well as surprisingly high auction totals on the most outstanding performers. Never before have so many of the top pigeons commanded incredible sales prices. Maybe because the final race was a challenging hot day with head and side winds…perfect Sun City conditions.
Until Sunday I assumed that a person goes to a pigeon auction and bids on what he/she wants in a price range that he/she can afford. On Sunday I was schooled in how to get exactly what you want at auction. What’s the strategy?? Push your competition to spend all of their money on lesser pigeons.
Sunday’s Top 100 auction had two classes of greatness - the race winners and the elite pigeons in the race. The 1st and 2nd place pigeons were amazing pigeons but their final race performance was their only performances of the entire series. The elite pigeons in the race were the Overall Grand Average Speed Winner “Cliff Two”, Knock Out Winner “Soraia” and possibly the best pigeon of all “Sugar Shack”.
Everyone in the room was aware that South African businessman Mark Kitchenbrand planned to buy the top 2 pigeons as well as the other elite pigeons in the top 100. Kitchenbrand did not realize that American fancier Mike Ganus also intended to own the elite pigeons of the top 100.
In years past the winning Sun City pigeons would sell in the $18k-$25k range. This year should have been no different because no one has successfully outbid Kitchenbrand above these amounts. Mike Ganus would have been happy to own the 1st and 2nd place pigeons but his goal was to bring home the elite pigeons in the top 100. Mike was prepared to spend whatever it took to own “Cliff Two”, “Soraia” and “Sugar Shack”. Mike also knew that it would not be easy bidding against Kitchenbrand.
Now to the strategy… Ganus planned to bid on the 1st and 2nd place pigeon way beyond their actual worth. This would cause Kitchenbrand to spend all of his allotted Rand on these two pigeons.
Ganus was least interested in owning the winner and 2nd place bird out of the five pigeons that he was focusing on. Ganus drove the price up to approximately US $33,000 on the 1st place pigeon. Kitchenbrand then realized Mike was serious and allowed Mike to bid him up to approximately US $48,000 on the 2nd place pigeon. When the gavel fell Mike knew he had just secured himself the ownership of the elite pigeons of the race that had yet to be auctioned.
Ganus was least interested in owning the winner and 2nd place bird out of the five pigeons that he was focusing on. Ganus drove the price up to approximately US $33,000 on the 1st place pigeon. Kitchenbrand then realized Mike was serious and allowed Mike to bid him up to approximately US $48,000 on the 2nd place pigeon. When the gavel fell Mike knew he had just secured himself the ownership of the elite pigeons of the race that had yet to be auctioned.
Initially I thought that Mike Ganus would be disappointed at the loss of the 1st and 2nd place pigeons to Kitchenbrand. Once the audience finished applauding after the sale of the 2nd place pigeon, Mike Ganus turned to Mark Kitchenbrand and gave him a smile and a wink. Instantly it hit me like a tsunami what I had just witnessed. Mike played a poker bluff to set up himself to own “Cliff Two”, “Soraia” and “Sugar Shack”. Here’s what followed… Mike Ganus out bid Kitchenbrand, Chinese bidders and the owners to purchase the 3 best pigeons of the 2011-2012 racing season. My lesson on getting what you want at auction was complete. I am pleased to announce that “Sugar Shack”, “Soraia” and “Cliff Two” are moving to Granger, Indiana!
Sun City weekend was a wrap and I must give the organizers and trainers enormous credit for such a successful season. I hope that everyone had as much fun as my wife and I did. The final race is incredible but the real excitement is the three month joy ride from November to the end of January. I am already disappointed that I have no result to look at this week.
Until the next update giving the top performers their due,
Frank McLaughlin
1/21/2012
| Last Published Toss! |
Hello Group, We made it! The greatest pigeon race our sport has ever known will take place one week from today. What should we call the the last three months of Training races and Car Races in Sun City.......... Practice. All this has just been practice. If you have a pigeon in the race your chances for that pigeon to win is every bit as good as any other pigeons chance of winning. There is nearly no correlation between past results and final race results. There has only been a handful of pigeons in the history of Sun City that were stars going into the final and came out superstars after the the final race. Most of the very top Average pigeons fail when they have fly 9-10 hours into a headwind with added heat. I am sure many lead for six, seven or even eight hours. Not many are left flying at 10 hours. I hope the US and Canada have many pigeons remaining that can do the job! We leave for South Africa in the morning. I will check emails when I can and also start a Sun City Blog 2012 on my website at www.mclaughlinlofts.com I will post interesting info regularly from Sun City. If your pigeon scores in the top 100 and you want me to buy the pigeon back for you, please email instructions to me immediately after the pigeon is clocked. frank@mclaughlinlofts.com I will also try to call you if your pigeon scores in the top 100. I will only be calling you if I shipped your pigeons over. There is very little time between the first pigeon being clocked and the auction starting. Please email instructions early to be safe. Sun City is seven hours ahead of East Coast US time. Now to this mornings toss. The US had at 2nd Overall, Kumar Syndicate, at 3rd Overall, Priddle of Woolston and at 17th Overall, Gallo and Placeta Loft. Great Job! In Canada we had Eldorado Lofts, F and D Lofts and Rothgiesser. Seems like the same names over and over! Congratulations! I hope everyone has a terrific final race and enjoyed this 2011-2012 season. My wish is to carry home the winning trophy for one of us and several top ten Gold Pendants. Best of Luck on Saturday and try your best to join us in South Africa in 2013. Frank McLaughlin www.mclaughlinlofts.com |
1/18/2012
| One More Published Training Toss |
Ten days to the Greatest Pigeon Race our sport has ever known. I am already suffering mild depression knowing this 2011- 2012 season is coming to an end. If you enter Sun City you soon realize the excitement is not the final race,... the excitement is the amazing ride leading to the final race. This year we have 18 Americans and two Canadians traveling to South Africa. We leave Sunday Jan 22nd and many of us return Tuesday Jan 31st. A few very lucky couples are continuing to Capetown and Victoria Falls after Sun City. I will be checking emails and writing a blog whenever possible on my website during the trip. The first few days we will be in Madikwe Game Reserve and we will not have internet access. Now to the pigeons: This morning we had a 51 mile toss. The 1st US pigeon was owned and bred by Doug Harms. The 2nd US pigeon was Ganus Family Loft and the 3rd US pigeon was Gary and Ty Hazlewood. Congratulations! The top three Canadian pigeons were Eldorado Lofts, Rothgiesser and Ed Dowd. Nice job! This year will be the the first time my wife Robin will be traveling with me to Sun City. Once she experiences South Africa this certainly will not be her last trip! Until Saturday, Frank McLaughlin www.mclaughlinlofts.com |
1/14/2012
| Important Business First! |
On Sunday Jan 22nd 17 American's and two Canadian's will be leaving for South Africa. We will be attending the greatest pigeon event in our sport. Should you need anything from me we must get it sorted this coming week. I am bringing a Laptop and will be updating a running up to the minute blog on my website. Look under 'Sun City Million Dollar' and click on 'Sun City Blog 2012' at www.mclaughlinlofts.com 1) On Monday Jan 16th all Reserve Pigeons that have not been paid by the owners can be activated by anyone. If you see something you like follow the Sun City procedures on the website and also email me immediately. I can help push you to the front of the line. The most consistent pigeons are activated quickly. You do not need to be an entrant in the race to activate a pigeon. Anyone, anywhere, pigeon person or not can pay to have a pigeon in the fight for 200K. Plan to see about 300 available pigeons some from famous lofts. 2) Every pigeon that returns home from the race will be auctioned in one of the 50 post race auctions. The breeder receives about 50% of the sales price. Pigeons with original pedigrees bring much more money than copied or non-pedigreed pigeons. Please mail your pedigrees to me immediately and I will carry them over to Sun City for you. A five minute pedigree could mean hundreds more in your account. I need the pedigrees by Jan 21st. 3) The top 100 pigeons are sold the morning after the race. If you want to buy back your pigeon at the auction, email me immediately after the race. Give me your top bid. I will bid for you. Remember if your pigeon sells for $1000 the owner only pays technically half that amount. You may also be able to place a bid online for the top 100 pigeons. If you are buying your own pigeon back I willnot put the pedigree on the cage, to save you some money. 4) Should you score at the very top or win the race I will call you and talk about your plans for the pigeon. Sun City is 7 hours ahead of US east coast time so there is not much time between the final pigeons coming home and the start of the top 100 auction. The 9am auction start is 2am east coast US time. 5) There are many 'Defaulted' US pigeons. These pigeons will forever be sealed and even if one wins the race the race report will read 'Defaulter' and second will be first. If you are the owner of one of these pigeons I can help you this week. Once the $1025 per team is paid you will then see what is left for the race. Should you pay the $1025 and your pigeons are already lost I will get you a credit for a three bird team 2013. After the race all Defaulter pigeons have their bands removed and they are given to Junior Members in South Africa. Payments can be made using Paypal with payments going to payments@scmdpr.com Now to the last two training races. On Jan 11th we had a 40 mile training toss. The 1st three US pigeons were, at 3rd Overall, Fassio Loft, at 6th Overall, RMC Loft (this pigeon is on fire) and at 43rd Overall, Danny Hutchins. Nice Job! This is when you want them to get hot. The top three Canadian pigeons were "Lee" of F and D Lofts, this is another super pigeon and two time Car Race Prize winner followed by two Rothgiesser pigeons. This morning we had a 50 mile training toss and the first three US pigeons were, at 1st Overall, Frank Locante, at 3rd Overall was Lowe Lofts and at 9th Overall was Rick Mee and Tony Hatoum. In every other part of the world they would be celebrating a 1st International Sun City Jan 14th 50 miles. Excellent performance and congrats to Frank for winning overall! Until next toss, Frank McLaughlin 781 820-8327 |
1/7/2012
| Be Careful What you Wish For?? |
This morning we had the 236 mile Country Challenge Car Race 5 with warm temperatures and a light head wind. The Sun City pigeons have not faced much adversity this season... until this morning. Many pigeons do not like a wind or even a breeze on the nose. Warm temps around 80 degrees mid morning also had an effect. For us lovers of long distance we know a pigeon needs six to eight hours on the wing two to three weeks before a long distance event. Today the entire Sun City entry got the work needed to be highly competitive in the final race. I understand some are sad that they are missing their pigeons so close to the final race. The silver lining is lost pigeons get either a refund or free entry for next year. If they are going to disappear this is the last real test for them to disappear. The pigeons are well conditioned and educated so I expect hundreds to return tomorrow. It can only be beneficial for a pigeon to be out overnight for the first time three weeks before the final race. Look for many of tomorrows pigeons in the top 100 on Jan 28th. Now to the results.... The 1st US pigeon and 4th Overall was the great pigeon 'Bb 31' by Team Elite owned by Manny Pol. 'Bb 31' won Car Race 4. Manny won an additional $5000 today in the Country Challenge with 'Bb 31's' total winnings in the last two races at 21K. Manny entered three pigeons with only 'Bb 31' remaining and representing his loft. The 2nd US pigeon and 46th Overall was entered by Rick Wilfon but bred by Kenny Rhodes of Protege Loft. The 3rd US pigeon is owned by Noriega Loft. Excellent performance! Many of the successful pigeons in Car Race 5 score in the final race. The 1st Canadian pigeon at 8th Overall was 'Lee' by F and D Lofts. (Fred and Dori Goodchild). This is 'Lee's' second Car Race prize and won an additional $1000 for being the 1st Canadian pigeon. 'Lee' missed $5000 by a fraction of a second. The 2nd Canadian pigeon is owned by Claude Rothgiesser followed by Oscar De Vries. Excellent!! If anyone is interested in the South African Pigeon Mailing List, you can sign up by emailing thumper8@mweb.co.sa This list will be a buzz on Sun City for the next several weeks and touches on many great pigeon topics. Several Vets regularly answer questions and offer much pigeon insight. No one said Sun City would be easy, Frank McLaughlin |
Sun City Update 1/4/2012
51 Miles before the Car Race
Saturday is a big day. We have the 5th Car Race. Weather is predicted to be hot with a headwind. This race should shake things up. The first pigeon from the first five countries will win an additional $5000. The the first bird from the remaining countries in the top 250 will win $1000. This is the week to have the top pigeon in the country.
It is not a known fact but every pigeon on the property at Sun City will be entered into the 5th Car Race. This is the last real test before the big one. If a pigeon does not have what it takes, it is best to find out Saturday. We do not want to find this out in the final race when a refund does not apply.
This morning the first three USA pigeons were owned by Mike Chafardon, Gallo and Placeta and Ganus Family Lofts. These three lofts are making Sun City look easy. Congratulations.
In Canada the first three lofts were Claude Rothgiesser, F and D Lofts followed by Jancan. Nice Job.
Let us hope for a strong performance on Saturday and that I get to mail the banner to the Sun City winner.
Frank McLaughlin
12/29/2011
| USA! USA! 'Team Elite' - Manny Pol |
Hello Everyone, We finally had a US winner on a Car Race. It was more like US domination on a Car Race. Seven USA pigeons in the top 20. I cannot remember a Car Race with so many US pigeons at the top. Looks like US is getting hot at the right time. Hard to believe the final race is one month away. This morning I congratulated Manny Pol and express mailed the Sun City Banner to him for photographs. Manny is actually using his $15,000.00 to buy a car. Manny was very excited and starting receiving calls of congratulations in the middle of the night. What a way to start the New Year. The 1st pigeon Overall flew 4 hours and 41 minutes from 214 miles. The Manny Pol bird was raced under 'Team Elite'. The 2nd pigeon Overall is owned by RMC Loft of Richard Banzon. This pigeon has been outstanding and missed winning by 7 seconds. The RMC Pigeon was also in the Cascade Challenge so 7 seconds separated the pigeon from a additional 24K. The 3rd US pigeon and 4th Overall was a Gallo and Placeta pigeon. The performance this morning of the RMC Loft pigeon 'Double Delight' will propel the pigeon into 1st Overall in the Grand Averages. We have had a US pigeon lead the averages nearly weekly throughout the entire process. 'Air Bear', 'Gary Owen', 'Omni Iv' and now 'Double Delight' have all been at 1st of the Grand Averages. I must give a special shout out to our up north fanciers in Canada. The top three were Pigeon Ave Lofts, O and L De Vries followed by F and D Lofts. Nice Job! A special note, is the World of Wings pigeon at 20th will place $1000 into the building fund for our new World of Wings Pigeon Museum. Jim Gabler of America's Dream Loft was responsible for entering the team into Sun City for the World of Wings, with all winnings going to the museum. What a great cause and one we should all consider supporting to immortalize our great sport. Any small donation will help bring the completion of this sport preservation project. www.pigeoncenter.org Until Saturday! Frank McLaughlin |
12/25/2011
| I so hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday. |
Yesterday morning we had a training flight shortened to 51 miles due to unfavorable weather. The posting of toss results were delayed to due phone line issues at Sun City. Many of us are spoiled here in the US will all our high speed internet availability and great tech infrastructure. As usual the training flight was outstanding and the results were displayed as soon as possible. Recently I had a couple calls from entrants that claimed their pigeons arrived home late from a training flight only to be placed right back into the next training flight. There are reasons for this. First of all Sun City loft staff have no way of knowing if the pigeon has just returned from loft exercise or has been missing for several days. This is part of the security at Sun City. No computers are at the lofts. It is impossible to distinguish one pigeon from the next. All bands are sealed. The trainers/loft managers must use their expertise and decide if a pigeon is fit enough to train on any given toss. The trainers and loft managers walk the lofts constantly looking for pigeons that appear tired or show any issue that may prevent a successful flight. All I can say is, if your pigeon went on the training toss, the pigeon appeared physically fit to go on the toss. Yesterday the 1st US pigeon and 11th Overall was RMC Loft of Richard Banzon. Notice this pigeon was missing from the first five training tosses. The 2nd US pigeon and 16th Overall was Tuti and Twinloft. The 3rd US pigeon and 19th Overall was Golden Team. Congratulations. The top three Canadian pigeons are F and D Lofts, Eldorado Lofts Canada and Claude Rothgiesser. Seems like the same names over and over. Nice Job! Right now we have 19 Americans/Canadians traveling to Sun City for the race. There is still time to book travel to experience the Greatest Pigeon Event/Race in the World. Let us win a Car on Thursday! Frank McLaughlin |
12/21/2011
Sun City Update 12/21
For those of you that do not regularly check the Sun City website, please read the Director's report on Car Race 3. I also attached the Performance Graphs from the last three Sun City winners; 'Victor', 'Ali' and 'East of Eden'. At the very bottom of the attachment is the performance graph of the phenomenal 'Birdy'. Whoever said, "look to the past to find a good indicator of the future", was not talking about the performances of the last three Sun City winners, leading up to the final race. Let us now have hope for our pigeon until today, we thought had no chance.
This mornings toss was from 51 miles with just a slight head wind. The 1st US pigeon at 8th Overall was an Andy Skwiat pigeon raced under his Dad's name Ed Skwiat. The 2nd US pigeon at 12th Overall was a Ganus Family Loft pigeon. The 3rd US pigeon at 13th Overall was a Tuti and Twin Loft pigeon. Excellent job!
The Top three Canadian pigeons were Vaccaro and Heavenly Lofts, F and D Lofts followed by O and L De Vries. It seems like Fred Goodchild has one of his two pigeons in the top three of Canada every toss. Congratulations!
Take a look at the attachment. It is enlightening.
Until Saturday,
Frank McLaughlin
PS. Please check if your friends are receiving my updates. Some are not for a reason I cannot figure out. I am sending those separately from another list.
12/18/2011
Add Some Heat & little a Headwind!
Hello Everyone,
Another restless night waiting for Car Race results. Still no US or Canada Car Race winner. Maybe we are saving the big performance for the final race. Today was a nice test for the pigeons to feel a little heat coupled with wing time.
After watching Sun City for many years it seems to be best to have your pigeons fly in the top 50% consistently. For anyone getting discouraged with their pigeons results, try to hold off judgement. The final race is an entirely different contest. Only the true athletes will finish in the top 100 on January 28th. We will be waiting at Sun City in an auditorium called the Super Bowl to witness the only true Super Bowl of pigeon racing.
To recap.... If your pigeons are performing superbly congratulations. If your pigeons are not performing at this point, try not to worry. There is much racing left including the big one.
This morning we flew from 189 miles with the temperature rising fast. 4227 were liberated with 3785 on the day. The 1st US pigeon and 8th Overall was a Ganus Family Loft pigeon. The 2nd US pigeon and 25th Overall wasGolden Team. The 3rd US pigeon at 31st Overall was Hay Loft of Tim and Carl Perry. Excellent performances for these three.
The top three Canadian pigeons were owned by Oscar De Vries, F and D Lofts and Steacy Family Lofts. Great Job.
The Grand Averages really took a big hit today with many of the top pigeon returning very late or not at all at this writing. The Car Race averages are now going to take shape once the race goes official.
Until Next Time,
Frank
Hello Everyone,
Another restless night waiting for Car Race results. Still no US or Canada Car Race winner. Maybe we are saving the big performance for the final race. Today was a nice test for the pigeons to feel a little heat coupled with wing time.
After watching Sun City for many years it seems to be best to have your pigeons fly in the top 50% consistently. For anyone getting discouraged with their pigeons results, try to hold off judgement. The final race is an entirely different contest. Only the true athletes will finish in the top 100 on January 28th. We will be waiting at Sun City in an auditorium called the Super Bowl to witness the only true Super Bowl of pigeon racing.
To recap.... If your pigeons are performing superbly congratulations. If your pigeons are not performing at this point, try not to worry. There is much racing left including the big one.
This morning we flew from 189 miles with the temperature rising fast. 4227 were liberated with 3785 on the day. The 1st US pigeon and 8th Overall was a Ganus Family Loft pigeon. The 2nd US pigeon and 25th Overall wasGolden Team. The 3rd US pigeon at 31st Overall was Hay Loft of Tim and Carl Perry. Excellent performances for these three.
The top three Canadian pigeons were owned by Oscar De Vries, F and D Lofts and Steacy Family Lofts. Great Job.
The Grand Averages really took a big hit today with many of the top pigeon returning very late or not at all at this writing. The Car Race averages are now going to take shape once the race goes official.
Until Next Time,
Frank
12/15/2011
| Crazy week of Racing |
Sun City is in full swing right now. Pigeons are training extremely well. I just found out the pigeons are now being trained four times per week; Tues., Wed., Thurs., and Saturday. The pigeons are loft flown on the off days. Recovery is very important for the long Sun City race season. We are entering the beginning of a heat and headwind filled South African summer. A little Sun City Secret. Upon return from training and races the pigeons are fed grain that has been crushed by the loft guys. This crushed feed is easily digested and speeds recovery by entering the digestive system and blood stream rapidly. Only in Sun City would this extra step even be considered. This morning we had a 51 mile training toss and Sunday will be the third Car Race from around 185 miles. Still not too late to activate your reserves for Sunday. Today the 1st US pigeon and 2nd Overall was a pigeon owned by Sorrentino and Coletta. The 2nd US pigeon and 12th Overall was Fassio Loft. The 3rd US pigeon and 24th Overall was a Dominguez pigeon. Congratulations and hopefully these three repeat the performance on Sunday. The first three Canadian pigeons were owned by Claude Rothgiesser. Excellent Job Claude! If you are thinking of making the trip to Sun City you will not regret it. This is the greatest pigeon event in the world. I truly hope US will be the winner of Car Race #3. The Sun City banner is packaged and ready to go! Until Sunday! Frank McLaughlin |
12/13/2011
| Car Race Hot Spot |
Hi Group, This morning we had our second Car Race from Sun City. I felt it was time to get the Sun City Banner packaged and ready to ship to the winner. The winner of the Car Race is expected to take a picture with a new car. It is also hoped the $15,000.00 is applied to the purchase of a new car. No such luck for the US or Canada this morning. The 1st US pigeon at 7th overall was Si Se Puede Farm Syndicate. The 2nd US pigeon and 14th overall was a Kelley-Buckner pigeon. The 3rd US pigeon at 23rd overall was a Don Hart pigeon. Nice going for these three. Congratulations. Canada has a hot pigeon that scored in two Car Races in a row named 'True Swallow'. This pigeon is owned by Eldorado Lofts. The next Canadian pigeon finished at 22nd is owned by F and D Lofts (Goodchild). The 3rd Canadian pigeon is a Rothgiesser pigeon. Nice Job. Usually the prizes are paid out into the 20's due to pigeons not being activated. Today was the start of the Knock Out competition. Top 65% of the paid entries before the first Car Race will move on. Knock Out lists will be published when the Car Race goes official. There were 3341 pigeons entered into the Knock Out competition. Couple things to notice is Koopman had two in the top ten both being siblings and probably nest mates. Looks like a hit pair is forming. There was a chance the pigeons hit some rain along the course which could have broke them up a bit. We have a training flight on Thursday and another Car Race on Sunday. Until then, Frank McLaughlin |
Frank McLaughlin
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
12/07/2011
| 167 mile Car Race on Saturday! |
Hi Group, Sun City is starting to roll now. The pigeons are reacting and performing excellent from training. The numbers have stabilized at 4400 plus. Seems like the pigeons that remain are the cream of this years crop. Everyone sends over from their best but there is no way to tell if the pigeon really has what it takes. A Sun City pigeon needs to be able to adapt to the training regime of six days per week for 14 weeks. Our feathered Sun City athletes need to recover fast from a workout. The best performers probably maintain a slow and steady molt throughout the process. The best need to have exceptional feather quality to be able to maintain great feather throughout the process. The top pigeons are probably not big eaters and must have outstanding muscle texture. Certain muscle types respond better to daily training over extended periods of time. Sun City top performers come in all eye colors but one thing for sure is they have a reactionary pupil that constricts very small in the sun. What does a Sun City pigeon really come down to?.... Genetics... Sun City is a genetics race. We can do our part before shipping (care,vaccinations,health of the stock etc) but the genes are what is racing in Sun City. We like to talk motivation, systems, preparation but in Sun City we should speak about what we cannot see, cardio-vascular system, brains, aero-dynamics and most of all an innate desire to get home and in to the loft at all cost. Great pigeons race home to be home. This is what the best do. The problem is many pigeons have the will to race home and be home but few have the genetics to complete this task in Sun City. Even fewer pigeons have what it takes to finish top 100 in the final race. Now to this mornings toss. The pigeons are making great speeds from 50 miles but keep in mind they fly from this location four days per week. Shorter toss on Monday and longer toss on Saturday. Today the 1st US pigeon and 4th overall was 'Batman' bred and owned by Protege Loft. Batman has been on fire as of late. The 2nd US Pigeon and 8th Overall was a CR Rounds pigeon. The 3rd US pigeon and 25th Overall was a RMC Loft pigeon. All three of these lofts sent very nice pigeons to Sun City. The top three Canadian pigeons were bred by Chu Hsiao Yuan, Nicholls Lofts and F and D Lofts. Nicholls Lofts and F and D Lofts (Goodchild) are always at the top in Sun City. They both sent over excellent pigeons. Best of Luck to everyone on Saturday! Frank McLaughlin |
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12/3/2011
Hi Group,
Sun City is really starting to roll now. The pigeons are responding to the training and on each toss nearly every pigeon is home and in within minutes of the first pigeons. US has been showing extremely well in the overall averages and in the training results.
Right now US has 19 pigeons in the top 100 of the Grand Averages. If you take into account that 5450 pigeons started these top 100 pigeons are smoking. What makes the US results even more outstanding is Belgium and the Netherlands combined have four pigeons in the top 100 of the over all Grand Averages. Canada with a very small entry has two pigeons in the top hundred of the Grand Averages.
The overall Grand Average leader is a pigeon named 'Gary Owen' owned by Byron Weaver of Florida. Gary Owen has a ten minute lead over the 2nd place pigeon and an hour lead over 12th overall. Gary Owen has just flown to the top each and every toss. Two other US pigeons in the top ten are 'Donovan' owned by Nemelka Racing Pigeon Loft and 'Irish Music' owned by Crazy Al and Carlton Kroese. One more thing to point out is Mike Ganus has four pigeons in the top 100 overall. You might say he shipped a large entry but Ganus has as many in the top 100 as Belgium and the Netherlands combined and these two countries entered 895 pigeons.
This Saturday is the second Car Race at about 167 miles. It is also the beginning of the Knock Out competition. If you are new to the race the Knock Out looks easy. It would not surprise me if less than 10 US pigeons compete for the Knock out prize in the final race.
Now to this mornings or last nights toss if you waited up for results like me. The 1st US pigeon at 3rd Overall was LYC Loft. The 2nd US pigeon at 6th Overall was the amazing Gary Owen owned by Byron Weaver. The 3rd US pigeon at 22nd Overall was Tuti and Twin Loft. Nice job!!
In Canada the top three were Nicholls Lofts, F and D Lofts and Pigeon Ave Lofts. These three shipped very nice pigeons to Sun City and the results are showing that!
If you decide to activate a reserve pigeon feel free to send me a check.
Next Update is Wednesday,
Frank McLaughlin
Sun City is really starting to roll now. The pigeons are responding to the training and on each toss nearly every pigeon is home and in within minutes of the first pigeons. US has been showing extremely well in the overall averages and in the training results.
Right now US has 19 pigeons in the top 100 of the Grand Averages. If you take into account that 5450 pigeons started these top 100 pigeons are smoking. What makes the US results even more outstanding is Belgium and the Netherlands combined have four pigeons in the top 100 of the over all Grand Averages. Canada with a very small entry has two pigeons in the top hundred of the Grand Averages.
The overall Grand Average leader is a pigeon named 'Gary Owen' owned by Byron Weaver of Florida. Gary Owen has a ten minute lead over the 2nd place pigeon and an hour lead over 12th overall. Gary Owen has just flown to the top each and every toss. Two other US pigeons in the top ten are 'Donovan' owned by Nemelka Racing Pigeon Loft and 'Irish Music' owned by Crazy Al and Carlton Kroese. One more thing to point out is Mike Ganus has four pigeons in the top 100 overall. You might say he shipped a large entry but Ganus has as many in the top 100 as Belgium and the Netherlands combined and these two countries entered 895 pigeons.
This Saturday is the second Car Race at about 167 miles. It is also the beginning of the Knock Out competition. If you are new to the race the Knock Out looks easy. It would not surprise me if less than 10 US pigeons compete for the Knock out prize in the final race.
Now to this mornings or last nights toss if you waited up for results like me. The 1st US pigeon at 3rd Overall was LYC Loft. The 2nd US pigeon at 6th Overall was the amazing Gary Owen owned by Byron Weaver. The 3rd US pigeon at 22nd Overall was Tuti and Twin Loft. Nice job!!
In Canada the top three were Nicholls Lofts, F and D Lofts and Pigeon Ave Lofts. These three shipped very nice pigeons to Sun City and the results are showing that!
If you decide to activate a reserve pigeon feel free to send me a check.
Next Update is Wednesday,
Frank McLaughlin
11/30/2011
| 51 miles in 54 minutes! |
Hi Group, We had a 51 mile toss in 54 minutes this morning in Sun City. I stayed up late to watch the results live. Did you know that the top IT Systems person in Sun City designed a program that posts training results on the website automatically? This Sun City Million Dollar Race web site is the most advanced and information filled one loft race web site in the sport. A few things to notice: Click on the pigeons Name to view, Performance, Pedigree, Velocities and the flock Position that shows one speck for every pigeon. Click on the Flag beside the pigeons name to see the individual Country Statistics and where the country is located. Use the Search to sort by country, fancier or pigeon. If you are an entrant.. log in to view your payments, winnings, pigeon band numbers, edit your account or add your pedigree information. *Check the home page to see a video of the first group of pigeons arriving from the Car Race as well as the Race Director's Loft Report on the Car Race. https://www.scmdpr.com * Please notice there were more pigeons on last nights Basket List than were on the Loft List published after the Car Race. Please check to see if your pigeons are back in the training program after being in the recovery loft. Now to today's toss. The 1st US pigeon and 4th Overall were Gary and Ty Hazlewood. Nice to see two fanciers relatively new to the sport on the top. The 2nd US pigeon and 14th Overall was Ganus Family Loft. The 3rd US pigeon and 20th Overall was Nemelka Racing Pigeon Loft. Nice Job guys! I know it is only a toss but in other parts of the world the report would read 1st National, 4th International Gary and Ty Hazlewood. Canada's top three were Veccaro Heavenly Loft, Ed Dowd and Rothgiesser. Congrats. If you sent me money to activate your reserve pigeons they are all active. Your accounts will be updated soon. The checks must be deposited, cleared and then the money is wired over. If you are still thinking about making the trip to Sun City let me know. Everything is filling up early this year so expect a huge international contingent at the race. Until Saturday, Frank McLaughlin |
11/26/2011
| Hi Everyone, After much anticipation the first Car Race was this morning or last night for those of you like me waiting up for results. It was an impressive overall performance which says a lot about the health and condition of the pigeons. 3400 pigeons were in the lofts 30 minutes after the first pigeons entered. Truly an amazing performance which shows the expertise of the loft managers and trainers at Sun City. There are approximately 15 full time loft attendants/assistants and two head trainers over seeing the pigeons at all times. The loft attendants live in housing that overlooks the lofts and are locked in behind the main gates of the loft complex each evening. This is 24 hours a day 365 days a year program. Security is first class and care is unsurpassed. I did not mentioned the world class Vets overseeing the health of the pigeons. There are sentinel pigeons living with the race pigeons that are used strictly for diagnostic testing. All blood testing, canker swaps etc are completed on these non race sentinel pigeons. This morning we had a race at 122 miles under perfect conditions. The 1st US pigeon and 15th overall was a Gallo and Placeta pigeon. The 2nd US pigeon and 32nd overall was a Two Be Won pigeon. The 3rd US pigeon and 37th overall was a Protege Loft pigeon. All three of these lofts are no strangers to big time success. Congratulations! The top three Canadian lofts were Eldorado Lofts, F and D Lofts (Fred Goodchild) and Pigeon Ave Lofts. Nice job to our Up North Entrants. In few days the Car Race will go official. Only paid pigeons will win prizes so there is a chance pigeons scoring in the mid to late 20's will win a $1000 prize. There is also a two bird challenge prize of $2000 for the best two pigeons on a three bird team. On December 10th we will have the second Car Race from approximately 170 miles. Things will move quickly from now on. The second Car Race is also the start of the Knock Out Competition. Until Wednesday, Frank McLaughlin |
11/24/2011
| Saturday we race for real!! |
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| Hi Everyone, I would to start by saying that I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. We had all the immediate family at my home this year. It was quite the feast. Have to thank my Robin for putting it all together. Two days ago I received a great tip that the wormer Moxidectin is sold in sheep drench formula under the name Cydectin. It is very inexpensive and should be used for both a wormer and a bath additive. I will experiment, figure the dose and let everyone know what I think. If you have not used moxidectin for a wormer you are missing out on an incredible product. Go tomclaughlinlofts.com under 'Secrets' to read about all the positives. Saturday will be the first Hot Spot Car Race from Sun City. If the US can have a result like we had this morning it would be amazing. There is still time to activate reserve pigeons by Paypal should you wish to do so. This mornings toss was a nice warm up for Saturday with three US pigeons in the top ten and seven US pigeons in the top 23. The 1st US pigeon and 2nd overall was a pigeon bred and owned by one of my life long pigeon friends, Chuck Lopresti. The 2nd US pigeon and 7th overall was a Deb-Ray Torres pigeon. The 3rd US pigeon and 10th overall was a Carlos Avilla pigeon. All three lofts sent terrific pigeons to Sun City. Congratulations! The 1st Canadian pigeon was bred by MBI with the next two bred by Rothgiesser. Congrats. If you have not checked out the Grand Averages please do. You will notice the US has 17 Pigeons in the top 100. Belgium and Netherlands combined have five in the top 100. Nice!!!!!! On Saturday should a US pigeon wins the Car Race I will be calling you to set up pictures for the Sun City website. I will overnight a Sun City banner and you will need to take a picture for me. My hope is to make that call several times this season. Many on my list are not receiving these updates. Please check with your friends. I have set up a separate list for the emails that are rejected in a mass type email system. The very best of luck to all on Saturday! Frank McLaughlin |
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11/19/2011
| One Week Until Car Race #1 Let the Races Begin! |
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Hello Everyone, In one week the racing actually begins in Sun City. Only paid pigeons can win prizes and be eligible for the Knockout Competition. If you want me to send your money over I need a check by Friday made payable to me. If your paid reserve is lost before the final race you will receive a full refund. Last year an unpaid US pigeon won a Car Race and the prize went to 2nd place. Should anyone in the US or Canada win a Car Race the prize will be $15,000. Please check out the Grand Averages in a day when updated. The great Belgian pigeon fell off this morning. US and Canada are both shining bright. This morning a pigeon won the Cascade Challenge for the third time this year. This is remarkable. I had to cancel my US and Canada only pool due to lack of interest. We will try again next year. This morning we had an 80 mile toss and it was outstanding. Nearly all the pigeons were in within 30 minutes. I am sure thousands were walking around the lofts a few minutes after the first pigeons. The 1st US pigeon at 13th overall was RMC Loft. The 2nd US pigeon at 15th was a Gallo & Placeta pigeon and the 3rd US pigeon was an Ed Skwiat pigeon. Ed's pigeon was in the top three last toss also. We had a US pigeon at 16th but the information on the bird was hidden. Once the initial $1025 is paid all the race sheets will be back filled with results. Many show no interest until the 1st Car Race so expect to see this pigeon on the result Saturday. What makes Sun City so exciting is the endless information offered. If everyone could add the pedigree info on their pigeons it will allow us all to see what blood lines are scoring. Do not worry if young from your best pigeon are down in the averages. Everyone only looks at the top pigeons anyway. My buddy Koopman has added pedigree info on all his pigeons. I will do the same this week. Until Wednesday, Frank McLaughlin 395 Whitman St Hanson MA 02341 (781) 820 8327 Please not calls until Monday Nov 20th. I am taking my wife away to a bed and breakfast. I will check emails of course. |
11/16/2011
| Pay For Backups/Reserves Now! |
| Hi Everyone, Saturday November 26th will be the first Car Race in Sun City. To win prizes your reserve pigeons must be paid by Friday November 25th. Please send your checks to me now and I will wire the money over and have your pigeons active for the race. Each reserve/backup bird can be activated at $1000 each. If these reserve pigeons are lost before the final race you will receive a full $1000 refund. I wire everyone's money free of charge. Every three bird team is treated separately. If you sent six pigeons, paid for two and one team is missing, you still must activate two pigeons from your second team. Please email with questions. Many still owe from $15 to $50 on their account. Please check your account and send me the check immediately. You do not want to lose $15,000 over $15. If you have not noticed the Grand Averages you will see USA has 13 in the top 100, Netherlands has two and Belgium has five. The first Car Race will start a separate Average Speed just for the Car Races. Now to this mornings toss. The 1st US pigeon and 1st overall was a Don Hart pigeon. The 2nd US pigeon and 6th overall was an Ed Skwiat pigeon and the 3rd US pigeon at 9th overall was an East Wind Syndicate pigeon. Nice job to this group! Please send your checks to me as soon as possible to activate your backups. If you send additional money I will have it deposited into your account for pooling. Thank you, Frank McLaughlin 395 Whitman St Hanson MA 02341 (781) 820-8327 |
11/13/11
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11/09/2011
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11/05/2011 Sent to registered Sun City Bi-Weekly Subscribers only.
11/02/2011 Sent to registered Sun City Bi-Weekly Subscribers only.
10/31/2011 Sent to registered Sun City Bi-Weekly Subscribers only.
10/26/2011 Sent to registered Sun City Bi-Weekly Subscribers only.
10/22/2011
Hello Everyone,
This morning we had a 31 mile toss, clear and cool with a light head wind. The winning bird flew 43 minutes. Amazing that thousands around the world were watching a 31 mile training toss but that is the allure of Sun City. Soon you newbies will see why this race is the most sought after, competitive, analyzed and difficult pigeon race series in existance. If I had to make a decision and could only participate in one aspect of the entire pigeon sport, it would be easy, only Sun City.
I am trying to find out if this morning was the first time the pigeons were liberated in one group. I am not sure if I will receive an answer. Sun City must keep much of what they do secret to remain light years ahead of other one loft races. With this said it seems that 900 pigeons just made a big mistake. Being spring in Sun City there is plenty of water around and a night out early on in training can do a young pigeon a lot of good. This is the toss to make that mistake because from now on the training tosses will count in the average speed competition. Expect hundreds to return in the morning. Sun City may do a loft list and we can be relieved to know what has returned.
US percentage of returns is very close to Belgium and overall. The overall percentage is 85% returned today, US 83% and Belgium 84%. When I read a Sun City result I tend to look at my pigeons then two of the most successful fanciers in the sport and in Sun City... Koopman and Klaas. Klaas has bred the winner twice and Koopman is on a mission to win Sun City knowing that winning this race will be more important than many National wins in Holland. I am sure both Klaas and Koopman are scratching their heads like many of us. Klaas entered 30 pigeons and is down to 16 as of tonight. Koopman entered slightly over 100 and is down to 61. Two of the best in the world are down over 40%. That is Sun City. I do expect the numbers to level off and remain somewhat constant with a slow decline to the final.
Now to the winners. Remarkably US had the best showing of any country. In the US this is considered a training toss. In other parts of the world this toss is considered 1st International Sun City 31 Miles October 22nd 2011.
The 1st US pigeon and 2nd Overall was bred and owned by Dan Coury. Dan's 2nd pigeon was 35th overall. Nice Job Dan! The 2nd US pigeon and 9th overall was bred and owned by Joe Nemelka. Joe is making this race look easy. Last January in the final race Joe was 32nd overall. The 3rd US pigeon and 9th overall is owned by Jesus Sepulveda. Congratulations to the top three. I know it is a training toss but to see your loft ahead of the most famous names in the sport is very exciting. Should any of you win a training race/toss you will realize how exciting this alone can be.
Until Wednesday,
Frank
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
This morning we had a 31 mile toss, clear and cool with a light head wind. The winning bird flew 43 minutes. Amazing that thousands around the world were watching a 31 mile training toss but that is the allure of Sun City. Soon you newbies will see why this race is the most sought after, competitive, analyzed and difficult pigeon race series in existance. If I had to make a decision and could only participate in one aspect of the entire pigeon sport, it would be easy, only Sun City.
I am trying to find out if this morning was the first time the pigeons were liberated in one group. I am not sure if I will receive an answer. Sun City must keep much of what they do secret to remain light years ahead of other one loft races. With this said it seems that 900 pigeons just made a big mistake. Being spring in Sun City there is plenty of water around and a night out early on in training can do a young pigeon a lot of good. This is the toss to make that mistake because from now on the training tosses will count in the average speed competition. Expect hundreds to return in the morning. Sun City may do a loft list and we can be relieved to know what has returned.
US percentage of returns is very close to Belgium and overall. The overall percentage is 85% returned today, US 83% and Belgium 84%. When I read a Sun City result I tend to look at my pigeons then two of the most successful fanciers in the sport and in Sun City... Koopman and Klaas. Klaas has bred the winner twice and Koopman is on a mission to win Sun City knowing that winning this race will be more important than many National wins in Holland. I am sure both Klaas and Koopman are scratching their heads like many of us. Klaas entered 30 pigeons and is down to 16 as of tonight. Koopman entered slightly over 100 and is down to 61. Two of the best in the world are down over 40%. That is Sun City. I do expect the numbers to level off and remain somewhat constant with a slow decline to the final.
Now to the winners. Remarkably US had the best showing of any country. In the US this is considered a training toss. In other parts of the world this toss is considered 1st International Sun City 31 Miles October 22nd 2011.
The 1st US pigeon and 2nd Overall was bred and owned by Dan Coury. Dan's 2nd pigeon was 35th overall. Nice Job Dan! The 2nd US pigeon and 9th overall was bred and owned by Joe Nemelka. Joe is making this race look easy. Last January in the final race Joe was 32nd overall. The 3rd US pigeon and 9th overall is owned by Jesus Sepulveda. Congratulations to the top three. I know it is a training toss but to see your loft ahead of the most famous names in the sport is very exciting. Should any of you win a training race/toss you will realize how exciting this alone can be.
Until Wednesday,
Frank
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
10/18/2011
Let the Fun Begin!
Hi Everyone,
The Sun City Million Dollar Race has posted a loft list. 6052 pigeons have succeeded in early training and have decided to make Sun City their new home. Everyone should be proud to know their pigeons made it through quarantine, settling and many short training tosses.
Saturday October 22nd will be the first published training toss. This toss will be from 31 miles. To view the entire website published training schedule go to https://www.scmdpr.com see About the Race and click on Training Schedule.
If you are new to the race you will soon be one of the thousands around the world to become very excited to view a 31 mile training toss. The pigeons are trained every day but Sunday. Only the Wednesday and Saturday tosses are published on the website.
The loft list is published under Results and Listings, see General Results. It is best to type in your loft name and do a search for your pigeons. There has been some confusion on finding the pigeons. If you shipped pigeons with me in May and then again in June your pigeons are published in two different sections of the USA list.
Some lofts have not paid the initial $1025 per team and these pigeons are listed as a "Defaulter' and no info will be given until the $1025 per team is paid. Once paid, the results will be back filled and you will be able to see the pigeons performace for every training toss. Even one unpaid team out of multiple paid teams will keep all pigeons hidden.
November 26th is the first Car Race. Backup or Reserve pigeons must be paid ($1000 each) by November 26th to be eligible to win prizes. Remember if you pay for a reserve pigeon and it is lost before the final race you get a $1000 refund. If your pigeon wins a $1000 or more and is then lost you will not be eligible for a refund.
I have looked at the totals of the pigeons remaining that I shipped in May and tried to compare them to the pigeons remaining I shipped in June. They seem to be within a percentage point of each other. Both months being about 70% remaining at this point. For every loft that lost pigeons, there are lofts with six of six, nine of nine, eleven of eleven etc with many in between.
I does break my heart that a couple entrants lost all three of their pigeons. The good news is they get to enter for free next year.
Pooling or Nomination Races begin on October 29th. About once per week you can pool your Sun City entrees. Like everything else with Sun City every pooled pigeon is visible along with the payouts and number of payouts. You know exactly what can be won and what is in each and every pool before liberation. You need money in your account to pool your pigeons. You are welcome to send the money to me and I will wire this over for you.
Next update will be on Saturday when I break down the training toss.
Best of Luck to All,
Frank McLaughlin
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
10/2/2011
Hi Everyone,
The Sun City Million Dollar Race has posted a loft list. 6052 pigeons have succeeded in early training and have decided to make Sun City their new home. Everyone should be proud to know their pigeons made it through quarantine, settling and many short training tosses.
Saturday October 22nd will be the first published training toss. This toss will be from 31 miles. To view the entire website published training schedule go to https://www.scmdpr.com see About the Race and click on Training Schedule.
If you are new to the race you will soon be one of the thousands around the world to become very excited to view a 31 mile training toss. The pigeons are trained every day but Sunday. Only the Wednesday and Saturday tosses are published on the website.
The loft list is published under Results and Listings, see General Results. It is best to type in your loft name and do a search for your pigeons. There has been some confusion on finding the pigeons. If you shipped pigeons with me in May and then again in June your pigeons are published in two different sections of the USA list.
Some lofts have not paid the initial $1025 per team and these pigeons are listed as a "Defaulter' and no info will be given until the $1025 per team is paid. Once paid, the results will be back filled and you will be able to see the pigeons performace for every training toss. Even one unpaid team out of multiple paid teams will keep all pigeons hidden.
November 26th is the first Car Race. Backup or Reserve pigeons must be paid ($1000 each) by November 26th to be eligible to win prizes. Remember if you pay for a reserve pigeon and it is lost before the final race you get a $1000 refund. If your pigeon wins a $1000 or more and is then lost you will not be eligible for a refund.
I have looked at the totals of the pigeons remaining that I shipped in May and tried to compare them to the pigeons remaining I shipped in June. They seem to be within a percentage point of each other. Both months being about 70% remaining at this point. For every loft that lost pigeons, there are lofts with six of six, nine of nine, eleven of eleven etc with many in between.
I does break my heart that a couple entrants lost all three of their pigeons. The good news is they get to enter for free next year.
Pooling or Nomination Races begin on October 29th. About once per week you can pool your Sun City entrees. Like everything else with Sun City every pooled pigeon is visible along with the payouts and number of payouts. You know exactly what can be won and what is in each and every pool before liberation. You need money in your account to pool your pigeons. You are welcome to send the money to me and I will wire this over for you.
Next update will be on Saturday when I break down the training toss.
Best of Luck to All,
Frank McLaughlin
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
10/2/2011
Hello Everyone,
Saw a very interesting article on the Pipa website that explained that youngsters vaccinated for Paramyxo-virus (PMV) at 3 weeks had less problems with Adeno-virus during young bird season.
In the past I would vaccinate my youngsters for PMV about six to eight weeks before young bird season. The year I vaccinated the youngsters at weaning. I wean the babies very young. Boston has had major issues with Adeno-virus this season and McLaughlin Lofts has not had any problems.
If there is a correlation between vaccinating for PMV at 3 weeks of age and a lessor incidence of PMV, it is well worth a try. You must vaccinate anyway.
We start with new syringes and load the entire 100 dose PMV vial into the syringes. It is very easy to just grab a loaded syringe each time you wean a baby.
Attached is my trip itinerary to Sun City this January. We will fly out of Atlanta, spend two and a half days at an outstanding Game Reserve, please see www.impodimo.com and then to Sun City for shipping of the race. Impodimo Game Lodge only holds 16 guest so you must commit in the next week or so to be in my group. There are plenty of other fine lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve if you are not ready to commit right away. Impodimo is very high end and will be an experience right out of the movies. By adding the Game Lodge to the trip doubles the expense but it is well worth it. The Sun City weekend alone will run about $1000 per person. Sun City is adjacent to Pilanesburg Game Reserve so even if you just attend the race event you can still enjoy some nice game drives but they are quite commercial.
If you have ever thought about attending Sun City you will not be disappointed. No pigeon event can compare.
Sun City added some new pictures to the website and the birds look to be flying strong.
Hope you join us this year!
Frank McLaughlin
9/14/2011
Sun City Update and Newsletter
Received word this morning from the Director at Sun City that the pigeons are exercising one hour each morning and looking excellent. The same pigeons are exercising 20 to 30 minutes a second time, later in the warmth of the day. Sun City is enter Spring now being in the southern hemisphere.
Last week I received a long list of Sun City entrants that owe from $25 to thousands of dollars on their account. These fees must be paid before your pigeons will appear on any loft list, training report etc. Check your accounts to see if you have a balance due. I will be wiring money over weekly so if you would like me to send your money to Sun City just mail a check to the address below.
We will have a loft list published the second week of October. At that point training would have begun and the Sun City Website information will be endless. Anyone that has outstanding entry fees on their account will not be able to view any information on their pigeons. You will not know how many pigeons remain.
On a different note. I have been talking to numerous fanciers around the US and it seems Paramyxo-Virus (PMV) is starting to be a big problem. The symptoms are ranging from watery droppings to heads twisting around and pigeons dying. In some cases the owners have claimed to have vaccinated.
Fanciers tend to get lazy after many years of vaccinating. PMV has been able to get a foot hold back into the sport. My suggestion would be to vaccinate every pigeon on your property as soon as possible. Then continue to vaccinate all youngsters at weaning. A booster injection for each pigeon every couple years should keep your pigeons safe.
I personally vaccinate all youngsters when I wean them. I buy a bottle of PMV vaccine and fill new 12cc syringes until the bottle is empty. I grab a fresh syringe pre-loaded with vaccine everytime I need one. This year I went through hundreds of doses of vaccine on the pigeons going to the Sun City Million Dollar Race. I only vaccinated pigeons the owners instructed me to do so.
I also keep LaSota Vaccine on hand at all times. LaSota can be mixed in declorinated water and given to the pigeons to drink. LaSota Vaccine is a live vaccine made for chicken New Castle disease and offers a very short term immunity to PMV. Whenever I hear of a case of PMV in the New England area I treat all pigeons on the property with Lasota Vaccine. This is just a little insurance against PMV. If your pigeons show signs of PMV I would use both the LaSota and the injectable at the same time. LaSota will have a faster immune response and the injectable will offer long term protection.
If you have not vaccinated all your pigeons for PMV and you do not have the time to do this immediately, use the LaSota to buy yourself a month or so. I use LaSota during breeding, racing or any time of the year. LaSota can also be used 10 days before a big race to give the pigeons a boost in condition.
Until Next Time,
Frank McLaughlin
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
Frank@McLaughlinLofts.com
395 Whitman St
Hanson Massachusetts 02341
(781) 820-8327
9/05/2011
Hello Group,
As you can see I am trying to elevate my Sun City updates into the 21st century. This year only some of what is written in the emails will be published on my website. If you have any friends or partners that may be interested in following along please send them to www.mclaughlinlofts.com to register for the email updates. This is completely permission based. You can stop and start the updates anytime.
Most of us have been waiting patiently for info from Sun City. There were some great pictures added today. I received a report Friday that Sun City is still trying to locate the owners of many pigeons that were shipped in from around the world. Until every pigeon can be accounted for and linked to an owner a loft list or inventory list cannot be published. Next year they are going to implement a rule that all pigeons must be shipped over with a registration form. With that said I was told we are going to have a loft list and inventory by the second week of October and the pigeons are doing well. The organizers during the first week of October will hand check every chip and ring number on each pigeon.
Training will be begin soon and the pigeons should be trained out a short distance before we see a loft list. Once the loft list is published and training starts we are going to have endless information, average speed, results etc to look at.
The first Car Race will take place in the middle to end of November. As long as I have your check in my hand on the day of shipping, your reserve/backup pigeons will be active for the Car Race. Only paid pigeons can win prizes but all will appear on the race sheet assuming your primary pigeon is paid.
We are still working to bring back the 2011 pigeons that sold at the auctions this past spring. An Avian Influenza outbreak in South Africa earlier this year has halted the export. My goal is for you to have your new pigeons before breeding season. We would have had them in our hands right now if not for the Avain Influenza outbreak.
Please email any questions to Frank@McLaughlinLofts.com
Look at www.mclaughlinlofts.com and go to 'Sun City Million Dollar' to read the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) and much of the other Sun City information.
If you need your Sun City Account Number and Password please let me know.
Thank you and expect the best year ever!
Frank McLaughlin
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
8/12/2011
Hi Everyone,
Received word today from Sun City that every is going along nicely as planned. This is going to be a great year!
Frank
Hi Group,
The June 29th shipment has been out of quarantine for about a week and are now enjoying the South African winter in Sun City. This looks to be the best year ever. Please take a look at the pictures on the web site at www.scmdpr.com
Soon the training and all the excitement begins. Frank
July 29th 2011
Here are some final pigeon totals that may be of interest. McLaughlin Lofts shipped 913 US pigeons and 46 Canadian pigeons to Sun City over five shipments for the 2012 race. This was a massive project and could have never been done correctly without all the help I received from my father and brother along with the patience I receive from my wife and mother. To see exactly what goes on please read Thank you to my Family from last year. Frank
July 27th 2011
Please check out the pictures of the pigeons enjoying a gorgeous Sun City winter day. https://www.scmdpr.com
Remember that Sun City is in the southern hemisphere and they are in the middle of the winter right now.
Frank
July 23rd 2011
Hi Group,
Still working on bringing over the Sun City Auction pigeons from this past spring. An outbreak of Avian Influenza in South Africa halted the shipment. The Director of Sun City is doing everything he can to get these pigeons to us. If anyone can get it done he can.
On a different note all your accounts have been updated. Please check to make sure your pigeons and band numbers are correct. All the payments have not been updated at this point but will be very soon.
Thank you, Frank
July 13th 2011
Hi Everyone,
Received word this morning from Sun City that my May 10th, 17th and 24th shipments are out of quarantine and out of the lofts getting their first look at the surrounding area. There should be some pictures of the pigeons out and about on the Sun City site soon. This is all very exciting news! https://www.scmdpr.com
Frank
July 11th 2011
Shipped 15 pigeons to the Sun City Million Dollar Race this morning. This was and is the very last late shipment to Sun City. The pigeons looked super and I thank the few lofts that sent an extra team in this group. Everyone's account will be updated soon.
Frank
July 4th. Urgent Update
Hello Group,
As usual I had two pigeons arrive the day after I shipped to Sun City. I booked a flight on July 11th and contacted Sun City to see if I could send over a few more pigeons. They are sending me a permit this week. I am a glutton for punishment.
Looks like the shipment will be six pigeons leaving on July 11th. I am going to get killed on expenses and would like to get at least 12 pigeons. If you have three you want to send I need them this week. If you know anyone that wants to ship please let them know.
On a different note my shipment on June 29th arrived very well and are doing great in the lofts!
Happy 4th!
Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St
Hanson MA 02341
781 820-8327
June 29th 2011
Shipped 295 US pigeons (give or take a pigeon) and 30 plus Canadian pigeons to the Sun City Million Dollar Race today. What a relief that the exporting is over. I lost ten pounds the last two months and feel like I aged 10 years. I put so much pressure on myself to do the best possible job for your pigeons. As usual my father and brother worked hard along with me to make the care and export go very smooth. I could not do this without them.
The pigeons looked excellent and went to South Africa in the best possible condition. They went through endless grits and minerals along with mountains of feed while they were here.
My only regret is because of this export project, we have no time for our own race team in May and June. We literally just enter them in the races and do nothing else with the team.
Now we must wait to here the pigeons arrived well and look super. They left Logan International Airport Boston Massachusetts at 11:15am today and will arrive in Johannesburg 23 hours later. They will be in the quarantine lofts late June 30th.
Frank
June 26th 2011
Hi Group,
I know many of us are waiting for our pigeons that we bought in the Sun City Post Race Auctions this past spring. The auction pigeons were scheduled to be shipped to quarantine on June 2nd. We ran into a problem when South Africa had an outbreak of Avian Influenza in Ostriches. 5000 ostriches had to be eliminated and our auction pigeons are still in the quarantine lofts in South Africa. The Director of the race is working hard to ship the pigeons over to us as soon as possible. Unforeseen problems can occur when we deal with importing and exporting. We are all working hard to have the new import pigeons in your lofts long before breeding season.
Thank you for your patience!
Frank
June 24th 2011
Hi Everyone,
My last shipment is ready to go on June 29th. The airline pushed me back one day. Nearly everyone's Sun City account has been updated to show the pigeons and money paid. It feels like the horses are loaded into the starting gate. This is going to be the best year ever. We also have a record US entry. I should have final totals soon.
As much as I love all this I cannot wait for the exporting to Sun City to be over! Yesterday 87 pigeons arrived. 32 were from our up north Canadian friends and the others all US. Because of the rain, shipping boxes are stacked floor to ceiling in my parents dining room, hallway and kitchen. When the weather clears I will load them on my pickup and place them in my home basement.
Frank
June 14th 2011
Anyone interested in forming a three bird syndicate let me know? I have one famous loft that has one youngster from his top pair. He is looking for two more young to form a three bird syndicate. If anyone has one super youngster ready to go to Sun City let me know. This syndicate may give three fanciers a change at dividing 200K and possible international fame. Frank
June 10th 2011
The June 28th shipment to Sun City is on schedule and looking to be a great one. The pigeons that are already in my flight pens look super. Many of the top US lofts are putting a team of pigeons into this shipment to make sure they cover all their bases for success in Sun City. Look at those late breds for a pigeon that has the ability to win Sun City.
From June to the end of August it is a waiting game for us here in the US. Every pigeon must be accounted for by the organizers with all the information being placed in everyone's account. The pigeons will be settled to the loft and exercised daily. When all the accounts are updated we will be able to view the information for the first time. New Entrants will have their Log-in Info emailed to them when everything is complete.
We must realize some pigeons are shipped from countries to Sun City without any Registration Forms or payment. The Sun City organizers in some cases have to track down band (ring) numbers to locate the owners. I make sure Sun City receives a master list of entrants contact info and pigeons band numbers.
Send me your pigeons so they arrive by Saturday June 25th for the June 28th export. USA will have a record entry for the 2011-2012 Sun City race season. We will bring the title of Sun City champion back to the US.
Thanks! Frank
May 27th 2011
Hello Everyone,
Received word from Sun City that my third shipment on May 24th arrived in great shape and are in the lofts enjoying their new home.
Pigeons have been coming in daily for my June 28th shipment. If you want to send them to me early, they will get care here at my lofts second to none. It is not too late to enter the Greatest Pigeon Race in the World.
Thank you,
Frank
May 24th 2011
Hi Group,
We shipped 203 pigeons to Sun City this morning. They will in the lofts tomorrow late afternoon. Every entrant should be very proud at the health and condition of their pigeons. They were all shining and emitting super class going into the shipping baskets. I could not do this export without the endless help from my father and brother Dan! Thank you to both of you!
My next shipment will be on June 28th. The pigeons for that shipment have started to arrive. I have plenty of space and they will get the best possible care, until they leave for their new home at the Greatest Pigeon Race in the World!
Frank
May 21st 2011
Hi Everyone. I would like you to take a look at the new pictures added yesterday to the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race site. They show the lofts and there is a very good chance my recently exported US pigeons are pictured. There are four massive lofts. Until you are standing on one of them it is tough to comprehend the size. You could land a small plane on the roof of one loft. Frank
May 20th 2011
The 160 pigeons exported to Sun City on Tuesday May 17th are in the lofts and looking excellent. What a relief to know they traveled so well and are enjoying their new home!
Frank
May 17th 2011
Shipped 160 Sun City pigeons today with the help of my father and brother. The pigeons looked like diamonds and displayed exceptional health this morning right before their export. They will be at the lofts tomorrow May 18th. I will update the site when I get word they all arrived in safe.
My next shipment is May 24th. Send your pigeons to me as soon as possible. If your pigeons are not ready, I will export one more shipment to Sun City on June 28th.
Thank you for sending me such fine pigeons to compete in the Greatest Pigeon Race in the World, Frank
May 13th 2011
Hi Everyone,
My first shipment of 252 Sun City pigeons are safe and sound in the lofts. The word is every pigeon traveled exceptionally well and look excellent. I am very pleased to hear this news. You all should be proud sending such nice pigeons to represent the USA! Thank you, Frank
May 11th, 2011
Hi Group,
I shipped 252 pigeons to Sun City yesterday with the help of my father and brother Dan. What a nice group! My next shipment to Sun City will be May 17th followed by a shipment on May 24th. We will all have the opportunity to select a few more super youngsters to ship in my final shipment on June 28th.
When we returned home from the airport (we took two pickups) my brother Dan had cleaned and sanitized all the flight pens, feeders, waterers etc with Virkon S. What a nice surprise. I was not looking forward to that job. We will sanitize everything after each shipment. It has been unseasonably cold here in Massachusetts which has been great for receiving and exporting pigeons.
Expect the best year ever at Sun City and a record entry for the US.
Please contact me with any questions. Frank (781) 820-8327
5/8/2011
Hello Everyone,
My first shipment to Sun City will leave on Tuesday May 10th. Everything is in order and the pigeons look super. You all did a fine job with your selections. Weather has been cool and clear in the 50's and the pigeons are loving it. Tuesday shipping day is predicted to be in the upper 40's. The pigeons will travel only one day and will be in Sun City on May 11th.
My next shipment is leaving on May 17th. Ship the pigeons to me for the May 17th shipment this coming week. I will finish May with a May 24th shipment and then a June 28th shipment.
Let the fun begin,
Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St
Hanson Massachusetts 02341
781 820-8327
Sun City Update and Newsletter
Received word this morning from the Director at Sun City that the pigeons are exercising one hour each morning and looking excellent. The same pigeons are exercising 20 to 30 minutes a second time, later in the warmth of the day. Sun City is enter Spring now being in the southern hemisphere.
Last week I received a long list of Sun City entrants that owe from $25 to thousands of dollars on their account. These fees must be paid before your pigeons will appear on any loft list, training report etc. Check your accounts to see if you have a balance due. I will be wiring money over weekly so if you would like me to send your money to Sun City just mail a check to the address below.
We will have a loft list published the second week of October. At that point training would have begun and the Sun City Website information will be endless. Anyone that has outstanding entry fees on their account will not be able to view any information on their pigeons. You will not know how many pigeons remain.
On a different note. I have been talking to numerous fanciers around the US and it seems Paramyxo-Virus (PMV) is starting to be a big problem. The symptoms are ranging from watery droppings to heads twisting around and pigeons dying. In some cases the owners have claimed to have vaccinated.
Fanciers tend to get lazy after many years of vaccinating. PMV has been able to get a foot hold back into the sport. My suggestion would be to vaccinate every pigeon on your property as soon as possible. Then continue to vaccinate all youngsters at weaning. A booster injection for each pigeon every couple years should keep your pigeons safe.
I personally vaccinate all youngsters when I wean them. I buy a bottle of PMV vaccine and fill new 12cc syringes until the bottle is empty. I grab a fresh syringe pre-loaded with vaccine everytime I need one. This year I went through hundreds of doses of vaccine on the pigeons going to the Sun City Million Dollar Race. I only vaccinated pigeons the owners instructed me to do so.
I also keep LaSota Vaccine on hand at all times. LaSota can be mixed in declorinated water and given to the pigeons to drink. LaSota Vaccine is a live vaccine made for chicken New Castle disease and offers a very short term immunity to PMV. Whenever I hear of a case of PMV in the New England area I treat all pigeons on the property with Lasota Vaccine. This is just a little insurance against PMV. If your pigeons show signs of PMV I would use both the LaSota and the injectable at the same time. LaSota will have a faster immune response and the injectable will offer long term protection.
If you have not vaccinated all your pigeons for PMV and you do not have the time to do this immediately, use the LaSota to buy yourself a month or so. I use LaSota during breeding, racing or any time of the year. LaSota can also be used 10 days before a big race to give the pigeons a boost in condition.
Until Next Time,
Frank McLaughlin
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
Frank@McLaughlinLofts.com
395 Whitman St
Hanson Massachusetts 02341
(781) 820-8327
9/05/2011
Hello Group,
As you can see I am trying to elevate my Sun City updates into the 21st century. This year only some of what is written in the emails will be published on my website. If you have any friends or partners that may be interested in following along please send them to www.mclaughlinlofts.com to register for the email updates. This is completely permission based. You can stop and start the updates anytime.
Most of us have been waiting patiently for info from Sun City. There were some great pictures added today. I received a report Friday that Sun City is still trying to locate the owners of many pigeons that were shipped in from around the world. Until every pigeon can be accounted for and linked to an owner a loft list or inventory list cannot be published. Next year they are going to implement a rule that all pigeons must be shipped over with a registration form. With that said I was told we are going to have a loft list and inventory by the second week of October and the pigeons are doing well. The organizers during the first week of October will hand check every chip and ring number on each pigeon.
Training will be begin soon and the pigeons should be trained out a short distance before we see a loft list. Once the loft list is published and training starts we are going to have endless information, average speed, results etc to look at.
The first Car Race will take place in the middle to end of November. As long as I have your check in my hand on the day of shipping, your reserve/backup pigeons will be active for the Car Race. Only paid pigeons can win prizes but all will appear on the race sheet assuming your primary pigeon is paid.
We are still working to bring back the 2011 pigeons that sold at the auctions this past spring. An Avian Influenza outbreak in South Africa earlier this year has halted the export. My goal is for you to have your new pigeons before breeding season. We would have had them in our hands right now if not for the Avain Influenza outbreak.
Please email any questions to Frank@McLaughlinLofts.com
Look at www.mclaughlinlofts.com and go to 'Sun City Million Dollar' to read the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) and much of the other Sun City information.
If you need your Sun City Account Number and Password please let me know.
Thank you and expect the best year ever!
Frank McLaughlin
www.mclaughlinlofts.com
8/12/2011
Hi Everyone,
Received word today from Sun City that every is going along nicely as planned. This is going to be a great year!
Frank
Hi Group,
The June 29th shipment has been out of quarantine for about a week and are now enjoying the South African winter in Sun City. This looks to be the best year ever. Please take a look at the pictures on the web site at www.scmdpr.com
Soon the training and all the excitement begins. Frank
July 29th 2011
Here are some final pigeon totals that may be of interest. McLaughlin Lofts shipped 913 US pigeons and 46 Canadian pigeons to Sun City over five shipments for the 2012 race. This was a massive project and could have never been done correctly without all the help I received from my father and brother along with the patience I receive from my wife and mother. To see exactly what goes on please read Thank you to my Family from last year. Frank
July 27th 2011
Please check out the pictures of the pigeons enjoying a gorgeous Sun City winter day. https://www.scmdpr.com
Remember that Sun City is in the southern hemisphere and they are in the middle of the winter right now.
Frank
July 23rd 2011
Hi Group,
Still working on bringing over the Sun City Auction pigeons from this past spring. An outbreak of Avian Influenza in South Africa halted the shipment. The Director of Sun City is doing everything he can to get these pigeons to us. If anyone can get it done he can.
On a different note all your accounts have been updated. Please check to make sure your pigeons and band numbers are correct. All the payments have not been updated at this point but will be very soon.
Thank you, Frank
July 13th 2011
Hi Everyone,
Received word this morning from Sun City that my May 10th, 17th and 24th shipments are out of quarantine and out of the lofts getting their first look at the surrounding area. There should be some pictures of the pigeons out and about on the Sun City site soon. This is all very exciting news! https://www.scmdpr.com
Frank
July 11th 2011
Shipped 15 pigeons to the Sun City Million Dollar Race this morning. This was and is the very last late shipment to Sun City. The pigeons looked super and I thank the few lofts that sent an extra team in this group. Everyone's account will be updated soon.
Frank
July 4th. Urgent Update
Hello Group,
As usual I had two pigeons arrive the day after I shipped to Sun City. I booked a flight on July 11th and contacted Sun City to see if I could send over a few more pigeons. They are sending me a permit this week. I am a glutton for punishment.
Looks like the shipment will be six pigeons leaving on July 11th. I am going to get killed on expenses and would like to get at least 12 pigeons. If you have three you want to send I need them this week. If you know anyone that wants to ship please let them know.
On a different note my shipment on June 29th arrived very well and are doing great in the lofts!
Happy 4th!
Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St
Hanson MA 02341
781 820-8327
June 29th 2011
Shipped 295 US pigeons (give or take a pigeon) and 30 plus Canadian pigeons to the Sun City Million Dollar Race today. What a relief that the exporting is over. I lost ten pounds the last two months and feel like I aged 10 years. I put so much pressure on myself to do the best possible job for your pigeons. As usual my father and brother worked hard along with me to make the care and export go very smooth. I could not do this without them.
The pigeons looked excellent and went to South Africa in the best possible condition. They went through endless grits and minerals along with mountains of feed while they were here.
My only regret is because of this export project, we have no time for our own race team in May and June. We literally just enter them in the races and do nothing else with the team.
Now we must wait to here the pigeons arrived well and look super. They left Logan International Airport Boston Massachusetts at 11:15am today and will arrive in Johannesburg 23 hours later. They will be in the quarantine lofts late June 30th.
Frank
June 26th 2011
Hi Group,
I know many of us are waiting for our pigeons that we bought in the Sun City Post Race Auctions this past spring. The auction pigeons were scheduled to be shipped to quarantine on June 2nd. We ran into a problem when South Africa had an outbreak of Avian Influenza in Ostriches. 5000 ostriches had to be eliminated and our auction pigeons are still in the quarantine lofts in South Africa. The Director of the race is working hard to ship the pigeons over to us as soon as possible. Unforeseen problems can occur when we deal with importing and exporting. We are all working hard to have the new import pigeons in your lofts long before breeding season.
Thank you for your patience!
Frank
June 24th 2011
Hi Everyone,
My last shipment is ready to go on June 29th. The airline pushed me back one day. Nearly everyone's Sun City account has been updated to show the pigeons and money paid. It feels like the horses are loaded into the starting gate. This is going to be the best year ever. We also have a record US entry. I should have final totals soon.
As much as I love all this I cannot wait for the exporting to Sun City to be over! Yesterday 87 pigeons arrived. 32 were from our up north Canadian friends and the others all US. Because of the rain, shipping boxes are stacked floor to ceiling in my parents dining room, hallway and kitchen. When the weather clears I will load them on my pickup and place them in my home basement.
Frank
June 14th 2011
Anyone interested in forming a three bird syndicate let me know? I have one famous loft that has one youngster from his top pair. He is looking for two more young to form a three bird syndicate. If anyone has one super youngster ready to go to Sun City let me know. This syndicate may give three fanciers a change at dividing 200K and possible international fame. Frank
June 10th 2011
The June 28th shipment to Sun City is on schedule and looking to be a great one. The pigeons that are already in my flight pens look super. Many of the top US lofts are putting a team of pigeons into this shipment to make sure they cover all their bases for success in Sun City. Look at those late breds for a pigeon that has the ability to win Sun City.
From June to the end of August it is a waiting game for us here in the US. Every pigeon must be accounted for by the organizers with all the information being placed in everyone's account. The pigeons will be settled to the loft and exercised daily. When all the accounts are updated we will be able to view the information for the first time. New Entrants will have their Log-in Info emailed to them when everything is complete.
We must realize some pigeons are shipped from countries to Sun City without any Registration Forms or payment. The Sun City organizers in some cases have to track down band (ring) numbers to locate the owners. I make sure Sun City receives a master list of entrants contact info and pigeons band numbers.
Send me your pigeons so they arrive by Saturday June 25th for the June 28th export. USA will have a record entry for the 2011-2012 Sun City race season. We will bring the title of Sun City champion back to the US.
Thanks! Frank
May 27th 2011
Hello Everyone,
Received word from Sun City that my third shipment on May 24th arrived in great shape and are in the lofts enjoying their new home.
Pigeons have been coming in daily for my June 28th shipment. If you want to send them to me early, they will get care here at my lofts second to none. It is not too late to enter the Greatest Pigeon Race in the World.
Thank you,
Frank
May 24th 2011
Hi Group,
We shipped 203 pigeons to Sun City this morning. They will in the lofts tomorrow late afternoon. Every entrant should be very proud at the health and condition of their pigeons. They were all shining and emitting super class going into the shipping baskets. I could not do this export without the endless help from my father and brother Dan! Thank you to both of you!
My next shipment will be on June 28th. The pigeons for that shipment have started to arrive. I have plenty of space and they will get the best possible care, until they leave for their new home at the Greatest Pigeon Race in the World!
Frank
May 21st 2011
Hi Everyone. I would like you to take a look at the new pictures added yesterday to the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race site. They show the lofts and there is a very good chance my recently exported US pigeons are pictured. There are four massive lofts. Until you are standing on one of them it is tough to comprehend the size. You could land a small plane on the roof of one loft. Frank
May 20th 2011
The 160 pigeons exported to Sun City on Tuesday May 17th are in the lofts and looking excellent. What a relief to know they traveled so well and are enjoying their new home!
Frank
May 17th 2011
Shipped 160 Sun City pigeons today with the help of my father and brother. The pigeons looked like diamonds and displayed exceptional health this morning right before their export. They will be at the lofts tomorrow May 18th. I will update the site when I get word they all arrived in safe.
My next shipment is May 24th. Send your pigeons to me as soon as possible. If your pigeons are not ready, I will export one more shipment to Sun City on June 28th.
Thank you for sending me such fine pigeons to compete in the Greatest Pigeon Race in the World, Frank
May 13th 2011
Hi Everyone,
My first shipment of 252 Sun City pigeons are safe and sound in the lofts. The word is every pigeon traveled exceptionally well and look excellent. I am very pleased to hear this news. You all should be proud sending such nice pigeons to represent the USA! Thank you, Frank
May 11th, 2011
Hi Group,
I shipped 252 pigeons to Sun City yesterday with the help of my father and brother Dan. What a nice group! My next shipment to Sun City will be May 17th followed by a shipment on May 24th. We will all have the opportunity to select a few more super youngsters to ship in my final shipment on June 28th.
When we returned home from the airport (we took two pickups) my brother Dan had cleaned and sanitized all the flight pens, feeders, waterers etc with Virkon S. What a nice surprise. I was not looking forward to that job. We will sanitize everything after each shipment. It has been unseasonably cold here in Massachusetts which has been great for receiving and exporting pigeons.
Expect the best year ever at Sun City and a record entry for the US.
Please contact me with any questions. Frank (781) 820-8327
5/8/2011
Hello Everyone,
My first shipment to Sun City will leave on Tuesday May 10th. Everything is in order and the pigeons look super. You all did a fine job with your selections. Weather has been cool and clear in the 50's and the pigeons are loving it. Tuesday shipping day is predicted to be in the upper 40's. The pigeons will travel only one day and will be in Sun City on May 11th.
My next shipment is leaving on May 17th. Ship the pigeons to me for the May 17th shipment this coming week. I will finish May with a May 24th shipment and then a June 28th shipment.
Let the fun begin,
Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St
Hanson Massachusetts 02341
781 820-8327
