4/12/2011

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick reminder that this year I will do three early shipments to Sun City, May 10th, May 17th and May 24th plus one late shipment on June 28th. This shipping plan will give everyone the opportunity to have their pigeons in different shipments, separate lofts and sections at Sun City.  No one will do a better job or give you a greater chance to succeed in Sun City.  All of the most famous US fanciers ship with me.  There is good reason for this!  To add interest I will do a separate prize system for only the pigeons I ship.  Massachusetts has cool temperatures in May which is very advantageous for receiving and exporting pigeons.  My father, brother and myself will be working full time the next few months caring for and exporting the Sun City pigeons.

The Sun City pigeons have started to arrive and will live in large flight pens with every possible grain, grit and mineral.  Please let me know if you would like me to vaccinate your pigeons for PMV.  This is very important before they leave for Sun City. All pigeons will be vaccinated in Sun City for PMV, Salmonella and Pox.  The PMV vaccination in Sun City will act as a booster.  The price is $1025 for each three bird team plus $135 for my export cost.  $1160 for each team can be made payable to me and I will wire all money over free of charge.  I work very closely with the race and we should all expect great things for the 2011-2012 race season.

I do not need the pigeons until right before export but have the space to hold them if you want to ship to me immediately.

For endless info on Sun City, all my Bi-Weekly Updates from last race season, Frequently Asked Questions, Trip Pictures, Interviews with the trainers, etc see www.mclaughlinlofts.com  Put your mouse on 'Sun City Million Dollar' to look at the information. 

Thank you,

Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St
Hanson Massachusetts 02341
781 820-8327

2/22/2011

Hello Everyone,


Please do not forget about the Sun City Million Dollar Race Post Race Auction.  Click on 'auction' then 'approved venues' to see the lists.   Excellent pigeons from very famous names have been selling for a fraction of their true value.  Many German, Belgian, Holland and UK pigeons from $100 to $400 each.  If a pigeon can complete this series it has something special.

Go to https://www.scmdpr.com  Click on Auctions then Approved Venues.  There are several auctions each weekend until the end of March.  I can help you set up your account in Sun City which allows you to place your bids.  They will need a valid Credit Card, Pay Pal account or you can use the money in your Sun City account. E-mail Michael direct at mdpr@mdpr.co.za  Michael will set up your account and I can walk you through the bidding process if you need any help.  The bidding system is very easy to use.

The system emails you if you have been 'Outbid' and allows you to place a maximum bid that will be taken to the live auction if you need it.  I just put in my maximum and let the computer then the organizers take care of the rest.

I will be importing all the pigeons bought at the Sun City Auction after the final auction.  The price will be $150 per pigeon.

For endless Sun City info and my exporting plans for May and June please see www.mclaughlinlofts.com 

Please let me know if I can answer any questions.

Frank McLaughlin  





2/08/2011

Hello Everyone,

The 2012 Race Brochure and new race DVD's have arrived.  If anyone would like one please send me your mailing address.  If you have a friend that might be interested please send your friends address also.  This DVD is the best ever.  The Brochure and Entry Form can also be found online soon at https://www.scmdpr.com 

I also have some photos of my trip (including the race winners wing) posted at www.mclaughlinlofts.com  Place mouse on 'Sun City Million Dollar' then click 'Sun City Pictures 2011'.  

Please do not forget about the Post Race Auctions.  Most of the pigeons for the first weekend of auctions (as of today) are only at 550 rand or about $75 US.

Please let me know if I can answer any questions.

Frank McLaughlin  


2/4/2011

Hello Group,

The Sun City Post Race Auctions are online. Click Sun City Auctions and go down to Feb 12th.  There are four auctions the weekend of Feb 12th and 13th, with multiple auctions each weekend until March 27th.  You will have an opportunity to select from 750 pigeons bred by the top fanciers in the world.  Many of these pigeons are prize winners or multiple prize winners.  Some are fully pedigreed and every pigeon has their Sun City results attached to them. I can help get pedigrees from the breeders after the sale if necessary.  For a pigeon to finish the Sun City series it is a great pigeon.  

Pre-bidding will start a few days before each auction.  If you need help or would like me to place the bids for you, please let me know.  The opening reserve bids are in Rand.  Most opening bids are around $65 dollars.  There are about 6.5 Rand to the Dollar.

I will import all the pigeons back after the final auction.  The price is $150 per pigeon.  Once you buy the pigeon I will take care of everything else.  Last year I imported back around 80 Sun City pigeons and they were spectacular in every way.  The Director told me any pigeon that can finish Sun City is a super pigeon.  He was right.  The pigeons that came back to the US were magnificent.  

Have fun going through the lists.  My suggestion would be to take one weekend at a time and add a few incredible racing pigeons to your breeding program.


Have Fun Bidding!

Frank McLaughlin


1/29/2011

Hi Everyone,

It is great to be back and I would like to recap the trip and congratulate the prize and grand average winners. I traveled with my father Frank and Noel Certain of Certain Lofts USA.  We started with Impodimo Game Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve near Botswanna.  The experience was outstanding along with the game drives, meals and atmosphere.  Our next stop was Sun City.  Basketing went without any problems and many were lucky enough to see their own pigeons. The pigeons were very conditioned and fit for the race.  

Friday we visited the lofts with Gerard Koopman and Norbert De Schrijver plus a few others.  The pictures do not do the lofts justice, they are huge.  The loft manage/trainer answered all my questions and which I will post the answers under 'Sun City Million Dollar', click on Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQ) on my website. These answers are at the bottom.  I asked about the age of the German pigeons when they arrived?  How are the pigeons distributed in the lofts when they arrive?  Would it be advantageous for me to send weekly shipments over this spring? What does he think about pigeons being trained in the country of origin before being shipped to Sun City?  Are pigeons in the recovery lofts on the Loft List after each toss?  What are they vaccinated for?  Etc etc?  I will send a separate email with my plans for export this spring.   

Friday afternoon I met with the Director one on one and continued to plan for 2012.  Zandy wanted to know if I needed anything to help the with US fanciers.  Zandy also answered all my questions.  Friday evening was an outdoor cookout at the man made beach. First class all the way. Saturday was race day. Within a giant arena two huge video screens were set up, monster buffet and entertainment.  We watched the liberation shortly after the liberation and they also played videos and interviews filmed at each Car Race.  Venders were set up all around the arena with every possible pigeon product was on sale.  Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race goes above and beyond everyone's expectations in every single aspect of the race and event.  Pooling was open for everyone on every bird.  A Ricoh Copy Center booth provided up to the minute basket lists, results, available pigeons and every other possible list imaginable.  Most of the lists contained each race and training result for every pigeon. 

The anticipation for the race was sprinkled with constant weather updates from the trainers driving back from liberation along with projected times of arrivals. Many of the South Africans thought the race would be 8 to 9 hours and on the easy side.  Not once did I hear one local say the birds should not have been liberated.  Everyone thought it was going to be a great race.  Entertainment featured live music and African Dance.  Food and dessert went on and on. Pigeon press from all the major countries were interviewing many at the event.  As 4pm came and went the excitement kept growing with cameramen at the lofts filming the hills, wild birds and the grounds around the lofts.  There was one of the loft guys in the crows nest with the cameraman to help spot the first arrival.  At 4:37pm two pigeons hit right in front of the entrance and the pigeon bred by Klaas and entered by Kitchenbrand clocked first.  At that point there is a giant drum roll and the screen comes alive with an intro to announce the 2011 winner.  Everyone in the room for a few magic seconds thought they were going to be the winner of the Greatest Pigeon Race in the World.

We watched pigeons come home until dark and some arrived well into the night.  I thought the pigeons may have been on the loft and went in late but I was told they actually arrived in the dark.  Like most of us I was disappointed in not having success in Sun City.  At least misery loves company and many of the most famous lofts in the world are still waiting for their pigeons to arrive.  Still it is sad the race season was over.  Today was the first Saturday in ages not to have a Sun City result to look at.  We will try harder and send better pigeon next year!

On Sunday the top 100 was auctioned off live with the price on the giant screen showing Rand, Euro and Dollars along with the bidding so we could all follow along.  The winner a small blue cock with the crazy white pearl eyes sold for around 25K. I bought back a few US pigeons for the owners.  I called all the top 100 US fanciers to see what they wanted to do with their pigeon.

I must congratulate the fanciers that had pigeons in the top 100 of the race.  This is a huge accomplishment.  I must also congratulate the grand average pigeons in the top 50.  With 6600 pigeons starting, these guys should be very proud of the result.  Until you sit in the "Super Bowl", with many of the most famous fanciers in the world, waiting for your pigeon to return you do not realize how tough it is to finish in the top 100.   

In 8th Place overall was a crazy check dunn colored cock owned by Gallo and Placeta Loft.  Manny Rodriquez should be very happy to have such a super performance.  For a young guy in the sport his results have been spectacular.  In 31st overall was 'Alfie' bred and owned by Joe Nemelka.  Joe was sitting at our table when we looked up and saw his name appear on the giant screen.  This could not have happened to a nicer guy.  We were cheering like crazy and Joe managed to beat all of the Netherlands.  Joe bought 'Alfie' back at auction the next morning and she will be returning to the US to hopefully breed the Sun City winner in the future.  The 3rd US pigeon and 45th Position overall was Jim Gabler of America's Dream Loft.  Jim has had pigeons in the top 60 the last three times he has entered and is climbing to the top.  Jim's 'Super 73 Americans' are a special breed of pigeon.  At 49th and 53rd and again for the second year in a row Lion Gate Lofts has two pigeons in the top 100 with his third bird coming in at 106th.  A performance to be envied.  Neil Migliore of Lion Gate has had two pigeons in the top 100 for two consecutive years.  He is the only American to have two in the top 100, 2010 and 2011.  I bought both pigeons back at auction for Neil.  In 50th place was Don and Judy Hart, nice job!  At 67th was Si Se Puede Farm Syndicate.  At 69th was Ganus Family Loft with 'Cause for Applause'.  Mike Ganus had one outstanding season in Sun City winning a Two Pigeon Challenge a Car Race prize and continually have pigeons at the top of the results.  At 79th we find Hui Lin to finish out the top 100 US pigeons.

Everyone should take a look at the Grand Averages.  This is an average of every toss and race.  I will give the  comments I made before shipping on the pigeons I shipped in the top 63 of the Grand Averages.  There were six US pigeons in the top 63 and I shipped five of them and made notes on all.

In 12th Overall Grand Averages was 'Alfie' owned by Joe Nemelka.  I wrote upon arrival in May the pigeon was a "blue small/medium buoyant maybe a cock".  At 22nd in the Grand Averages we find The America's Dream Loft pigeon Super 73 ADL 11' and I wrote, "fine small blue hen".   At 38th we find 'Tara 1' owned by Keven Malley, I wrote "medium super feathered buoyant cock'.  At 43rd we find 'Highway Speed' owned by Maximum Speed Loft. I wrote "muscular, super feathered medium maybe a cock".   At 63rd is 'You are Beautiful' owned by Patrick Kwan, I wrote "excellent small hen. Sun City type".  All five of these were impressive pigeons and I can understand why they are on top of the world.

I will send an email soon explaining my plans for making multiple weekly shipments this May to Sun City. I will also suggest a vaccination protocol along with age and other recommendations.  Please see the 'Frequently Asked Questions' (FAQ) under 'Sun City Million Dollar Race' at www.mclaughlinlofts.com to read the answers to all the questions I asked the Trainer/Loft Manager at the lofts last Friday in Sun City.

Thank you for entering and hope everyone comes back to try again,

Frank        



1/26/2011

Hello Group,

I am back from Sun City.  We had just a wonderful time.  I am playing catchup for the next day, so if it is not very important please call me tomorrow if you need anything.  I will be checking emails later tonight.  I will be writing up the entire trip and breaking down the race when I have a chance.  It was just a first class run event in every way.  You have to experience the race weekend to really believe it.  Please check with Joe Nemelka, Noel Certain or Doc & Darth Piaget to verify this.  Please consider coming with us in 2012. Like my father said, "Every pigeon fancier should experience this trip at least once".  I arrived home yesterday afternoon and cannot wait to go back in 2012!

I spent much time asking the Race Trainer every question possible and had a 1.5 hour one on one meeting with the Director to help plan for 2012.  I will send the info I attained to all along with my shipping plans for 2012.

Something to Note...  Mark Kitchenbrand won the race but Alfons Klaas of Germany bred the pigeon.  Congratulations to both!   Mark entered 51 bred by Klaas.    

Sun City in 2011 reminded me of that race season when no matter how much planning and effort goes in, the results were not what was expected.  This happens and we move on to do better next year.  I expect great things next year.  We must plan ahead and do everything possible to give our pigeons the greatest chance for success in Sun City.

Congratulations to everyone.  The Trainer told me at the lofts on Friday, "Every pigeon that made shipping this year was a great pigeon".  

Thank you to all that entered and I am sad the race season is now over until the fall!

Frank McLaughlin    


1/15/2011,

Hello Everyone,

Please read this email twice.  Very Important info.  Email questions today.  I leave Sunday Jan 16th at 11am.

This will be my last Bi-Weekly Update for the 2010-2011 Sun City season.  Starting Monday all race info, trip info and behind the scenes information will be posted on my website www.mclaughlinlofts.com  Place your mouse on 'Sun City Million Dollar' and then Click 'Sun City Blog 2011'.  I am not sure how much internet access I will have until Thursday Jan 20th.  After basketing the pigeons, I will give an update on my website about the condition of the pigeons, any US pigeons I was lucky enough to see and all interesting happenings in Sun City.  I will keep writing all weekend long.

My cell phone will work in Sun City.  It is much better to text or email if possible because calls are $3 a minute.  Do not worry, if your pigeon has an incredible performance I will be calling you.  My cell is 781 820-8327, email mclofts@comcast.net

Sun City has rolled out a new system where you are allowed to bid on the top 100 pigeons that will be sold Sunday morning Jan 23rd.  This week you must send Sun City a valid credit card (Master Card of Visa), send your Paypal account or get pre-approved to place a bid.  You can use the money in your account. You do not have to be an entrant to buy pigeons.  Sun City email is mdpr@mdpr.co.za  Sun City fax is 011 27 11 680 4596.  Dial the fax exactly as I have it here.  My suggestion would be to email all your information and fax all your information.  Include me in your email so I can double check that the Sun City staff has received your information.  If you think you may want to place a bid on a pigeon, do not wait until after the race to send your payment info.  Sun City is 7 hours ahead of Boston.  There is very little time from when the birds clock and the auction begins 12 hours later.  Too many will be trying to accomplish this last minute.    

After the 100 birds are in, select what you would like to bid on and send your maximum bid by email and or fax to Sun City. (Include me so I can check they have the bid ).  The organizers will bid up to your maximum for you.  If you bid $2000 and the bidding stops at $1000 you will get the bird for $1000.  

Last year many pigeons in the top 100 sold for under $1000.  This year there will be more bidders so I expect the prices to be high on the famous fanciers pigeons.  Do not waste your time putting low bids on the top Belgian, Holland or German names.  I guarantee these pigeons will sell high or $1000 plus.  The deals can be had from other areas and countries like Eastern Europe, Great Britain, US, South Africa, Asia etc.  One thing I know for sure is if a pigeon finishes in the top 100 at Sun City it is a fabulous pigeon that has it all.  Only the most elite pigeons can score in the top 100 at Sun City.    

I will be importing every pigeon purchased at every post race auction to the US after the final auction in May.  My fee to bring your pigeons back is $150 a bird. 

Now onto this mornings toss.  We had an 83 mile toss with 2627 birds, cool, scattered showers and overcast.  The winner flew 1hour 42 minutes.  The 1st US pigeon at 17th overall was 'Dr Seuss' a McLaughlin Lofts pigeon.  Dr Seuss has been our most consistent pigeon over the last many weeks finishing in the top 203 seven out the last ten races/trainers.  Can she keep it up for 10 hours into the heat and headwinds???  The 2nd US pigeon was 'Init to Winit' a Rampage Racing pigeon (Jerry Soignier).  The third US pigeon was 'Ginny' a Donald Spisak pigeon.  Congratulations to all.   

I would like to thank everyone that entered Sun City and or followed along with all my updates.  I truly enjoyed myself  and have been lucky to make some new friends along the way.  I am actually sad the race season is coming to an end.  Let us all root for a US victory and please plan to enter and come along to The World's Greatest Pigeon Race in 2012!

Thank you and best of luck on Jan 22nd,

Frank  



1/12/2011

Hi Group,

First we will start with a little business.  I will be carrying a phone that will work in Sun City.  It is the same as my usual cell number (781) 820-8327.  Please try to send texts if possible.  Calls are $3 a minute.  I will be checking emails daily, so please email if you can.

I started a new page on my website www.mclaughinlofts.com  Place your mouse on 'Sun City Million Dollar' and click on 'Sun City Blog 2011'.  There will be no email updates while I travel but I will keep a running blog of information and interesting happenings on my site under 'Sun City Blog 2011'.

Sun City is rolling out a new pre-bidding system for all of you to be able to send your maximum bids on the top 100 placed pigeons in the final race.  You will be able to bid as soon as the pigeons begin to arrive.  I have not seen the system yet but from what I understand you will need to send a credit card and your contact info, have money in your account or get pre-approval to bid on the top 100 pigeons.  It is not live bidding.  You send your top bid and the organizers will bid up to that amount for you.  Once you own the pigeon(s) I will import them back to the US at a cost of $150 per pigeon.  

Right now there are about 100 pigeons on the site available for entry.  In years past these pigeons percentage wise have been very successful.  You can enter another pigeon into the race for $1000.  If you need help let me know. 

I leave for South Africa on Jan 16th.  My itinerary is on my site if you want to see where I am at.

This morning we had a 50 mile training toss, clear and calm. The first US pigeon at 4th overall was Rampage Racing's(Jerry Soignier) 'Init to Winit'. The 2nd US pigeon was Luis Llorens pigeon, 'Tubby' and the 3rd US pigeon is owned by Noriega Loft name 'Super Charlie'.  Nice Job for these three.  

If you know anyone that would like to be added to my Sun City updates please send me their email or refer them to my website where all updates are posted.

Until Saturday!

Frank 


1/08/2011

Hi Everyone,

The race is getting very close.  I do not want the race season to end, it is too much fun following the results and dreaming about Sun City.  At least when the race is over we will have 50 separate post race auctions this spring.  In May I will start exporting all the pigeons over for 2012, followed by importing back all the birds we buy at the post race Sun City auctions.  I guess Sun City really does not end.  

This morning we had an 83 mile toss with decent temperatures, a little drizzle and really no wind. The top US pigeon in 9th place overall is owned by Yang Yi Wie - Wilson Chu.  Wilson's pigeons have really been coming on.  The 2nd US pigeon is owned by Luis Llorens and the 3rd is owned by Paul Byrski. Nice job guys.

On Monday all the reserves that are not paid will be available for anyone to activate.  It is always fun looking through this list.  There will be a few US pigeons on the list.  Watch how fast the German and Belgian pigeons get scooped up.

I leave with my father on Jan 16th for South Africa.  If anyone needs anything please do not wait until the last minute.  This is also the last week you can send your pedigrees to me.  Original pedigrees boost prices at the post race auctions.

Until Wednesday,

Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St
Hanson MA 02341   


1/05/2011

Hi Group,

We can start with a little business.  

1. You will receive nearly 50% of the auction sales price of your pigeons that complete the Million Dollar Race.  There will be 50 post race auctions and original pedigrees will drive up prices and put more money into your account.  Send original pedigrees to me and I will carry them over on Jan 16th.  I will import back all pigeons bought by US fanciers at these auctions after the final auction. 

2. I will bring a Laptop and will update my website (www.mclaughlinlofts.com) at least daily on what is going on in Sun City.

3.  I will bring a cell phone that will work in Sun City and provide everyone on this list my cell number should you need to contact me.  If you do well in the race I will be calling you for buying instructions.

4.  Please read the December Loft report at https://www.scmdpr.com

5.  Could you check with your friends that entered Sun City to see if they are on my email distribution list?  I am finding fanciers that were on last year are off the list this year for no apparent reason.  If you have anyone that wants to be added just send me an email.

Enough of that.  This morning we had a 50 mile training toss with cool temps into a headwind.  The 1st and 3rd US pigeons (at 2nd and 15th overall) were bred by Gallo and Placeta Loft.  Nice Job Manny!   The 2nd US pigeon and 4th overall was 'Laughing Jewel' the Ganus Family Lofts star.  Seems like I mention 'Laughing Jewel' over and over.  Congrats Mike!

On Monday all the reserve pigeons that were not paid will be made available to everyone.  You did not have to enter the race to buy reserve pigeons.  


Until Next Time,

Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St
Hanson MA 02341



1/01/2011

Happy New Year Everyone,

We have until January 7th to activate our reserve pigeons.  After the 7th the pigeons will be available for anyone in the world to activate.  If I have your check to me by Jan 7th you will be safe.  If you plan to buy an available bird please send me your check by Friday also.  If you do not find a pigeon you like I can send the check back to you.  Email Sun City on what pigeons you want and tell them Frank has your money.  (Please only if I have your money).  Put me on copy of the email and I will do what I can to get all of you priority.  It is first come first served. 

**If you only entered three pigeons this year and they are lost the money counts as a Free Team for next year.  This is the same for one or more teams.  You cannot use the first $1000 it to activate someones reserve pigeon on Jan 10th.   

**If you paid for one of your reserve pigeons and the pigeon(s) was lost you can use this $1000 to activate some other reserve pigeon on Jan 10th.  

**If you paid for two teams and have two pigeons remaining from the same Team you still owe $1000 to activate the second pigeon from a team.  The first team counts as a free team for 2012.
**Defaulter pigeons will remain hidden and will not be for sale to the public.  They will forever be hidden unless the original owner pays the initial $1025 per team. 

When the list is made available by the Sun City Organizers on Monday the 10th of January 2011 any remaining reserve pigeons will be made available to the public to enter. In the past this list has scored in the prizes at or more of a higher percentage rate than the owner activated pigeons.

You will see many of the most famous fanciers in the world do not activate all their pigeons.  These famous fanciers realize someone else will activate the pigeon and the famous fancier will get all the credit for breeding the Sun City Winner.  The prize money is of little concern to a multi-millionaire, world fame and unlimited sales from a top result is the goal.  In years past pigeons from Pipa, Eijerkamp, Toye and Desmet Mathys etc. have been available to the general public.  Many have scored in the top prizes.  All Koopman's pigeons have already been activated so no need to hope for one of his.

Should you activate some other persons reserve pigeon you only have the rights to the prize money. The breeder remains the owner and gets half the auction money.

Please email with questions and for past email updates see  www.mclaughlinlofts.com

Frank McLaughlin



12/29/2010

Hi Group,

This morning we had our final Car Race in Sun City.  This was the last true test before the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race on Jan. 22nd.  The majority of the pigeons managed to get the six plus hours wing time needed to be competitive in the big race in 3.5 weeks.  The pigeons will be trained daily except for Sundays for the next three weeks.  We will continue to have the longer toss on Saturdays and the 50 mile toss on Wednesdays listed on the website.  Last night I got up to go to the bathroom at 4:00 am, checked the computer and saw the first 12 birds were home.  Needless to say I spent the next 1.5 hours watching the results.      

The first US pigeon in 12th place overall was owned by Si Se Puede Farm Syndicate.  This pigeon will win an additional prize for being the 1st US pigeon.  The 2nd US pigeon was owned by Carl McNelty and the 3rd US pigeon was owned by Chai Suen Siu.  Congratulations to the three of you.  In the past, many of the birds that scored at or near the top in the final Car Race have come back to score in the prizes of the final race.  This race is so ultra competitive that any pigeon in the top 20% has done the owner proud.    

We here in the US are not used to competing in such competition.  When 1500 of the best pigeon fanciers on earth enter over 6000 youngsters from their best pigeons it makes for one incredible competition.  Believe me that top 20% is tough and scoring in the top 100 in the final race should be celebrated.

We have about two weeks to activate backups for the final race.  Any reserve pigeon not paid the week before the final race will be made available for anyone in the world to enter.  If you have a credit in your account you can use it to activate someones great pigeon.  I will notify everyone when this list comes available.  'Defaulted' pigeons will not be on this list. Until the owner pays the initial $1025 per team those 'Defaulted' pigeons will be kept hidden.  The only US pigeon to win a Car Race (#3) was a 'Defaulter' and there now is a very good chance we will never know who bred that pigeon.

Feed free to mail me a check to activate your backups or to put extra money in your account.

Have a wonderful Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year! 

Frank McLaughlin      




12/24/2010

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to start by wishing the group of Sun City fanatics a wonderful holiday.  Hopefully everyone is trying to stay warm.  We here in the Northeast much like the rest of the country has started winter off with a bang!

This morning we had an 83 mile training flight and it went fairly smooth.  The 1st US pigeon was owned by Luis Llorens, followed by Carl McNelty and then Ganus Family Loft.  Congratulations.

On Wednesday we have Car Race 5.  If anyone wants to activate their backups for the Car Race please have the check to me by Dec 28th.  This will be the last test before the final race on January 22nd.  There are many additional prizes for paid pigeons in Car Race 5.     

Every pigeon that completes Sun City is auctioned in one the 50 post race auctions.  The breeder gets nearly 50% of the sale price.  Pigeons with original pedigrees bring much higher prices.  If anyone wants me to carry your pedigrees over to Sun City and give them to the organizers, please mail them to my address below.  I little extra time putting pedigrees together on your part now may add more dollars to your Sun City account later.

I also have a shipment of imports coming over the beginning of January and it is not too late to get your pigeons from Europe in the shipment.

Happy Holidays,

Frank McLaughlin
395 Whitman St
Hanson MA 02341
www.mclaughlinlofts.com 


12/18/2010

Hello Group,

It seems like forever since we had a toss in Sun City and then we jump right into the fourth Car Race.  Today was a race that left many crying in their coffee all over the world.  The hottest most consistent US pigeons in both the Grand Averages and the Car Race Averages flew all day today only to return shortly before dark.   The averages are tough because one mistake can knock a superstar out of contention.  Hopefully tomorrow will bring several hundred birds home bright and early.  For those of us that had pigeons fly most of the day there is a silver lining.  Very rarely will a pigeon win Sun City that has not made a mistake. To fly the final race a pigeon needs to log some serious wing time in the next couple weeks.  Many received that wing time today.    

My friend Gerhard Koopman may have entered a lot of pigeons but he won 1st and had five pigeons in the top 27, three in the prizes, and beat the entire US entry with five.  Very impressive no matter how you look at it.  This is a guy that has made Sun City a serious priority.  I will pick his brain again in January.

The 1st US pigeon was bred and entered by Mike Ganus of Ganus Family Loft.   Mike has been consistently at or near the top for several week in a row.  Congratulations.  Mike's pigeons were all super when I sent them over to Sun City.

The 2nd and 3rd US pigeons were bred and owned by Yang Yi Wie and Wilson Chu.  I sent three pigeons over for Wilson and he has all three still competing for the big prize.  This is a major accomplishment in itself.  Congratulations!

The final Car Race is on Wednesday 12/29.  It is a mid week Car Race and the last chance for you to activate your pigeons for the final Car Race.  There are additional Country Awards and Prizes for paid pigeons on the 5th Car Race.

Until Wednesday,

Frank
www.mclaughlinlofts.com



12/11/2010

Hello Everyone,

This morning we had an 86 mile toss in Sun City. The winning pigeons flew 2 hours and 4 minutes.  We are seeing the same pigeons in the front over and over.  The 1st US pigeon (4th overall) for the third time in four tosses was 'Laughing Jewel' a Ganus Family Loft pigeon owned by Mike Ganus.  This pigeon is certainly making the world take notice. The 2nd US pigeon was 'Helenas Girl' a Stephen Bros- Timmerman pigeon followed by 'Come Again' owned by Chai Suen Siu.  The 4th US pigeon was 'Jesse Maries Cruiser' owned by Noel Certain of Certain Loft USA.  What can I say about 'Jesse Maries Cruiser' that I have not already said.  Just amazing.  All of the top USA pigeons have been continuously at the top.  

Yesterday I received a call from a little island in the Bahamas.  The island is 200 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida which is 200 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean.  McLofts 2557 was of my better average speed pigeons at the Flamingo One Loft Futurity. 2557 ended up on this small island out to sea possibly very late on the day of liberation on the Flamingo 350.  The pigeon is fine and eating from a bird feeder and roosting above the back deck of his new home.  The new owner not a pigeon fancier felt the pigeon may have arrived the same day as the final race.  I am hoping the bird decides to fly back to Florida.  The Island is only accessible by private plane.  The pigeon is 750 to 800 miles from liberation or about 400 plus miles past its Florida home.  Maybe the bird got the message that it would be coming back to frigid New England after the race series.  Ha ha.

Until Wednesday,

Frank     


12/8/2010

Hi Group,

This morning we had an 86 mile training flight into a light head wind.  The winning pack flew 1 hour and 57 minutes.  The 1st pigeon in was a German bird named Al Bundy.  This pigeon won the Cascade Challenge so we will start over next long training flight.  Sun City will put $2000 in the Cascade Challenge pool to begin with.

The 1st US pigeon today was 'Jesse Maries Cruiser' owned by Certain Loft USA (Noel Certain).  This is just a remarkable pigeon.  She has not missed toss after toss.  It seems like every toss I write the name 'Jesse Maries Cruiser'.  Even if Jesse Maries Cruiser does nothing else and scores in the top 100 of the final race she will sell for a fortune.  This performance, should it continue, could put 'Jesse Maries Cruiser' in the same breath as the two greatest Sun City Pigeons ever 'Colour of Water' the US pigeon owned by Carlos Avilla and Birdy the great German pigeon that sold for over $100,000.00 in the top 100 auction.   

The 2nd US pigeon was entered by Barro Family Loft and the 3rd was entered by Skubal Loft.  Congratulations to these three.

Until the next toss!

Frank McLaughlin

12/1/2010

Hello Everyone,

Wanted everyone to realize Car Race # 3 is official.  Click on 'results and listings' then click Car Race 3 to see all the breakdowns.  Ganus Family Loft was 2nd missing winning a Car ($15,000) by a one second.  Mike Ganus not only won $1000 for 2nd place he also won an additional $2000 for winning the two bird challenge.  The Two Bird Challenge awards $2000 each Car Race to the best two out of three birds on a single team.  Skubal Loft and Certain Loft USA also each won $1000.  Noel Certain's pigeon 'Jesse Maries Cruiser' has won its second Car Race Prize.  I hope Noel has been pooling that pigeon heavy because if he has, he can probably put his kids through college by now.  Jesse Maries Cruiser is sitting in 2nd for the Car Race Averages.   Congratulations guys.  

This morning we had a 50 mile trainer.  Paul Byrski, Frank Locante and BPM Loft taking the first three for the US.  I would like to think these short tosses do not mean much but the Mike Ganus pigeon that won a 32 mile toss on Wednesday came back to nearly win the 157 mile Car Race on Saturday.  Seems like we keep seeing the same pigeons to the front over and over.

Until Saturday!

Frank


11/27/2010

Hello Group,

This morning we had the third Car Race in Sun City.  It was really bittersweet.  The 1st Overall Pigeon and a pigeon that would have won the Car (or $15,000) was a US 'Defaulter' pigeon.   Once that pigeon is paid the results will be back-filled.  I wonder if the bird came alone?  Hopefully we will find out soon.

The 1st US pigeon at 4th Place overall was Laughing Jewel owned by Mike Ganus.  Laughing Jewel won the 32 mile trainer on Wednesday.  If you click on 'Laughing Jewel' then the performance tab you can see an example of the pigeon trending up.  The 2nd US pigeon and 7th overall was a Skubal Loft pigeon and the 3rd US pigeon finishing 23rd overall was Jessy Maries Cruiser owned by Certain Loft USA.  This Noel Certain pigeon has a very good chance at winning its 2nd Car Race prize.  We are also watching a pigeon the has a chance to make history with Car Race after Car Race top performances.  Click on 'Jesse Maries Cruiser' and then the performance tab and you will see a pigeon that races to top over and over. Jessy Maries Cruiser will sit at 2nd place in the Car Race Averages after this morning's race.  The only pigeon in the world hotter than the Certain Loft pigeon is the UK pigeon Tonys Choice which finished 10th today and just won its third Car Race prize in three tries.  We are going to have a showdown on Car Race #4 with the top two Car Race Average pigeons going head to head.   These two pigeons are just amazing at this point. 

Congratulations to Ganus, Skubal and Certain for the outstanding performances. 

The next Car Race is December 18th.  

Frank McLaughlin 


11/24/2010

Hello Everyone,

This morning we had a 32 mile toss.  The toss was shortened to 32 miles because of weather concerns.   I so wish Saturdays Car Race can show similar US results.  US had 1st, 2nd, and 5th Overall.  Sometimes there is a reason these pigeons want in fast and we may see the same performance on Saturday.  Mike Ganus had the 1st overall pigeon.  I know it was just a toss but it is still fun to see your name in the front of every famous name in the sport.  The next two US pigeons were bred by Louis Llorens and Atlantis Family Loft.  The fourth US bird at 19th was a Jon Dagel pigeon.

I need two more people to travel with us in South Africa.  If you want to have the trip of a lifetime let me know.  See my itinerary at www.mclaughlinlofts.com 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Frank McLaughlin


11/20/2010

Hello Group,

This morning we had a nice training toss from 86 miles in Sun City.  It started cool near 70 degrees but got hot shortly after liberation.  I was thinking last night that I could not remember the last time a bird arrived alone from a toss or race.  Usually they come in groups and if I remember right the only pigeon ever to arrive alone to win happened in the very first SCMDPR when the competition was not like today.  This morning the pigeon home first was alone.

The US lofts had a nice showing with the 1st US pigeon belonging to Stephens Bros-Timmerman, followed by SWS Syndicate and then Noble Bros.  Nice Job guys.  Seems like those Stephens Bros-Timmerman pigeons like the front.

Something to notice in the Grand Averages.  USA has 14 pigeons in the top 100 of the Grand Averages.  Belgium has one pigeon in the top 100.  The fourteen US fanciers can brag to their friends that their "pigeon is ahead of" and then be able to name the most famous Belgian names in the sport.  This is what is so special about Sun City.  We compete against the most famous in the sport in the most competitive and tough race series in the world.

Until Next Time,

Frank McLaughlin
www.mclaughlinlofts.com 

11/18/2010

Hello Everyone,  

Yesterday we had a training toss from 50 miles and it seemed to go very smooth.  We were only missing two US pigeons at the end of the day and most likely they are home now.  Remember that the pigeons are trained every day but Sunday so we will see variations from Basket list to Basket list.  Only two tosses per week are placed on the site.

The first US pigeon was Noriega Loft followed by Gold Wings Loft and then Cademac.  Nice job to have them in the front of the pack.   If you have not tried this, please double click on the pigeons name and then on the performance tab at the top of the page.  You will see a bar graph of every toss and race.  I like looking at how some pigeons just remain at the top, some trend up, some trend down and many are just all over the place.  One bad performance can knock a bird out of the average speeds.  With multiple tosses completed it is now fun to look.

I received a question on how does the Knock-Out Competition works.  I copied the info from the site and placed it below. It can be found by clicking 'about the race' and then 'conditions of entry'. 

My next shipment of imports will coming over from Europe the first week in January.  If you need to get a pigeon to the US for this coming breeding season let me know.  I had a shipment go into quarantine on Thursday and a shipment came out of quarantine yesterday and they looked just perfect.  All I need is the European's address and pigeons band #'s.  I will handle everything else.   Knock Out Info Below:    Frank 

Knock–Out Competition: Five rounds — One Winner — US$25 000!

1. This competition will take place over the last four Hot Spot races and the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race.

2. Only pigeons entered prior to and basketed for the first Hot Spot will be eligible.

3. Should any Hot Spot be canceled one of the training flights prior to the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race will be used to calculate the next round’s pigeons.

4. Knocked Out pigeons still compete in all other competitions.

 

• Knock Out Round 1—Hot Spot 2 — 65% of the entered pigeons returning from the Hot Spot will move on to the next round.

• Knock Out Round 2 — Hot Spot 3 — 55% of the above pigeons returning from the Hot Spot will move on to the next round.

• Knock Out Round 3 — Hot Spot 4 — 35% of the above pigeons returning from the Hot Spot will compete in the next round.

• Knock Out Round 4 — Hot Spot 5 — 20% of the above pigeons returning from the Hot Spot will compete in Knock Out Final.

• Knock Out Final Round—Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race — The first timed remaining Knock Out Pigeon will win US$25000.

11/15/2010 

Hello Group,

I have been away at the AU Convention in Oklahoma City.  It was a great event and we had a wonderful time!

On Saturday we had our second Car Race and the start of the Knock Out competition.  The 1st US pigeon at 15th overall was a Gallo and Placeta Loft pigeon, nice job Manny.  The 2nd US pigeon is starting to be noticed by the world.  This pigeon is a Certain Loft USA pigeon named 'Jessy Maries Cruiser'.  This pigeon is at the top every toss and race.  Noel Certain may have a bird that comes along once every five or six years.  The 3rd US pigeon is another star is owned by Vincent Rooney.  Congratulations but only the Gallo pigeon was in the prizes.

Most of us are in the middle of the pack so far and this is exactly where you want to be at this stage in Sun City.  Only an elite few pigeons have been successful from beginning to end. 

If you go to www.scmdpr.com you can look at the Grand Averages (Average Speed) and notice the 1st US pigeon and 2nd overall pigeon is a US pigeon that is a 'Defaulter'.  Once the account is up to date, the results will be visible to all.  There is also a video on the site of the pigeons returning from the first Car Race.  

We will have another published toss on Wednesday.  Everything seems to be stabilizing in Sun City but the heat has been abnormal reaching over 100 degrees by the middle of the day on Saturday.  Birds that make a mistake can run into serious trouble.  


Next report will be Wednesday,

Frank

11/10/2010

Hello Everyone,

Today we had a 50 mile toss with a rare tailwind.  Many of the birds seemed to be enjoying an outdoor party around the lofts upon return.  The first US pigeon was a Siino-De La O pigeon. The second US pigeon was owned by BPM Loft followed by an Alina Patru pigeon.  SBR Syndicate was next with the fifth pigeon owned the Delmonte Bros.   Congratulations. 

The AU Convention in Oklahoma City is looking to be a roaring success!  

Saturday we have our second Car Race.  I wish everyone  the very best of luck!  Let US take a first place on Saturday! 


Frank

11/09/2010

 

 

Frank

 

 
Hello Everyone,

I am leaving for the AU Convention in the morning.  Any Sun City Updates for the next few days can be found at www.mclaughlinlofts.com  I will try to do an update tomorrow night from the Convention Hotel and put it on my website.

Please go to www.scmdpr.com  Click on 'results and listings' and then click 'Car Race 1'.  

A few things to notice.  It took 25 positions to pay 20 prizes in the first Car Race.  Anthony-Rivera won the last prize at 25th place.  Each Car Race awards the first two birds off the same three bird team a $2000 prize, this is the Two Pigeon Challenge.  Both pigeons must be paid.  Also notice the 1st Pigeon in on Car Race 1 was not paid the the German Pigeon at 2nd. won the Car or $15,000.00.  USA would have had five pigeons in the 20 prizes if all the US pigeons were paid.  

This Saturday Nov 13th is the second Car Race.  This is also the start of the 'Knock Out Competition'.  Only paid pigeons are eligible for the Knockout with one pigeon winning an additional $25,000 on the final race.

Because I am not available to activate your pigeons this Friday you can wire the funds to South Africa and fax them a copy of the wire.  Email me with what you did and I will also follow up with Sun City.

Let us win a Car on Saturday!

Frank

11/6/2010

 Hello Group,

Today we had our first Car Race of the season from 86 miles.  It looks like we had eight US pigeons with a chance to win a car (or $15,000.00).  Notice two of the top eight US pigeons were 'Defaulters'.  The first of these two Defaulters would have won a $1000 prize if it was paid by yesterday.

The first two US pigeons at 3rd and 7th were owned by Dennis Metcalf and Noriega Loft.  Both will win $1000 if they were paid reserves. The 3rd US pigeon finishing 15th was 'Jesse Maries Cruiser' owned by Noel Certain of Certain Loft USA.  This pigeon was 18th on the last toss and I commented if it repeats this performance it will put money in Noel's pocket on Saturday.  Congratulations Noel.  I hope Noel pooled the pigeon, he would have cleaned up.  The next pigeon at 25th was Anthony-Rivera's pigeon 'Tonito'.  Tonito was also right at the top on the last toss.  With only paid pigeons being able to win prizes there is a really good chance Anthony-Rivera's pigeon will win $1000.  Anthony-Rivera are no strangers to winning Car Race prizes. They had a pigeon hit two in a row last year.    The next two US pigeons were owned by the Timmerman-Stephens Bros/Stephens Bros-Timmerman.  Nice Job guys to have two back to back and one was right at the top last toss.  Nearly all the same names in the front as this past Wednesday toss.  This group is making Sun City look easy.

Mid week the Director will highlight the Car Race and let us know how many were on the first drop and congratulate the winners.  Notice there were about 100 US pigeons within 10 minutes of the winner.  This is an encouraging sign for those pigeons.

If you sent me money your pigeons were active for today.  The Sun City organizers will update everyone's account this coming week.  If you sent me too much money I will be mailing it back next week.  I did not want to do anything until I saw the basket list yesterday afternoon.  For some reason if you want to send your excess money to Sun City let me know.  You will have the option to pool, to buy unactivated pigeons before the final race, buy pigeons in the post race auctions or just have money on account for 2012.  I will try to email everyone that has money coming back to see what they want to do.

Today I was thinking about the old saying,  "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen", does this ever apply to Sun City.  Next Car Race is two weeks from today on November 13th.

 

Until Wednesday,

Frank McLaughlin

11/03/2010

Hi Everyone,

This morning we had a 50 mile toss into heat and headwinds.  Just par for the course in Sun City.  I realized something today.  For the past many years there has been much rain during training and plenty of water along the course.  This year, the Sun City area has been receiving extreme heat and drought.  Some of the losses may be attributed to lack of water along the course.  Pigeons that dehydrate may not find water and not receive a second chance like years past.

The first US pigeon today was a bird in 18th place owned by Noel Certain of Certain Loft USA.  Noel sent all very high quality pigeons.  Should Noel repeat this performance Saturday, the 18th place pigeon will put some money in his pocket.  The second US pigeon was owned by Joe Nemelka of Nemelka Racing Pigeon Loft.  Joe also sent top quality to Sun City.  The 3rd and 5th US pigeon were owned by Anthony-Rivera.  When I opened the box I could easily see why this team has had repeated success in Sun City, their pigeons were super.  The 4th US pigeon is owned by Stephen Bros- Timmerman. They also sent beautiful pigeons and I expect to see them in the top of the results going forward.

Saturday is the first Car Race.  You need to activate your backups by Friday Nov 5th to win prizes with the backups.  If I have your check in my hand on Friday I can activate the pigeons for you.  You can also wire the money direct to Sun City and fax a copy of the wire to them.

We will be activating pigeons all season long.  Many want to watch their birds performance before activating the pigeons.  On November 1st the Director posted a brief report before the first Car Race.  You can read it at www.scmdpr.com

Hopefully some of us will be celebrating on Saturday.

Best of luck to all!

Frank McLaughlin

        

10/30/2011

Hello Group,

First the business. 

1. If you want to activate your backups I will need your $1000 per bird in my hands by Friday Nov. 5th.  The first Car Race is Nov. 6th. If you want your pigeons to compete for all the prizes and average speeds etc, it must be active for the first Car Race.  Only paid pigeons will win prizes.

2. I bought my flights to South Africa today.  I am leaving on Delta Flt 200 out of Atlanta Georgia Sunday Jan 16th.  Returning on Monday Jan 24th Delta Flt 201.  See my entire itinerary on www.mclaughlinlofts.com  I am traveling with my father.  Please consider joining us.

3. If anyone is planning on not activating their backups, you may want to make them available to the group for someone else to activate.  Send me an email in the next day and I will compile a list to the group.  This may be a way to have a bird in the race if your team was lost.  If you do not plan to activate your pigeons and someone else does activate your pigeon, you as the breeder can receive fame because only paid pigeons can win the major awards.  The breeder still gets the auction money and international glory.  This is a win win for each.

 

We had our first official toss today that will count in the Grand Average Speeds.  The first bird flew 58 minutes over 50 miles.  The First US pigeon was owned by Hawaii IRS, followed by Atlantis Family Loft, Quest Syndicate and Americas Dream Loft. If you notice the 2nd and 4th US pigeons were 'defaulters'.  This means the owner did not pay the $1025 per team for the entries.  There is still time to get them active for Saturday.

Please send me checks to activate the backups or wire the money direct.  If your backups are lost before the final race you get a full refund.

Next update will be on Wednesday,

Frank McLaughlin

395 Whitman St

Hanson MA 02341

10/28/2010

Hello Everyone,

It has been a tough year for most of us in Sun City.  Losses have been very high and I am praying they level off.  I have been doing my best to find answers so we can all do better next year.  My suggestions at this point would be for us to vaccinate the Sun City pigeons for PMV about three weeks before they are shipped to me.  It is too late for me to vaccinate them once I receive them.  It takes a few weeks for the antibodies to kick in.  I will send out a suggested vaccination protocol early next year.  PMV is not as deadly like it once was but still can be a problem.  All pigeons are vaccinated in Sun City which will act as their booster.

I was recently reading that the the Sun is in the height of an 11 year solar cycle.  This cycle could possibly knock out power over giant areas of the country.  Could the angle of North America be battling something from the sun that has messed with our pigeons homing ability.  Many of the top one loft races here in the US have had devastating losses this year from short tosses or short races.  One race here in the Northeast lost every pigeon.  Could our pigeons have been handicapped by something in the North American atmosphere or sun before we even shipped??? 

My plan for 2011- 2012 is to send weekly shipments over this coming spring.  This past year I sent two large shipments and a late shipment.  Next year if we have a three week window, I will send a shipment each of the three weeks which gives us all the opportunity to have pigeons in different shipments.  This in turn will allow our pigeons to end up in different lofts and sections throughout the four giant loft complex.   We must also look to send pigeons that are naturally very healthy pigeons.  Sun City uses as many natural products as possible to keep the pigeons well.  Of course they will do whatever is necessary for the pigeons.  I will talk to the two head trainers in January and get their suggestions and insight. With all this said, we are very lucky that if our team disappears we get to enter a free team next year.

A couple amazing things to consider.  Maximum Speed Loft (a first timer to Sun City) sent nine pigeons to me for Sun City.  All nine are still there and came in early yesterday.  Mike Ganus sent me 18 pigeons and had 15 home yesterday.  Mike's pigeons went over in all three of my shipments.  These two lofts are remarkable and if they want to offer suggestions I will listen.  Another interesting note is Canada is showing almost the exact same loss statistics as the US.  

The Sun City Director made it clear that pigeons that have been trained out and then sent to Sun City tend to get lost rather quickly.  I have followed a few lofts that sent trained pigeons and their losses are nearly 100%.  Sun City does allow us to experiment. We can literally try anything and if the birds disappear we play again next year for free.

Getting back to yesterdays toss the first US pigeon was owned by Rick Mee, followed by Bionic Syndicate, then Rampage Racing (Jerry Soignier) and Americas Dream Loft (Jim Gabler).  Rick, Jerry and Jim all sent very high quality pigeons with Rampage Racing and Americas Dream Loft being all over the top of the results last year. 

For more information on Sun City including another Frequently Asked Question, my trip and schedule as well as all email updates, see www.mclaughlinlofts.com   I will have my flight info available in a day or so if anyone wants to join us to South Africa.

Until Next Time,

Frank McLaughlin

10/23/2010  

Hello Group, 

Today we had a 16 mile toss with overcast and a strong head wind.  Seems like many pigeons went in the wrong direction today.  Those babies are going to get used to flying into a headwind very fast.  There is always a headwind in Sun City.  For the organizers to say Strong Head Wind it must have been blowing a gale.  Soon the intense heat will kick in.

Like the last toss, pigeons decided to come in all day long.  Many must have gone with the wind and really worked hard to get themselves back by night fall.  I expect many more in the morning when hunger kicks in.

The 1st US pigeon in was a Jim Gabler pigeon of Americas Dream Loft. This was a fine medium sized pigeon with great balance and proportion.  The 2nd. US pigeon was Team Catskill USA the McGrenaghan/Nacaise syndicate. I marked 'Sun City type' in my notes.  The  3rd US pigeon was a Paul Byrski followed by a fine Doug Harms hen that I thought was perfect for Sun City.

I tried to make notes on many of the pigeons I shipped over.  I felt this could be a learning experience for us all.

It is always disappointing when our pigeons do not come home.  It hurts me every time someone loses a pigeon in Sun City. We all have visions of winning the Greatest Race in the World and receiving international fame.  I wish each and every pigeon we send over could make the final race.   For you new entrants, the first pigeon that is paid, if lost will give the owner a free entry the following year.  Any backups that are paid and lost before the final race will give a full refund.

Sun City is the one race that allows us to experiment.  If our pigeons are lost we do not lose.  Sun City is the only one that loses if our pigeons are lost prior to the big one.

If you go to my website www.mclaughlinlofts.com   You can see my trip itinerary for Sun City.  I am hoping many of you will join us for the trip.

Please remember the 1st Car Race is Nov 6th so we need to activate the backups by Nov 5th.  

Til next time,

Frank

    

10/22/2010

Please click on 'Sun City Trip Itinerary 2011' to see my schedule and trip for the Sun City Million Dollar Race.  Please consider joining us.  Frank 

10/20/2010

Hello Everyone,

We had our first training toss this morning in Sun City.  Hard to believe so much thought and analysis can go into a ten mile toss.  I even emailed the Director to see how many pigeons were flying and playing outside the lofts until early afternoon.  It looks like hundreds may have done this.

After analyzing the toss it seems to me that a few large groups either went off in completely the wrong direction only to return late or they were just remained outside the lofts all day long having a good old time.

It does not make sense that so many US pigeons would be late.  They had to be bouncing around but not going in.  If pigeons are not feeling well they are usually the first pigeons home and in from a short training toss.  This toss is very fascinating.  Most of the missing US pigeons went in the lofts between 1 pm and 2:30 pm.  When it started to get hot and they were getting hungry it seems they went in.  Usually pigeons that are not at the lofts will come home right before dark not to be out overnight.  Nearly every pigeon was home early afternoon.

For you newbies to Sun City I bet you never thought you could look at a 10 mile toss so many times. 

Today USA had three in the top 11 with Dave Dudley having the first US bird and it was a beauty, followed by Club Guadalajara owned by Jose Navarro also a fine pigeon, then Chai Suen Siu.  Nice Job!

For all my email updates plus all kinds of info on Sun City see www.mclaughlinlofts.com

September 27^th 2010

 

 

Hello To the Sun City Entrants,

 

 

By now everyone has received their Username and Password to log into the site.  www.scmdpr.com   If you sent me money to wire over the accounts in Sun City will be updated this week. 

 

I hear the pigeons look super and are exercising well.  Sun City received a record entry of 6594 pigeons.  The greatest pigeon race in the world just keeps getting greater.  You can look at all the entry info under Statistics on the Sun City website.  I am pushing for an inventory list and you guys and girls will have it as soon as I get my hands on it.  Once training begins we will have two updates per week from me along with endless website information.

 

The pigeons we all bought in the 50 post race auctions last spring are also doing super.  I will have them in my lofts very soon and they will be shipped as soon as possible to the new owners.

 

You can find all my updates and frequently asked questions on the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race atwww.mclaughlinlofts.com

 

 

Soon all the excitement will begin.  I really appreciate everyone’s patience.  This fall and winter will be well worth the wait.

 

 

Frank McLaughlin

Sept 16th 2010

The intake report for birds entered in the Sun City Million Dollar Race can be found along with other statistics under Statistics at www.scmdpr.com   6594 birds were entered into the greatest most competitive race in the world for 2011.

  

August 31^st 2010

 

 

Hello Everyone,

 

 

This is a very important update.  Received news from the Director at Sun City.  The birds are looking super and exercising like crazy around the lofts.

 

An email came this morning from the organizers and about 30 of us owe money on our account.  Some owe just a few dollars, others several thousand.  Everyone must realize you have to pay the $1025 for your primary pigeon on each team or your pigeons will show as “Defaulted” on every possible list.  Your account will also not show your pigeons.  If they make it to the final race and nothing was paid they will be shipped but never be listed anywhere. If these pigeons arrive home the bands will be cut off and they will be given to junior members.  This will be the case even if a ‘Defaulted’ pigeon wins the race.   See Frequently Asked Questions on my website for more explanations. www.mclaughlinlofts.com

 

I noticed a couple guys only owe the $25 registration fees on their account.

 

I will finish sending everyone their passwords today.  Please check your account and see what is owed.  You are welcome to send me a check in the next week and I will wire the money over for you.  My next planned big wire will be to activate our backups in November.  If you feel there is an error in your account, also me know and we will get it sorted.

 

Let me know as soon as possible on how you plan on paying what is owed on your account.

 

 

Thank you,

 

Frank McLaughlin

395 Whitman St

Hanson MA 02341

 

 

August 23^rd 2010

 

 

Hello Everyone,

 

I have some good news to report today.  All the pigeons we bought in the Sun City Post Race Auctions this past spring have been shipped and will be in quarantine today.  After numerous government snags and red tape the pigeons are finally here.  We will have our new breeders in October.  I expect a much smoother import of post race auction pigeons in 2011. 

 

On a different note I received a report that our Sun City race pigeons are doing very well.  I asked about the hold up on information and was told they are trying to find the owners and contact info on numerous pigeons sent to the race. Once every pigeon is accounted for the site will be updated.

 

If anyone would like their password and login please email me and I will send it to you.  I cannot see your password but I can have it automatically sent to your email address.  I was given the OK to do this because all the USA lofts have been updated.  If you have entered the race in the past your Password is the same.

 

This year I have decided to keep the running chain of Sun City emails on my website along with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).  We have about 300 followers on this Sun City email list and want to make it easier for anyone to follow along.  Go to www.mclaughlinlofts.com  put your mouse over ‘Sun City Million Dollar’ and click ‘Bi- Weekly Updates’ to see all past emails.  If you are new (or old) to the race see ‘FAQ’ for frequently asked questions.  I guarantee everyone will learn something from the ‘FAQ’ page.  If you have a good question, email it to me and I will add it to the site.

 

I built the site myself over the last two weeks, learning as I go.

 

Once training begins we will have Bi Weekly Updates all season plus I will email all deadline and important info at any time.

 

Soon all the excitement will begin.  Believe me, this is the only dull time of the year with Sun City.

 

 

Thank you,

 

Frank McLaughlin

July 30th 2010 

Hello Everyone,

Sun City changed the name Hot Spot to Car Race.  They also increased the prizes for this coming January.  I placed the email below.  All our accounts have been updated and you will be receiving passwords soon.   

Hot Spot Name Change

The Name of the Hot Spot races has been changed to Car Races. Other than the name, no other aspect of the Car Races changes.

Prize Money Increases

With another record entry from more than 30 countries this year and to celebrate our 15th birthday Air Sport Internationale have decided to make some changes to the prize structure of the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race.

Main Race
Prize	Current	Change to
7th	$  15,000.00	$    17,500.00
8th	$  10,000.00	$    15,000.00
9th	$   9,000.00	$    12,500.00
10th	$   8,000.00	$    10,000.00
11 - 15th	$   5,500.00	$      7,500.00
16 - 20th	$   4,500.00	$      5,000.00

 

Grand Average Ace
Prize	Current	Change to
1st	$   5,000.00	$    10,000.00
2nd	$   3,000.00	$      5,000.00
3rd	$   2,000.00	$      2,500.00

The above adds an extra $33 000 to the current prize payout.

 

 

Hello Everyone,

Last night I was quick to get out a message that the second shipment of pigeons are safe in Sun City. When it comes to the pigeons I tend to say "I" when I should say "We". This is a family project.

The shipping of Sun City pigeons would not be possible without the many hours of daily help I receive from my brother Dan.  I call him the "Mineral King".  Dan tends all the Sun City pigeons several times a day providing fresh water, fresh minerals, grits, grains and pellets.  Dan also works full time but his work schedule allows him to spend hours in his home office during the day and he leaves late afternoon.  Dan lives in his own home at the lofts.  Helper #2 is my father Frank. My Dad is my Post Office runner going twice to three times a day picking up pigeons as soon as they arrive.  He also assists with the care of the pigeons and works every day helping any way he can.

I must also thank my mother because she has had 600 plus pigeons processed in her kitchen over the last several months.  She cleans the morning mess only to have it all start over in the afternoon nearly every day for weeks.  We also package the hundreds of pigeons for their trip to Sun City in my mothers kitchen and dining room.  The woman is a Saint.

My last thank you must go to my wife Robin.  Robin puts up with me freaking out for six weeks worrying that everything is going to go well. The hundreds of phone calls, not seeing me all spring, me leaving early morning for the lofts and getting home well after dark.  I tend the Sun City pigeons continuously all day every day.  I put so much pressure on myself and my family because all of  you are depending on me.  I am not sure if Robin knew what she was getting herself into marrying a bird man. "Pigeon Widow" applies here.  Robin also will assist with the pigeons when needed. Last Tuesday, Robin is took the day off work to help get the pigeons ready for the trip to Sun City.  Robin is also my pigeon translator speaking and writing fluent Portuguese and Spanish. 

 

Again Thank you, Robin, Danno, Dad and Mom.  It is almost over!

 

Frank  

 

July 13th

Hello Everyone,

 

I have some good news.  The pigeons (May shipments) are out of quarantine and for the next two weeks they will be walking around the roofs of the lofts.  Each pigeon has one wing covered in a soap like substance that will be removed in a couple weeks when all the pigeons are settled.  This product has no effect on the feather.  

USA had an entry of nearly 1000 pigeons.  This is a record entry for us.  US shipped 270 in 2008, 578 in 2009 and around 970 this year.  We will not have a loft total or inventory until all the South Africans finish entering their own pigeons.  The South African fanciers usually bring their own pigeons over after quarantine has ended.

All the accounts are being updated but the information will not be available to us until every bird for every entrant has been completed.  If you guys need anything let me know and I can get the information.  No news is good news because as of June 29^th when I sent the late shipment, all the US pigeons I sent in May were doing well.  The organizers knew if someone needed to replace a pigeon we had time.  The Sun City site will be up and running with the info at the end of the summer.  All Login info will be emailed out by the organizers when the info for everyone is ready.

The June 29^th late shipment pigeons are in quarantine right now and they are doing super.  I sent 64 pigeons in that shipment.  This will be a nice experiment to see how these do against the others.

The pigeons we all bought in the Sun City post race Auctions have been quite the interesting adventure in importing/exporting.  The South African government (one woman) has really given the director of ‘Sun City’ fits over this export.   She has made the director jump through all kinds of hoops to proceed with the export.  Most recently she did not like the idea of pigeons entering the racing lofts from other countries, while the auction pigeons waiting for export were on the same grounds.   The auction pigeons are now booked to be shipped over on August 18.  I will have your auction pigeons in your hands the beginning of October.  The good news is these pigeons will be ending winter in South Africa and entering fall when they arrive here.  We should not have molt problems.  Weather will also be cool for all the shipping.    The snags have been solved for next year.  The auction pigeons in 2011 will be kept at a separate quarantine facility before export and things will go smooth.  We now know what has to be done.  Until you do an import/export you really do not know exactly what will be needed.

I am very sorry about the delay because we are all excited to get our new breeders.   Your newly bought auction pigeons are doing well or I would have notified you. 

Please feel free to call or email me with questions.  If the question will interest everyone I will send it out to the group.  If you have a friend that wants to receive all the Sun City updates please send me the email address and I will add them.  I truly appreciate everyone’s patience during the only slow time of the year in Sun City.  Believe me that this race will get very exciting nearly daily this fall!

 

Thank you,  Frank McLaughlin   781 820-8327

 

Feb 3^rd 2010

 

Hello Group,

 

Arrived home yesterday afternoon.  What a trip! We traveled with Duncan Harvey (Autumn Wind) and his wife Anne.  They continued to Victoria Falls and Capetown.  Bill Jeffers (JKL Syndicate) from Arizona also was in Sun City and it was a pleasure to get to know this fine gentleman.  My long time good friends Doc and Darth Piaget were also at the event.  They go every year.  If anyone has questions about the race feel free to get feed back from the others.  I am sure they will say it was beyond first class in every aspect.

We started the trip with two days at Impodimo Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve. Too get some impressive info see http://www.impodimo.com.  It was an unfenced five star lodge.  The elephants were drinking from our pool each afternoon.  We went out on five game drives and got up close and personal with big game each drive.  You could read a book from your deck and watch elephants, Kudu and wild dogs etc walk by.  Hopefully my wife will join me in 2011.

On Thursday we went to Sun City to assist in basketing.  There were four lines with maybe 100 fanciers helping within a giant caged area.  The pigeons were inspected then handed to a fancier.  The plastic seal was removed that covers the band, the bird was scanned and band number was checked, the wing was stamped and the banded was concealed again. All checks and security at each point.  Only 19 pigeons to a basket.  The pigeons were in excellent health and condition.  Some had wear on the flights.  Some white flights were frayed and others were perfect.  Flight condition varied from full wings to any possible position.  Any pigeon seemed not fit enough to win was removed and the owner was refunded the $1000.  About seven did not go do to broken flights or injuries from wires etc. Basket lists were printed out for all from the full time Ricoh copy station at the event.  I was lucky to be handed two of my pigeons totally by random chance . This is a rare occurance.  One 'Brady' had a full wing and I thought could win and one 'Ouch' had a full everything but it had dropped its sixth flight.  Both were super and was I excited.

The next morning we went to visit the lofts.  I know there are some pictures floating around that are not impressive. The reason for this was because on Friday all the grates were being pulled and stacked in the sections so the lofts could be cleaned.  The four lofts are massive and very well ventilated.  The four lofts could easily house 8000 pigeons.  The lofts are all cement and all grated.  They are fenced with 24 hour security 365 days a year. Massive very healthy dry pigeon lofts.  I have seen prettier lofts but they are perfect for the race and the pigeons.  Very functional dry, airy and super large. The walls were 10 inch or more thick concrete.

On Friday afternoon we went to the Pilanesburg Game Reserve on a game drive ten minutes from Sun City.  The big game was exciting along with an interesting encounter with a mother elephant that had one girl screaming and hiding under her seat.  We were always very safe but these are wild animals.

I wanted to mention heated pools, chilled pools, massive wave pools and beaches, casino gambling, golf, boating, night clubs etc in Sun City.

Friday night we attended a giant outdoor cookout event with maybe 4000 fanciers from around the world.  Like everything else this event was first class.

On Saturday the day of the race we went to a giant auditorium called the Super Bowl. Two massive screens were set up to watch the race live in the air conditioned arena. We had entertainment and a buffet that could run from Massachusetts to Colorado in length. There were approximated 3500 paid for the event and another 3500 locals that just came to watch.  We spent the hours before the race talking with the most famous names in the sport, Koopman, Limbourg, De Cock, Daelemans, De Shrijver, Jurriens of Eijerkamp etc. All the supply companies were on hand selling product.  Press from every country were also filming and interviewing all weekend long.

About three hours after liberation we had video of the liberation which showed the liberation was sunny and clear. 3155 pigeons left going north in about one minute. They knew exactly what they were going to do and they did it fast.

At 3:42 three pigeons were seen circling.  The first bird to land was the last pigeon to go in. Two days before Duncan Harvey walked the most amazing dark cock through the line and into the race.  Duncan wrote down the number because he wanted to buy the pigeon at a later auction.  Needless to say this pigeon was the Vandenabeele pigeon in 2nd. place. What are the chances!

We watched the pigeons come home until dark with the room cheering for each new country to join the list.  There were seven different countries in the top ten and 27 different countries in the top 100.  Everyone wants to be crowned Sun City Champion so the race gets more competitive each year.

Saturday night was the banquet with 3500 seats sold.  All the awards were presented with the winner also receiving the Sun City Million Dollar Pigeon Race suit jacket. I accepted the awards for Jim Gabler American Dream Loft and the Sandstrom Brothers. Jim won the Country Challenge award on Hot Spot 5.  There had to be 20 press photographers from around the globe.  Top Ten received crystal trophies and also 1/2 ounce solid gold pendents.

On Sunday morning the top 100 pigeons were auctioned.  The auction brought in a ton of cash with the pigeons ranging from $700 to nearly $20K.  Prices were down due to the economy.  Koopman, Houben, Vandenabeele pigeons brought in some serious cash.  One pigeon of Koopman called Boomer that finished in the 40's and was 2nd. overall in the grand averages sold for $4800.  His late breds bring this at some auctions.  I interviewed Koopman to pick his brain and will write this up at a later time.

Hopefully many will join us in 2011.  This is the most amazing first class race and event in the world.  It is also the toughest most competitive race in the world.  Any day bird was spectacular and even any pigeon in the top 20% was outstanding.  We have to remember the best lofts in the world send from their very best pigeons.  Only in Belgium can we find competition where the top 20% is applauded.

Now let me congratulate the fanciers that had great success this past Saturday!

In 10th. Place and 1st USA were the Sandstrom Brothers with SBL 792.  They sent three and had one make the final race. At 21st and 54th was Lion Gate Loft owned by Neil Migliore.  Lion Gate was the only US loft with two in the top 100. Quite an amazing accomplishment on the toughest of days. At 24th was Rikson Mike Loft.  At 47th was Rampage Racing.  This syndicate also won a Hot Spot prize!  At 63rd was America Dream Loft.  owned by Jim Gabler.  Jim also won the Country Challenge.  At 80th was Ken Christopher.  At 83rd was To Be Won owned by Jim Mitchell. At 95th was Anthony-Rivera they won two Hot Spot Prizes! Quite the accomplishment for this group.  All of you should be very very proud!

Team USA Syndicate at 124th had Bill Tadlock, at 155 was Ken Easley and at 181st was Nassir Faqiryar of Breakaway Lofts.  Congratulations to this group!

In Canada at 19th. and 78th. was Katun Foundation of Claude Rothgiesser.  I hoped this is spelled right. Claude had an outstanding year weekly in Sun City.

The US had plenty of pigeons at the top of the grand averages.

Start looking at the pairings for 2011 race.  I will start the export process again in May. Let us make sure USA takes the crown in 2011. Please only send your best!

 

Thank you!

 

Frank McLaughlin