Submitted by Silvio Mattacchione, BA, MA
silvio@silvio-co.com

To read the full article, Guido Madrusan Pigeon Empire, please click on the link:  https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/?pli=1#inbox/147ac4da8f85e970?projector=1

Submitted by Greg McKnight
gregmcknight92804@msn.com

Racing is now upon us and health is the up most importance.

The stress of our feathered athletes can be compromised, so during this time a watchful eye is necessary.  Remain vigilant.  Being proactive is the course of action.

Below is a typical week and shipping on a Saturday.

Sunday Race Day:

Return from the race a tonic of electrolyte and sugars then later in afternoon a purge with a bacteria fighter, such as avian solution.  Late birds a Fabry Ideal pill can be given. Feed a candy type mix on return then heavier grains for the last meal of the day.  This is the day to be watchful and decide the action to be taken for the upcoming week.  If concerned with a few late birds use Tony Treasure Tablet #7984 along with the Fabry Ideal pill #FP006.

Monday:

Day of rest and a Fabry Ideal or Vita King Ideala pill is given in morning.  Feed a half depurative and half race mix. Option in water a treatment with canker or respiratory if desired.  Bath day for the team.  I use Van Hee or Fabry salts in bath.  Pink minerals sprinkled on feed.

Tuesday:

Exercise morning & evening not forced, but be observant to watch actions of team when flying.  Expression and energy in flight and on return.  Again a 50% and 50% mix with the feeding.  Canker or respiratory treatment in water.  Pink minerals sprinkled on feed.

Wednesday:

Training day at least an hour on the wing.  Same feed both times of day (50-50) Last day with canker or respiratory treatment.  Pink minerals sprinkled on feed.

Thursday:

Train or exercise depending on time and weather.  Feeding, start to change to the race mix with added safflower.  Use a Probiotic on the feed or given in water.  Gem product called Flight Fuel also given.  Mix with Medpet product Primaquin.

Friday:

Train today if weather is reasonable.  Gem product called Impact is given in morning.  The evening gives Jedds B-12 or equivalent.  Feeding use race mix with added safflower and Brewers Yeast.  If weather is bad in morning train about 20 miles in late afternoon. I’ve found this method will give the birds a boost of speed.

Saturday shipping day:

Feed ½ rations for the morning feeding less than 225 mile race and only Safflower for the short races in morning only.  Pull the grit.  Fresh water given on shipping day many fanciers force water with a catheter type syringe.  Teach your birds to drink in the crate, if you need to modify your crates do so. Introduce raw Spanish peanuts after the 250 mile races.  Weather dictates your feed.  If the weather is cold I’d suggest adding more calories.  Warm weather, add fewer calories.  Motivation must be used either by introducing some old birds to the section about an hour before boxing them to go the club if no other motivation is used.

The above is a general race week.   Many fanciers have the sliding door method to keep the hens and cocks separate all week then show them just before boxing them to go to the club.  This is very good, but requires more time to manage.  Training in the real hot beds of racing can be twice a day starting on Tuesday at about 40 miles each time.  They fly for money and this can make it worth while.

My motto is: “Young Birds is for young guys and Old Birds is for old guys”

The use of eye drops and pills can be positive on shipping days and I’ve used them and if you’re winning, you don’t change anything.  Many have the birds trained to drink out of the crates on shipping day. This may give you an edge!

You make the call on the time needed for this hobby.  The bottom line is enjoying the birds.  “Many Roads to Rome”

Yours in the sport,

Greg McKnight

The Loft Report is pleased to announce that during the month of October, Greg McKnight and Dick Mellinger will be auctioning 10 quality pigeons per week on iPigeon.com.

Over Greg’s 50 years in the sport, his birds have influenced many top lofts including:

• Ron Steinbrenner of 7-11 Loft, with his great hen “Secretariat”, a granddaughter of “Mr. B.J.” whose sire is a McKnight bred Bekaert. “Mr. B.J.,” who was bred by Virginia Kruft and Paul Deboo, is hailed as the most famous bird in San Diego history, living to the age of 22 and fertile to the end!
• Victor Valenzuela’s “Sure Bet” dynasty which is built around birds from Mike Ganus , two McKnight bred hens—a Meuleman and a Bekaert, and two imported German Leen Boers hens…..
• Cecil Romero We-Be-One famous pigeon “Diesel,” which was bred by Cecil and went on to breed a 2009 big money winner at the I.F. Convention race. “Diesel’s” sire is from a McKnight Meuleman and Bekaert bird that produced three I.F. Hall of Fame winners and one loft money winners.
• The Kasharian family racing in the powerful CJC Combine continues to clock McKnight blooded birds that they acquired from Cecil Romero out of turn…..

Greg McKnight has honed his breeding ability for over 50 years beginning with his time as the loft manager for Mr. Waterhouse from 1969-1974. His time as Mr. Waterhouse’s lot manager gave him valuable knowledge about breeding and racing. After Mr. Waterhouse’s untimely death, Greg had a once in a life time opportunity to purchase all the Waterhouse Bekearts.  As Greg says, “this family is truly an American time tested family.”

Karl Meuleman’s famous “Golden Couple” pair is believed to be the greatest pair in Belgian history and was bred from a 1967 Van Den Bosh cock and a 1966 Janssen hen. The results were amazing! Twenty-five years ago Greg and his business partner spared no expense and acquired as close to the “Golden Pair” as possible. World class birds were purchased from W. Wulfmeyer and H. Nordmeyer of Germany, George Litherland and Albert Babbington of England, and Herman Beverdam of Holland. Greg developed the Meulemans into a family of birds that still are making impacts in loft across the country today.

Greg and his partner Dick Mellinger’s latest acquisitions are Staff Van Reet (SVR) and come from Keith and Linda Turner of Essex, England. These birds are based on a Dean Pallet bred male named “Champion Red Danial,” winner of 19-times first place, and his equally famous son “Danial-Son,” a 33-time winner. The key breeding hen is “Toe-Toe’, a daughter of another famous champion “Toey.” These key SVR’s are the line-bred back bone of this modern winning family that is flying English Channel races and winning both short, fast races and long, hard races. This translates into a remarkable record for the Turner family and an incredible family of pigeons. Attention Taiwan fanciers: these birds win across open water races.

Today within each of these families Greg has practiced line-breeding and focused on performance and vitality to maintain each line. Greg heartily recommends his birds for crossing onto your existing family.  He believes that by doing this you will gain the edge needed to perform on a consistently at the top of the race sheet.

For questions, please feel free to email Greg gregmcknight92804@msn.com or call him at 714-469-2557.

Sal Rodriguez

The Loft Report has confirmed that Sal Rodriguez has sold one of his top producing pairs. I confirmed the sell price, a five figure sum, with Mr. Rodriguez over the weekend. The pair, “Eleven Tips” and “Super 66” has been acquired by one of Sal’s top clients. The client, at this time, wants to remain anonymous and I’ve confirmed with the client this is the case.

The cock of the pair, “Super 66” has been a fantastic racer for Sal, winning 14 x (eq. 1^st) from 110 miles out to 325 miles. His sire and dam are super “Easy Money Pair”; “De Espeical” and “Perla”.

“Eleven Tips” has been a super breeder for Sal, winning 2 x 1^st and dam to 1^st place winners. Her sire is “Moon Kannibaal”, a world class breeder in his own right and her dam is “8101”.

Drew Lesofski

Flying Home

An excerpt from The Hollywood Reporter, posted June 15, 2014 by Boyd van Hoeij….

[A slick wolf of Wall Street finds himself in a grimy pigeon loft in rural Flanders in Flying Home, an English-language feature from Oscar-nominated Belgian director Dominique Deruddere.

A film that plays like a Lasse Hallstrom adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel, except that neither Hallstrom nor Sparks were involved in any capacity, this classically concocted melodrama is noteworthy mainly because it offers former Calvin Klein model and future Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan his first romantic lead role, which should be enough to attract the interest of smart niche distributors who could time the film’s release to coincide with the avalanche of publicity that Dornan’s involvement in Grey is bound to generate. In its native Flanders, it made a tidy if not spectacular $500,000 when it was released last April.]

Click here to read van Hoeij’s full movie review.

Movie : Flying Home
Director : Dominique Deruddere
Actors : Jamie Dornan, Anthony Head, Max Pirkis
Genre : Romance
Country : Belgium, Germany
Duration : 93 min
Release Year : 2014

Click here to watch the movie

Ipigeon Gala Day Event with live online auctions both Friday & Saturday Evening

Please try to book at the Flamingo Las Vegas but if you cannot please feel welcome. Room booking info please if you did not book it is time!!

Please call our Reservation Center at 1.888.373.9855 to secure a reservation on our group block. Callers must use our group code to identify the group, SFIPI4.  IPIGEON AUCTION GROUP Rates have been lowered to 55 dollars weekdays and 85 dollars on the weekend.

Dates Friday and Saturday December 5th and 6th!!!  Of course we want you there early this is Las Vegas ya know!!

Gala event admission is free to everyone join us Friday noon until 9pm  at the 8000 sq ft ballroom in Harrah’s right next door to the Flamingo.

Friday event will feature open Gala Day with live on line auction of super American loft birds starting at 5 PM Vegas time!

     * George Rankin will open the program with a short talk on how Ipigeon got the name Gala Day. He will speak of his youth in Europe and his home town Gala day.

Saturday Gala day again open at noon Live on Line Auction of the Super Imports at 4 PM Vegas Time.

Special note: Live purchases will be shipped to your home from Vegas at the normal Ipigeon shipping cost of 50 dollars plus 10 dollars for additional birds. (Out of US shipping! Our export agent Bob Roberson has agreed to donate his time. You will only be charged the amount he is charged to export your purchases out of the US.)

AU Jay Holder will do a short program on municipal rules on racing pigeons.The Gala day will feature top one loft races with stands meet them and get information on their races!!

Also we are hoping to have some supply houses with stands on their products.

I-PIGEON GALA SPECIAL EDITION AD OCT. 2014

All Fanciers put in 5 pigeons~!!

Josef  Huber  Loft~!!  Germany

SG  Mack  Racing Loft~!!  Germany  -  Gerald & Alexander Mack

Hans Hirn   Racing  Loft~!!  Germany

Heribert & Raimund  Roidi  Racing  Loft~!!  Germany

Thorsten & Finn Daum Racing Loft~!!  Germany

Helmut  Mann  Racing  Loft~!!  Germany

Gaby  Vandenabeele  Racing  Loft~!!  Belgium

Sebastien Casaert  Racing Loft~!!  Belgium

Jos  Thone  Racing  Loft~!!  Belgium

Jan &  Rik  Hermans  Racing  Loft~!!  Belgium

Filip and  Nicolas  Norman  Racing  Loft~!!   Belgium

Chris  Hebberecht  Racing  Loft~!!  Belgium

Ulrich Lemmens Racing loft !!  Belgium

Bas  Verkerk  Racing  Loft~!!   Holland

Peter Fox Racing Loft~!!  England

Mark & Dick  Evans  Racing Loft~!!   England

G. & W.  Macaloney  Racing  Loft~!!    Scotland  UK

Click here to visit the Western Open website

By Steve Lawler
sjlawler@yahoo.com

• In the Camellia City Combine –Sacramento, CA (13 lofts & 124 birds) Joe Neves of Neves Family loft took the blue ribbon with AU 13 FSC 1048 BBC from 249 miles at 1315 ypm.
• In the 395 Concourse – Apple Valley, CA down through San Diego, CA (20 lofts & 132 birds) Sonny Cangiarella of Fly Sonny loft was the winner with AU 13 IEIC 3324 hen at 1178 ypm from 478 miles.
• In the Shasta RPC – Redding, CA (5 lofts & 44 birds) Dan Welch of Royal Oaks Loft took the top prize with AU 11 RO 360 RCC from 238 miles at 1177 ypm.
• In the Siskiyou RPC – Yreka, CA (4 lofts & 48 birds) Tom Larson recorded the best time at 1302 ypm from 258 miles.
• In the Evergreen Combine –Seattle, WA up through, Everett, WA (10 lofts & 44 birds) George Dobre of the Blue Danube Loft was the winner through the rain on the second day at 594 ypm from 496 miles.
• In the Idaho RPC – Boise, Id area (11 lofts & 160 birds) George Lukasik of Pigeon Village was local winner at 1431 ypm from 198 miles.
• In the EWOC – eastern WA & eastern Oregon (39 lofts & 422 birds) Paul Meyer took 1^stoverall with AU 09 TCW 9850 BCH from 369 miles at 1373 ypm.
• In the Western Idaho Inv. RPC – Parma, ID (6 lofts & 152 birds) Randy Bean of DOC’s Loft took home the bacon with AU 10 IDA 0765 BBC at 1459 ypm from 185 miles.
• In the Bridger Mountain RPC –Bozeman, MT (7 lofts & 84 birds) the Smetana family captured the flag with AU 12 BMT 3082 BBC at 1273 ypm from 464 miles.
• In the Snake River Valley RPC –Idaho Falls, ID (3 lofts & 46 birds) Bruce Nykamp was the only one to clock birds and won with AU 12 NYKA 2212 BBH at 1348 ypm from 351 miles.
• In the Oregon Trail Combine –Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area – 7 lofts did ship 53 birds. Returns were scattered into wet weather. Adrian Buturoaga of A&B Loft had the first bird home from 386 miles.

I spoke with Rick Mardis this morning. This is great news. More details as they become available. As Mr. Mardis put it “our sport is protected“.

Drew Lesofski

Last Thursday September 11, I was in front of the judge for pretrial hearing and motions. Prior to meeting with the judge, we made another effort to settle this case. We have tried many times to agree to a plea bargain as long as the entry fees were declared legal, but the DAs has been adamant in stating entry fees in pigeon racing are illegal. As little as six weeks ago, the assistant DA would not agree to this and were still pursuing entry fees as being illegal gambling. To avoid a trial, an agreement was reached and put into a blind plea bargain. A blind plea allows the judge to set the penalty.

The DA finally admitted entry fees in pigeon racing are not illegal and this was put in writing and on record. I then agreed to a no contest plea on pooling charges and agreed to allow the judge to set the penalty. The DA asked for a $50,000 fine but the judge fined me only $1,000 and put me on six months unsupervised probation. After the probation period, my record will be expunged.

My whole efforts were to prevent entry fees from being declared illegal. I also have on the record that there was no animal cruelty and the judge’s statement that he didn’t see much difference between this and a golf tournament. This should protect our sport against future charges on entry fees and slow down Peta’s attempt to stop us from racing our birds. I spent a great deal of money and many sleepless nights to secure this goal. I offered to agree to this over a year ago at the beginning if entry fees were excluded.

When I get a copy of the plea agreement and the transcript of the hearing, I will then verbatim point out the positive statements that came out of the hearing. In a few weeks, I will give a detailed breakdown on the expenses and donations.

Thanks, Rick Mardis

At the Mid-Year meeting held June 30 – July 1, 2014, the A.U. Board voted to proceed with the following two amendments.

1)   Amendment to Section 3 of the A.U. By-Laws defining an Executive Committee

3.12  Executive Committee

An Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Past President and the Executive Director. At the discretion of the President, the Executive Committee may be assigned special tasks and responsibilities, and may assist the President with business decisions.

** This amendment will be voted on by the Board at its October meeting and requires 2/3 approval of those voting.

1)   Amendment to A.U. Constitution   (new language is highlighted in red)

Article V  Reservation of Powers

Any auxiliary, club, center, combine, concourse, association, or other organization affiliated with the Union (hereinafter referred to as “affiliated organization”) reserves all rights and powers to operate and to conduct its own activities. Affiliated organizations may adopt and enforce their own constitutions and bylaws. AS A NECESSARY CONDITION OF SECURING AND HOLDING A CHARTER FROM THE A.U., AN AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION MUST BE OPERATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY. ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS MUST PROVIDE THAT MOST VOTES, WHETHER BY AN ORGANIZATION’S BOARD OR BY ITS MEMBERSHIP, SHALL REQUIE A MAJORTIY TO PASS. IN CERTAIN CASES WHERE IT IS COMMON TO HAVE A SUPER MAJORITY REQUIREMENT, A SUPER MAJORITY VOTE MAY BE ALLOWED, BUT IN NO CASE CAN THE SUPER MAJORITY REQUIREMENT BE GREATER THAN TWO-THIRDS (2/3). ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE DECISION MAKING REQUIREMENTS IN EXCESS OF TWO-THIRDS (2/3) SHALL BE NOTIFIED OF THEIR NON COMPLIANCE AND GIVEN UP TO THREE MONTHS TO AMEND THEIR PROCEDURES TO COME INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PROVISION. IF THE ORGANIZATION FAILS TO DO SO, THE A.U. BOARD MAY VOTE TO REVOKE THE ORGANIZATION’S CHARTER WITH THE A.U..

……………… The remainder of Article V. remains the same………………..

This amendment requires a vote by the membership and 2/3 approval of those voting. Ballots are enclosed with your SUMMER 2014 A.U. Update. All ballots must be sent to the A.U. office and postmarked no later than October 1, 2014.

Official Ballot

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE

Drew Lesofski holding “Arthur”, sire of 4 x 1st Federation winners!

Once again I found myself in beautiful sunny Southern California in August and knew I had to make an excuse to visit Greg McKnight, the man the legend.

Greg McKnight’s lofts in Orange County, California. Loft on the left is brand new.

Greg and his wonderful wife Carol live in Anaheim California, the home of Disney Land and Knott’s Berry Farm, making this ‘happiest place on Earth’ times 2!

Greg is world renowned for his Waterhouse Bekaerts and Meuleman pigeons that he’s carefully cultivated for several decades.  Greg was the loft manager for the late California fancier Will Waterhouse; an unsurpassed fancier with a keen eye for breeding excellent pigeons.

#1704 Dark Check Cock Old line Bekaerts
Winners for over 50 years with this American family and its reliability for all distance races in the largest of competition. This male when you expose his wings is grizzled thru-out his primaries. Dam is a sister to the key breeding hen of Victor. This is the “Sure Bet” combination that made Victor Valenzuela a legend in his short time in our sport. Both parents are proven and have close up background to both legendary hens Ms. 1309 & Ms. 1213 of Victor Valenzuela’s.

The Bekaert pigeons were brought to California by Hector Van Neste, a fancier from Detroit, Michigan in 1946. These Bekaerts along with several birds imported by Callens were blended together to create what today we refer to as ‘Waterhouse Bekaerts’.

George Derby, another influential fancier who helped create and maintain the Bekaerts became loft manager for El Rancho Meo.  This racing syndicate raced at the highest level until 1960 when they sold their birds by auction that same year.  Fanciers came from far and wide to view and hopefully acquire one of their famous blooded Bekaerts.

#118 bred out of the famous “Snow Queen” from Sure Bet and Ms. 1309 mated to the 2000 Snowbirds brother’s winner.

One of the key pigeons of the day was AU-50-OCC-1045, a pigeon raced by George Derby. “1045” was a blue check cock bred by Hector Van Neste and was one of the original birds that he brought with him from Detroit.  He was raced with great success and became an even better breeder. The blood of 1045 still flows through Greg’s loft and when he speaks of this great bird to this day he gets a twinkle in his eye!

Greg McKnight’s new breeding loft. Its outfitted with all the modern amenities a fancier would want.

Greg purchased the core nucleus of Waterhouse birds after his death and has skillfully linebred and inbred them in order to maintain the family. These birds have stood the test of time by winning out of turn for their handlers time and time again over the past 7 decades. A feat rarely achieved!

#1826 winner of $3,000 Vegas Classic and breeder of breeders Bekaert.

Greg has been working with his Meuleman (Vandenbosch) family of birds since the early 1990’s and has also had great success with them. Greg happened into this family of pigeons prior to explosion of Meuleman strain in America. He and Bill Curtis heard about a fancier that had imported a large group of pigeons recently and he was looking to sell everything as he was getting out.  A liquidation is always better than a loft reduction so Greg and Bill Curtis decided to have a look. This trip changed their lives!

#1725 $ 1727 Pen Spl cock & Blue Bar Pd Wf Hen are a brother & sister of the Meuleman (Janssen Vandenbosch) lineage. Both excellent in type and very strong eye-sign.
Sire proven producer breeding the San Diego 200 mile Triple Crown winner for the English Syndicate. Dam another fantastic breeder bred the 1st place 350 mile World Ace Challenge winner and she is grand dam to 1st 400 mile Eddie Spetz Late hatch winner along with gr dam to 2013 Breeders Fall Classic 325 mile winner.

They were able to make a deal and bought all the imports plus their children. They still didn’t really know what they or who this Karel Meuleman was, but from looking at the pedigrees and the quality of pigeons they knew they had something here worth investing in.  After more research they determined that they had one of the largest groups of pure Meulemans in the USA just as ‘Meuleman Mania’ was about to hit! Fortuitous or just plain luck I’m not sure but whatever it was, fanciers all over the world have benefited from Meuleman pigeons bred from Greg.

New breeding boxes in Greg McKnight’s new loft.

The day I called to arrange my visit, Greg told me he was in the middle of building a new breeding loft. The previous one was a bit rough around the edges and he thought it was time to replace it. When I arrived the new loft building was done and his carpenter was working on building a large aviary and finishing the inside sections.

It became apparent that Greg was not just replacing an old loft with a new one but was expanding so I asked him why? He asked me to make myself comfortable and he would show me why.

A few minutes later he brought out a beautiful blue bar cock and asked me what I thought of him. Having handled most of Greg’s Bekaerts and Meulemans’ over the years I knew this pigeon was neither. Greg went back into his loft and brought out another pigeon. Again this one was just as nice but again I could tell it was different. My excitement got the best of me on the first pigeon, why I didn’t check the band, but this time I did and saw that it was banded with Great Britain band.  I asked Greg what where they and he said that the two cocks I just held were multi 1^st place winners in big competition in England and they were bred Keith and Linda Turner of Essex, England; Staff Van Reet specialist based off a fantastic pigeon named “Red Danial“.

#14707 “OLIVER” Line bred & proven on every generation. Sire “Re-Incarnation” sire & gr sire to 5 x 1st federation winners and son of “Danial-Son” 33 time winner when mated to “Toe-Toe” super breeder and daughter of the famous “Toey” Dam: “Star” dam & gr dam to federation winners line bred gr daughter of “Champion Red Danial” & sire to Danial-Son

Greg told me he and his loft partner, Dick Mellinger, brought in many of Keith and Linda’s major winners, their parents and siblings. WOW!!! Not everyday someone just drops a pile of cash and buys as many big winners and impact pigeons as this. I asked Greg what is their intent and he said he and Dick want to race some and see how they do. I asked how many they brought in and he said they imported 30 pair! One such pigeon has won 10 x 1^st and is up for an Royal Racing Pigeon Association award this year.

#43741 HOOLIGAN” From a 1/2 Brother & Sister mating out of the famous “CLARE” dam of 14 first place Federation winners “Famous hen in England” This young male is producing top birds in America. This past year he bred 3 very good fliers for Tom Hummer of Indiana. “This cock birds drive is something else he doesn’t leave his mate alone” A trait of the SVR’s

Greg and I handled many of the imports and each one took my breath away. Compact bodies, tight feather, classy eyes with each one exuberating pure speed. I looked at each pedigree as I handled them and time and time again one cock kept coming up, the “Champion Red Daniel”. This cock, probably one of the best racing cocks ever, has won 19 X 1^st place wins! A son of “Champion Red Daniel”, “Champion Daniel-Son” won 33 pure 1^st as well! What a pigeon! These wins aren’t against 5 lofts and 100 pigeons, they against upwards of 10,000 birds and hundreds of lofts. Some say a win is a win, but I’d suggest dear reader, would you want a loft full of pigeons that can win against the best in the world or are you satisfied with birds that can just beat your local completion? Answer seems clear to me.

It was time for me to go but Greg had one more surprise for me. He brought out a nice blue checker cock and asked me what I thought of him. I loved him of course! He said his name is “Arthur” (click here to watch YouTube video of Arthur) and his father is “Immortal”, a top producer for Keith and being the grand-sire to several Federation winners.

His dam, “Clare”, breeder of 16 x 1^st Federations winners and several other top shelf birds is  a daughter of “Champion Red Danial”, winner of 19 x 1^st and sire, grand-sire and great grand-sire of numerous foundation birds world-wide.  “Arthur”, bred 4 x 1^st Federation winner was awesome in the hand and I was surprised to learn that Greg said is offering him for sale later in the year. I told Greg he was nuts, why would you ever sell such a gem? I told Greg that I was going to ask Santa Claus for a baby out of ‘Arthur” this year and we bought had a great laugh.  “Arthur along with a few other impact pigeons will be offered on Ipigeon starting in October.

I was duly impressed with the overall quality and constancy of the Van Reets from Keith and Linda Turner. I had to say, as a whole, they were probably the best group of pigeons I’ve ever handled.  It was again my pleasure to visit Greg and handle and talk about his families of birds, the history of each and of course about the many years and friendships that  Greg has had over the years with many of the world’s greats.

Until next time!

Drew Lesofski

“MOTIVATION TIME”

Dedicated to mostly the Racing Fanciers;

This is the time of year for the racing enthusiast the money is on the line!  If all is equal like your competitors such as training & health, then the key to beating him is motivation for the birds to arrive quicker.  If not already flying a separated system then you must change or you won’t win on a regular basis.  Show old birds to your young bird section on the day of shipping about an hour before crating, to arouse both hens & cocks or take some flat boards and lean them against a corners of the section with a nest bowl inside.  Make up some small boxes and set in the loft to get there sexual excitement going.  Some will take to it and then observe who is the most excited.

Training should be done in smaller groups of 3-5 birds separated.  One day the cocks out first then the hens.  If possible train them late or early evening only about 20 miles to get the speed up, you’ll find they fly about 60 mph or faster.  They understand the sun is going down so they bust butt to get home. Separate the sexes if possible with a solid divided partition and play a radio in the loft to muffle the sounds of calling there mates.  They have super hearing and you verify this by listing to them in the middle of the night calling one another.  That’s a bad sign, so steps need to be taken, such as the radio playing and darkening the loft at night. Street light with it glaring in to the loft can be upsetting also, so an easy fix is lay a sheet or something over the front of the window until sunrise.  Change can be good but don’t change the regular routine of feeding that must remain the same.

Weather changes getting cooler at this time of year and raw Spanish peanuts or hulled sunflower seed should be given to help them with the longer distance races.  Higher fat content at this time of year is beneficial.  Both best kept in the fridge to help prevent toxins.

Ivomec drops are given to the birds two weeks before a special race to stimulate the entire system.  I would stagger my treatment, because I’ve found out the first week after the drops the results were average, but the second week tremendous.  Just keep a record of the one’s given the drops.

Gem product called Flight Fuel or Vydex Carbosol is very beneficial at this time.  This gives them the added reserve needed to compete.

My training regimen for the big race, I’ve found by experience that two weeks before the special race longer tosses are given and then the last week many short tosses give the best results. A delayed response for some reason is why this method works.   The body of the birds just round out with nice supple buoyant muscle.

I would use many Fabry Ideal pills leading up to the shipping day.  These pills always gave me an edge with the use of an Iodine stimulant such as Gem Impact on the day before shipping.

Day of shipping always feed them before showing the opposite sex to them, by this there mind is on there stomach not sex.  Many of the longer races are shipped for a two day hold over.  In some cases I’ve force fed peanuts by just dropping about 8 down the throat.

The birds not sent to the race should be given a 100 mile toss to simulate a race for the following week, so then your ready for next weeks race.  These 100 mile birds are treated the same as the returning race birds with the reward of sex and your special feed supplements.  I call this the 7 day cycle.  The birds know at the end of the 7^th day at least a 100 mile toss or the race so the bird gets mentally prepared.

We all race in the big leagues with no division such as minor league as in other sports, so new flyers please understand your flying against the professionals with their twenty some thing year’s experience and you with 20 months.  Don’t despair these guys can be had.  Our wonderful sport has a way to humble many flyers. I assure you your day will come!

Management of your birds;  Keep a chart on your race team to indicate training and races entered along with notes such as late, hurt, poor recovery, placements on races, molting status, and such.  This will help in your selections each week and you may need to miss a race one week with one and enter the next to give that particular bird a better chance for success.

Forecasting weather can help you with your feeding and also if shipping the trainers on a truck the night before you must be concerned about the next days forecast.  If in doubt don’t ship.  That’s my rule.  Think about how much time you’ve devoted to these birds and to have one bad toss ruin the season, it’s not worth it.  Race selection is the same if you feel the race will be bad then reduce the numbers of birds your shipping to the race.

A loft in harmony, you can hear the sounds when walking up to the loft, like the birds are singing to you.  Happiness abounds with cooing and actions all about.  All lofts in top conditions will show this.

Good luck.

Yours in the sport,

Greg McKnight
gregmcknight92804@msn.com

Helmut and Alfons Klaas

By Alex Bieche
bieche@biechelofts.com

During our yearly trip to Europe my wife Cindy and I visited the father and son partnership of Alfons and Helmut Klass, the 2007 2st Overall South African race winner. I believe at this point all the American flyers have heard and read how well the German flyers have done in this one loft race over the last few years. To say they dominated in the 2007 race would even be an understatement having recorded 14 out of the first 16 places.

Alfons Klass lives with his family at 208 Westerwieher Stratt 3397 Rietberg in a small town located in the northern part of German.  Collecting all the information for this article I was just informed that the partnership of Helmut and Alfons also bred the [2007] winner in the World Ace Challenge race.

This remarkable one loft race record is without equal having bred the winner of two of the biggest one-loft race winners in the world in the same year. I would also be fair to say that this will probably never happen again.

During our visit to their loft I also had the privilege of handling the parents of “Konstantin” the 2007 South African race winner. The picture I took while in Germany is included with this article. It shows father Helmut and Alfons holding the parents of “Konstantin” several months after our visit.  I had close contacts with Alfons collecting more and more information about his family of birds, adding more details to the article Alfon’s close friend Meinolf Korsmeier put together more information about the family including some results and then it was later translated by Anna Korsmeier.

From the beginning

When the twins Helmut and Heribert Klass were born on March 24, 1938 in Westerwiehe, no one could foresee what a stroke of luck for pigeon sports that would turn out to be. These two men and their offspring have formed the history of the RV Rietberg, a club with currently 90 members, to the present day.

Up until 1964 the twins formed a team together with their older brother Alfons. Since then – Helmut has moved into his own home – they trained pigeons on their own. In 1972 the 7 year old, also named Alfons, joined his father Helmut.

In the years following, the younger Alfons grew up to become his father’s equal partner and today he is the one who determines the modern outcome of the pigeon family. Everybody who is acquainted with Alfons knows that he is always search for even better pigeons!

The year 1987 can be seen as the starting point of their current success. Near Westerwiehe the fancier Rudi and Agnes Kohne, who live near Aachen, auctioned off some young pigeons. Helmut and Alfons liked these pigeons so much that they decided to buy quite a few. In 1988 Rudi was able to come up with 20 fantastic breeding pairs out of the acquired originals for Klass.

In those years Helmut and Alfons started up their own butcher’s business, so they did not have much time for traveling or racing. Offspring of the Kohne’s pigeons were successful especially on long distance races (more than 310 miles). The Kohne pigeon were now crossbred with Janssen pigeons from Kurt Weitkamp of Bunde.

The first foundation pair of SG Klass’ strain was 0507-88-196 with 0507-89-463, both came from eggs of Rudi Kohne. The 196 comes from a daughter of Rudi’s famous “Didi” and the 463 from his “Junge Balko”, both foundation birds were both top-class racers as well as top breeders.

One highlight of their success is the first place during the 11^th Sun City Million-Dollar Pigeon Race 2007 in South Africa. The winner “Konstantin” 0507-06-860 was named after son Konstantin. Competing against birds from all parts of the world, our bird won $200,000. “Konstantin” was later auctioned for $27,500.

Meanwhile this pair has produced numerous top-class pigeons. Even the grandchildren and great-grandchildren from this pair are excellent specimens. It shows that the results of the new generation are as good as the originals, possibly even better. The family as a whole is best on hot days and in the longer flights. When the endurance is crucial our families do the best winning a number of first prizes and medals.

Some examples:

A half-brother of Konstantin (same mother) 0507-00-16 has won numerous top-prizes and 1^st Konkurs. In 2004 he was a top pigeon of the RV Rietberg. One daughter (0507-06-806) won also the first price at the loft of the RV Delbruck-Hovelhof!

Grandchild 04770-91-33 has won at Johnannsmann’s loft, RV Rietberg in several years: 3^rd 1993, 2^nd 1994, 1^st 1996 and gold medal.

Son 0507-95-11’s final flight 1988; 1^st, final flight 1999 3^rd and gold medal.

Grandchild 0737-02-368 won at Norbert Sasse’s loft (RV Gutersolh and surroundings) 3 x 1^st with various top-prizes.

Great-granddaughter 0737-04-1435 was the first ACE-female 2006 at Norbert Sasse’s loft with 11 prizes in one season against thousands of birds each race; 1^st, 4^th, 5^th, 37^th,…… and 5^th on the final flight.

Grandchild 04182-149 won 1^st and a gold medal on the final flight in 1994 and 7^th on the final flight in the 1996 at Kneuoer’s loft (RV Rietberg).

Grandchild 03777-02-667 was the best pigeon of the RV at Rothland’s and Son’s loft (RV Gutersloh and surroundings) in 2005 with 13 prizes out of 13 races.

Grandchildren 3460-97-222/223 won a gold medal with the 3^rd and 6^th on the final flight Gien (648 km) at Winfried Lewe’s  loft (RV Verl) in 2000.

It seems like fate that on the same day one great-grandchild won 1^st at Dieter Adelmann’s loft (RV Masthlte) another great-grandchild of SG Peitzmeier-Hentze (RV Riethberg) won 1^st on the final flight from Gien (380 miles) in 20006.

Number 660 (daughter of the first mating pair) and 0507-03-994 from the new top breeding pair- they are the parents of the South Africa winner!!

Number 994 is from noble blood-his grandfather won 24 prizes including a 5^th on the final turn. This bird comes from a Janssen from Kurt Weitkamp and from the Belg. 932 of Jo Rotz, which also belongs to the “Didi” line of Rudi Kohne. The mother of 994 is from the Steenbeergen-pigeons (from Keribet Klaas) and has earned multiple top results. The mother’s brother was the best yearling of the RV and surrounding combines.

In 2001, two pigeons of the Belgian fanciers Kerkhofs-Peeters came to the attention of Helmut and Alfons during a local one loft race. Number Belg. 482 was 1^st in a race against 500 pigeons on a very hot day, close to 100 degrees, and clocked 10 minutes ahead of the 2^nd place bird. Belg. 481 from the same nest won the 1^st prize and a car at a race with two separate races.  During the following years Helmut and Alfons bought more pigeons from kerkhofs-Peeters. It turned out that the offspring of the initial pair were very successful.

The success in South Africa aroused Helmut and Alfon’s interest international races. They participated in a race in China, where a grandchild from the basic strain Kerkhofs-Peeters was the second best German pigeon and the 22^nd of more than 2000 birds and won 10,000 Euros.

“Another highlight was our 0507-07-345 victory at this year’s 2007 World Ace Challenge. This race is located in the United States, on the border of Oklahoma and Texas. 0507-07-345 won the 1^st Overall Average Speed on December 9, 2007. The winnings of $300,000 went to the new owner Michael Gotthard of the USA. The winning bird was later auctioned off on PIPA for $17,500.

Alfons will be at the 2014 AU Convention in Omaha.

Click here to read the October 2014 LAPC Bulletin

A grass fire destroyed the lofts of former NPA President John Heppner and John DeCarlo Jr.’s lofts.  It’s reported that Heppner was able to save some of his birds; unfortunately DeCarlo was not and suffered a total loss.

It’s reported that the fire started when a blow torch was being used to burn feathers off of the wire on the front of a loft.  DeCarlo was out of town judging a show and was not present when the fire started.

This is a fluid situation, check back for future updates.

Drew Lesofski

By Charlie Barbiere
adonis517@verizon.net

This article was first published June 30, 1980, Volume 35 – Number 1746 in the now defunct Racing Pigeon Bulletin and is considered by many to be one of the most in depth article ever published about Hank Vernazza. Charlie Barbiere is a world renowned pigeon auctioneer and over the past six decades can count among his many friends the world’s best fanciers, including the late Hank Vernazza.  I came across this article and asked Charlie if I could re-publish it for posterity sake and to introduce a new generation of fanciers to one of America’s best all time fanciers. 

Drew Lesofski

Hank Vernazza of California is a name which has become a household one among pigeon fanciers throughout the world. The Vernazza family of Janssen and Janssen crosses; in recent season have put fantastic record-breaking performances.

Our article starts many years ago, and is one which will continue for many, many years to come.

From the very beginning, Hank had a firm desire and determination to become one of America’s top fanciers. In no uncertain manner, he has exceeded this achievement, and each year he literally goes from strength to strength with his race results.

At the age of 11, Hank started with birds in the Oakland area. Because of limited space, his loft right from the beginning never housed many pigeon. In 1940, Hank married the apple of his eve, Malia, who enjoyed the pigeons. Coming from a very humble background, Hank had to work 12 hours a day and would spend time in the loft after work. In 1943 he went into service and served in Africa. After his discharge from the service in 1946, Hank resumed flying in the Oakland area. During the period that Hank was in service, his dad had kept the best of 6 pairs of pigeons of the Sion and Havenith strain. With only a hand full of pigeon and competing against 65 to 70 lofts in the club, Hank was always at or near the top in the races year after year.

In 1960 Hank and Malia along with their daughter, Linda, moved from Oakland to a beautiful new home in the countryside some 50 miles south. In 1962 Hank met a man who was on tour in America – this man being Piet Deweerd of Holland. Deweerd graded Hank’s birds and told him that there were better pigeons in Europe. Deweerd advised Hank to dispose of his birds and he (Deweerd), would form a family that would win from 100 to 600 miles. To recount the exploits of Deweerd, he was the one that mated the pair of Fabry’s “Heroine” to “Frank” to produce the cracks “Porthos”, “Favori”, etc. Deweerd had selected 3 pairs for a Mr. Maes and 5 months later a youngster had won 1^st National against 10,000 birds. It was Deweerd who put together the lofts of Van Tuyn, Oomens, Vandenbroucke, Kluth, etc. With this knowledge, Hank had full confidence in Deweerd’s selections.

In 1963, the 1^st group of Deweerd’s selections arrived in America. Deweerd hand selected 4 Janssens from the loft of Vander Flaes of Ravels, Belgium, who was flying stronger than the Janssen Brothers with their stock at that time.

These 4 birds were the Red Hen of ’59, Old Mealy of ’56, Check of ’59 and a blue cock of 1962. From 1963 to 1969, when she died at 10 years old, the “Red Hen” was the mother or grandmother of more than 200 winners. The prepotency to reproduce of this hen was incredible, as over 50 lofts have been founded on her blood. In 1963, Deweerd selected the “Jan Arden Hen”, (ref. E) for Hank to put the distance blood in the Janssens. In 1964, from the loft of Vandemeubroucke, the “Vieze” cock, (ref. G). Finally in 1966, after years of negotiation, Deweerd acquired the famous “Poot” cock from Vander Flaes. The Pot cock, (ref. B), was the original mate of the Red Hen in Belg. The dams of the Poot and the Red Hen were sisters, daughters of Janssen Brothers most famous pair, “Blauwe of ‘48” and the “Schone Lichte of ‘50”.

As reference, listed below are the birds which helped form the Vernazza family:

(A)  59 Belg. 6600560 – “Red Hen of ‘59”, the most famous of this family. Sire of the “Red Hen” was 53 Belg. 643627, winner of 80 prizes in Belgium, later owned by George Brown of California.

(B)  59 Belg. 6020917 black check cock – “Poot”, bred a national winner in Belg. Then four 1^st combines and three 1^st futurities, etc. in America. Mated to the “Red Hen”, their ancestors are winning down 8 generations.

(C)  66 MTZ 5475 Red Check – “12345 Cock”, won at all stations from 100 – 500 miles, hence the name. Bred from a son of the “Old Mealy of ‘56” when mated to the “Red Hen of ‘59”, ref. A. Dam of the “12345 Cock” was 60 Holland 1120326, ref. E. Deweerd rated this cock as one of the 5 best pigeons he had ever seen in his (Deweerd’s) life. Hank presented the “12345 Cock” to Deweerd as a gift.

(D)  62 Belg. 6046965 Blue Check Hen bred by Vander Flaes and a half-sister to the “Red Hen ‘59” as they had the same sire. This hen produced outstanding 400 mile youngsters and at times was mated to the “Skinny Cock”, ref. F.

(E)   60 Holland 1120326 Blue Check Hen, won 2n National at 600 miles. This hen was of the “Jan Aarden” strain which is Delbar, Devriendt and Bricoux. This hen was selected by Deweerd and purchased in 1963 for $1,000.

(F)   69 MTZ 7956 Red Check Cock – “Skinny”, direct son of the Poot and Red Hen. “Skinny” won 1^st Club and 1^st Combine 250 miles, 1^st 250 mile futurity, 4^th 400 miles young bird special as well as being the sire of eleven 1^st place winners. His full brother “Hank” is the back bone of Jim Calia’s loft and has sired eight 1^st place winners.

(G)  54 Belg. 4364279 Blue Cock – “Vieze Cock”, pure Stickelbaut selected by Deweerd and purchased by Hank for $1,200 at 10 years of age. Bred winners in every nest in Belg. And only fertilized 3 eggs for Hank, all are breeders, being 8610 and 8611, children of this cock and the “Red Hen”.

(H)  56 Belg. 6149585 – “Old Mealy of ‘56”, mated to the “Red Hen”, this pair was directly and indirectly responsible for over 100 – 1^st place wins. A son of this pair was an outstanding flyer and also the sire of the “12345 Cock”. Another son of this pair was the “Red Frill Cock”, who was an outstanding breeder.

(I)     71 SJ 199 Blue Cock – “Blue Fox”, sire of 18 – 1^st place winners and a grandson of the “Jonge Bourges of ‘66”, best bird all Belgium. Dam of 199 is the nest sister of the “Skinny Cock”, ref. F, bred direct from the “Poot” and “Red Hen of ‘59”.

(J)    71 WCI 653 Slate white flight hen – “Misty Magic”, dam of 16 – 1^st place winners and a daughter of 66 MTZ 5475, ref. C. Ref. I and J are the No. 1 pair today, as they produce outstanding flyers and breeders alike.

In 1970, Hank and Campbell Strange imported 8 birds direct from the Janssen Brothers. In this shipment was the Arendonk No. 1, which went to Mr. Strange and Hank picked out a blue hen 70 Belg. 6243245 which is really producing now.

It was like a dream come true, as accompanied by my friend Tom Fahmie, our plane landed at San Francisco Airport. Tom and I were met at the gate by Janssen specialist Pete Sparacino, who too us to the car where at last I met a man I have talked to over the phone for years, Hank Vernazza. I could hardly wait to see the birds and the lofts of these men and handle their champions. Tom Fahmie incidentally was the person who bred the famous “Stonewall Jackson”, which was flown by Lou Rossi, went with Pete Sparacino to Pete’s home. As I approached Hank’s home, I could feel my heart beating with anticipation to see this loft. I was introduced to Hank’s wife Malia, daughter Linda and Kathy, who all take an interest in the birds. Hank’s loft is located in the rear of his beautiful home. Everything is immaculate and the grounds are beautifully kept with flowers and roses along the walks. Hank’s loft is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide with a waist high landing board. Glass louvers of the open and closed design are used. The loft is divided into 3 sections with the emphasis on correct ventilation. Each of the 3 sections has the California stall traps installed for quick trapping on races. One section is for his 8 natural hens, cent section for his 25 young birds and the last section for 12 widowhood cocks. Hanks’s old bird team number 20: yes, only 20 birds. Perches and nest boxes are constructed in such a way that cleaning is easy and sanitation maintained. Cleanliness is considered very important and the loft is spotless. Another point of interest is the trapping system. No open door is used, rather a landing board and stall traps. There is no place where the birds can see into the loft, other than from the board, which allowed its entry, and this ensures no lost time. Waterers are one foot off the floor insures that no dust is gotten into them.

The average fancier can easily see how Hank’s attitude is simple one of modesty. He has never thought or acted big with regards to breeding and number of birds kept. He has never possessed any desire to hold numbers in excess of what he considers to be practical and manageable, where he knows all the birds, and knows that they will do the job asked.

Hank has a motto that is fly them hard and blood will tell. The total old birds race team in o more than 20, 12 cocks on widowhood and 8 natural hens. Among this number are several yearlings which are being slowly taught the widowhood system, then several 2 t o5 year olds. The old bird team raises one set of youngsters, and then the natural hens go on pot eggs. The widowhood cocks then sit fo 10 days and everything is cleared out to start the system. On races up to and including 300 miles the widow cocks are flown every week, and showed their hens before shipping. On the races 400, 500 and 600 miles the widow cocks see only the nest bowl and are shown the hens when they return. Each cock is fed in his own box and they defend it dearly against intruders. The widowhood cocks that are over 2 years old are flown 2 times a day. The yearlings are given two 25 mile tosses during the week. Difficult is never experienced in completing a full race schedule in old birds with his team of 20. However, again attribute to his modesty, Hank is content to perform in one club only.

Throughout the year a constant health program is adhered to with the droppings being analyzed every month. Pairing up usually takes place in February but there is no stet date. He studies and puts to consideration absolutely everything about a pigeon from head to toe. All 25 young birds are tested on the road as its fly or die. His young birds fly only 6 races, 4 of these are club races and then its tow 400 miles specials. Bear in mind that many of these young birds will fly two 400 miles races in 7 days!! The birds are fed a good commercial mix with corn, barely and safflower seed added according to their needs. Today’s family of birds is felt to be better and, stronger than it has ever been, and the achievement seems to well justify this opinion, see race results.

As Hank opened the door to the 8 natural hens and their mates section, I could see the love these birds had for the master. In many lofts, the birds would shy away but as we entered the section the birds came to greet us, totally unconcerned about the stranger in the loft. A beautiful blue hen caught my attention and I asked Hank to hand her to hem. He looked at me and smiled and put this hen in my hands. I have handled many top birds in many lofts but have never handled a bird like this. This hen was the star of the loft worth her weight in gold. This hen was 76 MTZ 180, who was bred from a son of 199 x 653 mated to a granddaughter of the “Poot” and “Red Hen of 59”. In 1977, 180 was 11^th at the 600 and now Hank has put her to stock.

The next bird I handled was a Blue hen 76 MTZ 168. This hen was a real gem and bred directly from 199 x 653. 168 have proven herself on the road and like 180 is now at stock. Another star of the loft is 75 MTZ 237 Red Check cock, bred from the Janssen Brothers. This year, “37” won in 1979, “Club hall of Fame” which included 1^st at 250 miles, 1^st at 300 miles, 1^st at 500 miles and 5^th at 600 miles. A full sister to “37”, 76 HAY 0402 Mealy hen has won 3^rd club and 12^th combine at 600 miles and this hen has always been there with 168, 180 but wouldn’t drop. Another outstanding flyer was 76 MTZ 167 who is a granddaughter of 69 MTZ 7956, ref F and was lost this year at 600 miles. A hen that I like very much was 78 HAY 340, who is bred from a son of  the Jan Arden Hen, ref. E, when mated to a daughter of “Skinny”, ref. F, 340 flew 400 miles two times as a Y.B. and in 1979 was 2^nd at 400 miles. A fine blue hen 78 HAY 351, a granddaughter of the “Poot” and 79 Belg. 6243245 was 6^th  at 400 miles in the Green Band Special and in 1979 was 1^st club, 1^st combine at 400 miles. In the widowhood section of the loft which hoses 12 cocks I was impressed by 76 HAY 0414 loaded with “Poot” and “red Hen” blood. 0414 has always been in the clock at 500 and 600 miles, having flown these stations 3 times each and winning three 2^nd place positions!! Another cock which has flown well is 76 SJ 193 blue who has flown 3 x 500, 3 x 600 and won 2 diplomas at 600 miles. A bird that will shine in 1980 is 78 MTZ 4179 who is bred from a brother of “167” mated to the ace hen 76 MTZ 180. 78 MTZ 4179 was a late hatch and in 1979 won 3^rd club and 3^rd combine at 400 miles. Many of the birds that Hank handed me had violet eyes and would make the eyesign man go nuts. When I asked him about this, he just smiled and said, “It’s part of this family,” I could not believe the total quality in his loft being fit right into the hand, they have strong necks, sturdy frames and lustrous plumage. Many fanciers have several birds in their lofts that meet the above, but Hank has a loft full!!

That night Hank made reservations at a fine steak house and Tom Fahmie and I had the pleasure of meeting John Bellandi, Don McKinney, Lloyd Guideon, Pete Sparacino, Brad LaVerne, Tony Esposito, Al Hall, Dwyer, etc. These men made Tom and I feel right at home and I was impressed by the respect that all these flyers hand for Hank. For five hours we really had a great time and it was after 12:00 PM when Hank brought me back to my motel room.

The next morning was Palm Sunday and the day of the Vernazza auction sale of 20 youngsters. Since the club that Hank flies needed training facilities, he donated 20 1980 youngsters for the purpose of purchasing a truck for the Martinez Club. It was 7:00 AM when Hank picked me up at the motel and we were joined for breakfast by Tom Fahmie and Pete Sparacino. After breakfast it was to the lofts of Hank and Pete to handle their fine studs of birds. As noon approached, we started for the MTZ Club and we had beautiful weather for a sale. When we arrived at the MTZ clubhouse, the parking lot was full of a car which was a good sign. As I entered the MTZ Club I was greeted warmly by many fanciers I had met the night before. I was very impressed by the beautiful, freshly painted clubhouse which was crammed with fanciers. A buffet was setup as well as an open bar and I have never met such as fine group of people who went out of their way to make Tom Fahmie and I feel at home. The fanciers in the MTZ Club are a fine proud group who know how to make people feel welcome.

The 20 young birds bred by Hank Vernazza were put in cages for display, but due to age, which was 27 to 30 days old, the young were not to be handled. Now please read again, that the prospective buyers were not allowed to handle the birds, so you had to bid on bloodlines and performances. The first bird put up for auction was a beautiful blue bred from 168 mated to her full brother. This bird was sold for $400 and I knew in my heart that this auction would break all records. The highest priced bird of the sale as a beautiful blue white flight bred from 76 MTZ 180 mated to a son of 76 MTZ 167. This 28 day old youngster was purchased by Mr. Harry Shiplolt of Canada for a record $510.00!! What has to be a U.S. record sale was the total of $6,547 or an average of $327.00 each for the 20 Vernazza young birds. What a great tribute to Hank’s stock and also this fine man that fanciers supported this auction. Tom Fahmie came a long way from New Jersey and was not to go home empty handed as he purchased 2 youngsters. It was a sale that I will never forget; not only for the record price, but also for the way the MTZ fanciers treated the out-of-state buyers with courtesy and hospitality.

After the auction sale, Jim Calia invited Tom Fahmie, Pete Sparacino, and I over to his home to look at his birds. Jim Calia is well known for his Janssens and supported the auction by purchasing 4 birds. We arrived at Jim’s jome in Concord and were greeted by Jim who immediately took us into his loft. Jim’s birds were in fine shape and we had the pleasure for a few hours to handle all of Jim’s aces such as Meadowlane, Tuffy, Pure Gold, OG, Red Ball Express, Blue Lady, Pinky etc. Jim, too bad that Y.B. bird from “Pinky” was banded for an out-of-state flyer as I would have taken him home then. After we left Jim’s loft, we spent the rest of the day at the Sparacino Loft. Tom and I had the pleasure to handle Arendonk No. 1, Arendonk No. 2, sire of “Classic Queen”, Jonge Blawe Van Lier, etc. Again the loft quality was excellent and affine group of birds.

Later I was picked up by Hank for dinner at his home; I had a delicious meal prepared by Hank’s lovely wife Malia. After dinner, I had the pleasure to sit and talk pigeons with Hank for 5 hours. What a thrill to see the ring cards of all the original imports and literature of Deweerd.

Flying with the Martinez Homing Pigeon Club (MTZ) against 30+ lofts and the Bay Cities Combine with 225+ lofts, I would like to list Hank’s results in 1978 and 1979. As an added note, from 1962 until 1972, Hank Vernazza was the best young bird flyer in the Bay Cities Combine!! In young birds you are allowed to ship 15 to a race and in old birds, it is a 10 bird limit. Many times Hank only ships 4 to 6 birds to a race, as its quality not quality. Here are his results with a 10 bird limit:

1978 Old Birds

200 miles – 3^rd, 4^th club, 8^th, 9^th combine
250 miles – 14^th club, 48^th combine
300 miles – 13^th club, 29^th combine
300 miles – 2^nd club, 9^th combine
500 miles – 2^nd club, 3^rd, 18^th, 24^th combine – only 4 day birds
400 miles – 7^th, 9^th, club, 11^th, 14^th, 33^rd combine
250 miles – 2^nd, 3^rd, 5^th club, 11^th, 20^th combine
400 miles – 1^st club, 5^th combine
600 miles – 1^st, 4^th, 8^th, 9^th club, 2^nd, 9^th, 15^th, 16^th, combine with only 24 day birds in entire combine!!
500 miles San Jose Open Race – 5 birds limit he won 1^st and 3^rd
500 miles Fitzgerald Memorial – 3 bird limit he won 1^st and 5^th
600 miles NAPA Open – 2 bird limit he won 1^st and 2^nd with above results he won 1^st club average sped and 1^st average speed Bay Cities Combine. 76 MTZ 167 Blue Hen – only bird in 2 comb. (Bay Cities & Sa Jose) to fly 500 & 600 miles day of toss.

1979 Old Birds

With a team of 12 widowhood cocks and 8 natural hens:

200 miles – 4^th, 5^th club, 17^th and 18^th combine
200 miles – 26^th
500 miles – 1^st, 11^th, 15^th, 22^nd club, 9^th combine
400 miles – 1^st, 2^nd, 18^th, 21^st club, 1^st and 5^th combine
250 miles – 7^th and 20^th
400 miles – 3^rd, 11^th club, 3^rd and 47^th combine
6oo miles – 3^rd, 5^th, 11^th, 19^th, 21^st club, 12^th, 18^th, 40^th combine with 27 day birds in the combine, he entered 7 in this race.

In all races over 300 miles, this loft was not lower than 3^rd position. Flying 8 races with the MTZ Club, the Vernazza loft won Champion Loft based on points and also champion bird, MTZ 37. In order to qualify a bird must win 3 diplomas in a series. This cock won 4^th – 200, 1^st at 500 miles and 5^th at 600 miles, all on the day of toss!!

In the 400 mile Green Band Race for young birds, with a 5 bird limit, this loft has won 14 out of 20 prizes. Over 50 lofts in California have been founded on Vernazza blood.

We have seen the race results but the part htat is most important is the man. To put together this article it took me 3 years to gather information as Hank was too modest to give me the information. With all his wins, I never did see a trophy displayed in his home. He has donated birds to auction sales and when a new flyer started, Hank gave him the “Skinny Cock”!! he has given Chick Brook and Brad LaVerne the last 2 producing sons of the “Poot” and “Red Hen”, so that their young will be available throughout America. He has given many of his crack birds to Meadowland Loft, Jim Calia, Al Hall, Tony Esposito, C. Forno, etc. Everyone who I spoke to, holds Hank in the highest regard. The following is what Hank has stated to me.

“I fly pigeons for fun and good company of my friends. I am not a professional and have no desire to sell pigeons; I hope that I have given away more good pigeons to friends than anyone who ever flew in this area. This is my greatest achievement in the sport which has been such an important part of my life”.

Throughout the racing pigeon sport, the name of Hank Vernazza is spoken with respect and high esteem. He has carved his name in racing pigeon history, for good reason, he is one of the best and without any hesitation has one of the finest lofts of birds I have seen.

To Hank, Malia, Linda, and Kathy Vernazza thank you for your hospitality and may God Bless you always with health and happiness.

Marty Ladin Closeout Auction

Sunday, October 19, 2014
Viewing 12:00 PM
Auction 1:30 PM

Location: FVC Clubhouse
9008 N. Laurel Canyon Blvd., Sun Valley 91352

For further information on birds or phone bids contact David Zarlenga
at (818)269-5692 or
dkzarlenga@juno.com

Marty Ladin needs no introduction. For decades he was a threat on race day. A fierce competitor that flew his final race the day before he passed away, in Marty Ladin’s racing program, a fancy pedigree was not enough. A bird only earned its perch through test, performance and results. Any birds that were in his stock loft flew their way there, or were methodically selected and purchased by him. Along with his own Janssen blood that literally goes back decades, he had some of the best blood from other top lofts as well. The following list is for his closeout auction.

You only get a shot at pigeons like this at a total dispersal sale. This sale has something for every pigeon fancier. It features futurity winners, one-loft race winners, club winners, parents, brothers, sisters, and offspring of race winners, and birds from his 2014 old bird team.

1.) 11 FVC 4327 Blue Bar Wfl. Hen A steady bird off the race team. Sire is down from Claude Rothgeisser. Dam is bred by Larry Felt.

2.) 11 Senator 11070 Blue Bar Hen A nice hen bred by Larry Felt. Purchased by Marty at auction, this pigeon is full sister to 350 mile winner in 2012. Excellent Janssen blood throughout this pedigree.

3.) 10 FVC 36 Blue Check Cock This cock has been solid in Marty’s breeding program. Great grandfather is Vic Miller’s 1995 Snowbird 2nd place 95 IHC 1982 B.B. Wfl. C. winner of over $25,000.

4.) 11 FVC 459 Blue Bar Wfl. Hen Sire is bred from Mike Ganus birds. Dam is full sister to 2006 San Diego Classic winner. Full brother to dam is sire to Fast Eddie’s Late Hatch Classic winner 2013. Different full brother to dam bred 250 mile FVC winner 2014 Old Birds. Grandsire is Meuleman bred by David Zarlenga and was one of only 5 birds clocked in San Fernando Valley at 600 miles on very hot day.

5.) 12 FVC 1911 Blue Bar Cock Purchased at Rusty Williams auction. His sire is a son of “Ronker”, the all-time best breeder from “Hofkens Best” and he is linebred to Hofkens’s Best. His Dam is linebred “Rocket”. In first year in stock loft he bred three time y.b. print bird 13 FVC 799 B.C.H., 8th @200 miles and 3rd @250 miles and also available in this auction.

6.) 10 FVC 24 Blue Bar Hen She is direct daughter off of Eddie Spetz’s 460 and was 20th San Diego Classic @300 miles. Full brother was 1st average speed prize winner in 2011 FVC Snowbird multi-loft race, another brother was 3rd FVC @500 miles, full sister was 13th San Diego Classic.

7.) 09 OCF 90053 Blue Bar Hen Purchased at Tim Brandon auction. Flew City of Hope race finishing in the money. Sire is down from Clausing’s 410 Cock, King David, Anna Marie, and South African winner Never Say Die. Her dam is down from Radio USA and De Keizer. In 2014 her first year breeding for Marty, she bred 3rd place @200 miles 2014 O.B. when paired to Spetz’s 460.

8.) 13 FVC 555 Blue Check Hen Purchased at Rusty Williams auction 1/12/2014. This bird was 13th @125, miles, 45th @150 miles. 10th @200 miles and a money winner in FVC Futurity. Linebred to his National Ace Hen, the mother is down from “Hofkens Best” and the Las Vegas Classic winner. Grandfather is sire to 2008 Snowbird Classic winner.

9.) 14 FVC 638 Blue Bar Hen This young bird is the full sister to 12 FVC 2219 eq. 1ST place in Fast Eddies Late Hatch Classic in a tough race with only 18% of birds returning on day 2/17/2013. Dam is half-sister to Triple Crown Classic 1st place “Lady Zenyatta” winner of $46,000. Great grandmother on BOTH sides was 02 FVC 403 from Ladin’s foundation Janssen blood that literally goes back decades. 403 was dam to 2006 San Diego Classic 1st place and other big money winners.

10.) 13 SPETZ 1361 Blue Bar Cock Bred by Eddie Spetz and entered in partnership with Marty in Texas Shootout.

11.) 09 FVC 680 Blue Bar Hen This is a super flying hen. She has a 2nd @300 miles, 3rd @250 miles, 8th @275 miles and 10th @300 miles among other prints. Dam has Ganus blood on her side.

12.) 12 CU O&L 1103 Blue Bar Hen Janssen/Heremans Bred by Oscar and Linda Devries. Winner of 3x’s 1st or eq 1st. Sire good all-around bird 100-500 miles and super breeder. Dam is daughter of Euro, winner of 1st 2,687 b, 1st 2,516 b, 2nd 4,924 b.

13.) 07 FVC 2714 Blue Check Cock He is a two time FVC club winner. Sire is superior flyer and breeder 04 Lone Star 941 B.B.Wfl. Cock bred by C.L.Gage. Dam is 00 Code 296 B.C. an excellent dual purpose hen. 2714 has been a staple in Marty’s loft for years, flying well and breeding several quality pigeons.

14.) 13 FVC 746 Blue Bar Cock 2nd @200 miles. Sire is bred by Stephens brothers. Dam is ½ sister to Triple Crown Champion and winner of $46,000, “Lady Zenyatta”. This was a super mating for Marty with four off pair in top 10% of their races in 2013.

15.) 08 ARPU 53882 Blue Bar Hen. Solid flying hen with several prints. Grandmother is Ladin foundation Janssen hen 403. Good blood here.

16.) 09 FVC 575 Blue Bar Wfl. Hen This is a special hen with an excellent flying record and outstanding breeding behind her. 575 was 2nd FVC @150 miles, 3rd @300 miles, 4TH @350 miles, 2nd @550 miles among several other top 10% performances. She is direct daughter of Eddie Spetz’s prolific breeding male 460, as well as a granddaughter to Vic Miller’s 1995 Snowbird 2nd place 95 IHC 1982 B.B. Wfl. C. winner of over $25,000.

17.) 12 FVC 5954 Blue Check Hen Bred by Bruno Lascurain. A dependable hen off of the race team and a Calcutta favorite of Marty’s. Her results include 9th @275, 4th @125 and 5th @300 miles among other prints. A steady performer.

18.) 08 FVC 1255 Blue Bar Wfl. Cock 3rd @300 miles, and 2nd @550 miles. A half-brother bred Fast Eddie’s Late Hatch Classic winner 2012. Sire is Meuleman bred by David Zarlenga and one of only 5 birds clocked in San Fernando Valley at 600 miles on very hot day. Grandmother was Chris Peeman’s super FVC Premier average speed winner “The Diva.”

19.) 11 FVC 468 Blue Bar Hen 468 is a steady flying hen and had several prints including 6^TH @150 miles, 7th @300 miles and raced well despite missing her 9th flight on one side. Grandsire is Eddie Spetz’s 00 VIP 0022 B.B.C. 1st place 2000 FHC Winter Classic winner of $22,000. Grandmother is Dam to 2010 Triple Crown Classic Winner “Lady Zenyatta” winner of $46,000.

20.) 13 FVC 755 B.B.Hen 3rd @150 miles as y.b., 3rd @200 miles as yearling. She is direct daughter of Eddie Spetz’s prolific breeding male 460 when paired to Tim Brandon’s 90053 also in this auction. Her ½ brother was first average speed prize winner 2011 Snowbird multi-loft race.

21.) 10 SA 45 Blue Check Hen Many clockings for this hen, including 2nd @475 miles 5/25/13. Unable to locate where she came from, but she flew well for Marty.

22.) 07 FVC 2703 Blue Bar Wfl. Cock Bred FVC winner @275 miles in old birds 2014. Full sister was 2006 San Diego Classic winner. Full brother is sire to Fast Eddie’s Late Hatch Classic winner 12 FVC 2219 Blue Bar Sp. H. Half-brother was 3rd @300 miles, 2nd @550 miles. Sire to 2703 is Meuleman bred by David Zarlenga and was one of only 5 birds clocked in San Fernando Valley at 600 miles on very hot day. Dam is Ladin foundation Janssen hen 403.

23.) 13 FVC 706 Blue Check Hen This outstanding flying hen was the 4th overall high point bird for young bird season in FVC for 2013. The sire to this hen is a super breeding and flying male bred by Vic Miller.

24.) 08 DEV 7504 Blue Check Hen 7504 was 8th in Snowbird 300 mile race and was 3rd place @350 mile Snowbird race. Purchased by Marty at Rusty Williams’s auction, this is a nice handling hen with good spirit and a solid flying record and best of Rusty’s birds in bloodline. Youngsters were placed in Texas Shootout and Snowbird race this year.

25.) 08 SPETZ 868 Blue Bar Cock Purchased at auction, this male has all of the winning Janssen/Meuleman blood that has done so well for Fast Eddie over the years. Grandfather and Grandmother on Dams side bred $22,000 winner in F.H.C. Winter Classic 2000.

26.) 11 CU O&L 11615 Blue Bar Hen Janssen Bred by Oscar and Linda Devries. Sire is son of super hen Anna, winner of 1st against 2479 b., 1st against 3834 b., 1st against 3834 b. Dam is inbred super Janssen lines, the ‘Love Pair”, greats like Loverman, Loverboy, Gameboy.

27.) 13 FVC 726 Blue Check Cock This young male is off the race team and has flown well with several prints. Grandsire is two time FVC club winner 07 FVC 2714. Dam is ½ sister to Triple Crown Champion “Lady Zenyatta” winner of $46,000. Grandsire was super flyer and breeder Devriendt/Stichelbout cross from C.L. Gage.

28.) 12 CU Duhra 242 Blue Bar Cock Sablon Purchased at Bob Duhra auction. Sire is a direct son of “Lucky 848” of De Rauw Sablon. His full sister was 4th champion bird for Duhra in 2012. Marty admired the strength of this bird.

29.) 13 JEDDS 35871 Blue Bar Wfl. Hen Sire is full brother to 2006 San Diego Classic winner. Janssen/Meuleman. Sire also bred 250 mile FVC winner in 2014 Old Birds. Dam bred by Larry Felt.

30.) 09 FVC 531 Blue Bar Hen Janssen/Miller Dam to Fast Eddie’s 2013 Late Hatch Classic equal first place winner of a tough 300 mile race when only 18% released returned on the day. 531 is also half-sister to 2010 Triple Crown Classic champion bird “Lady Zenyatta” winner of $46,000. She is a quality breeding hen.

31.) 13 FVC 799 Blue Check Hen Sire to this hen was purchased at Rusty Williams auction. Dam is from Hapyco lofts. As a young bird, 799 had 3 top 10% showings with an 8th @200 miles and 3^rd @250 miles.

32.) 10 OCF 10699 Blue Bar Cock Bred by Tim Brandon and down from the Outlaw family. His sire is the Black Bandit, Champion bird ’09 O.B. and sire of 2010 e1st California Classic winner. His dam is sister to 600 mile winner. This strong male has a great genetic package.

33.) 09 FVC 7750 Blue Bar Hen Sire is 06 VCM 298 B.B.C. purchased directly from Vic Miller. Dam is a two-time FVC winner bred by Steve Belanger. 7750 has a superb flying record clocking at all distances with 5th @275 miles, 5th @500 miles, 7th @125 miles and 9th @400 miles.

34.) 13 FVCF 479 Blue Check Hen Bred by Gene Tenbrink. This is the 1st place winner of 2013 FVC Futurity @350 miles. In an impressive racing performance with plenty to spare, this hen handled better when she got home from Futurity race than she did when she went into the basket. Gene’s pigeons have done very well in money races throughout the U.S.

35.) 04 VIP 460 Blue Bar Cock Janssen/ Meuleman Bred by Eddie Spetz. Full brother is 02 VIP 0022 B.B.C. winner of $22,000 in the 2000 Foothill Concourse Winter Classic. 460 is an older bird, but a super one that filled all of his eggs in 2014. He is special in the stock loft. 460 is sire to lots #6, #16, #20, #44 and #53. 460 has also bred prize winners in the San Diego Classic, and several other top birds for Marty.

36.) 11 GHC 19573 Dark Check Wfl. Hen Bred by Art Hees. Sire was money winner in futurity and won a 300 mile race. Dam was 1st @100 miles, 12th @125 miles, 11th @ 255 miles. The Hees birds are getting hard to find now.

37.) 12 FVC 2212 Blue Check Cock A one loft race entry. 2212 is son of Ladin foundation hen 403. Sire side has best of Vic Miller blood.

38.) 09 FVC 572 Blue Bar Splash Hen 572 is half-sister to 2010 San Diego Triple Crown Champion “Lady Zenyatta” winner of $46,000. 572 has 7th @400 miles and 5th @300 miles among other prints. In her first year in stock loft, she bred 4 fine youngsters that all printed in top 10% in FVC. Grandsire to 572 is 06 VCM 298 B.B. cock, down from best of Vic Miller and also included in this auction.

39.) 13 FVC 748 B.C.Hen Sire is two time FVC club winner 07 FVC 2714. Dam is off Spetz’s 460 and was 13th San Diego Classic. Dam brother to 2011 Snowbird Average Speed 1st prize winner.

40.) 12 MCLOFTS 3775 Blue Bar Cock 3775 was equal 1st and 1st A race World Ace Challenge 250 miles. Sablon Engels X Van Reet. Marty purchased this bird directly from Frank McLaughlin lofts. In his first year in the stock loft he bred some nice youngsters and an entry in John Timmerman’s California Classic.

41.) 13 FVC 756 Blue Check Hen This young hen has flown well with several prints. Grandfather is two time FVC winner. Mother is ½ sister to Triple Crown Champion bird “Lady Zenyatta” winner of $46,000.

42.) 10 FVC 5212 Blue Check Hen Sire is two time FVC club winner 07 FVC 2714 B.C. also included in this auction. Dam was a super distance hen bred by Code 3 loft. Full brother was 6th in San Diego Holiday Cup race.

43.) 12 FVC 1118 B.B. Hen Sire purchased directly from Vic Miller. Best Miller blood is in this pedigree. This hen is ½ sister to 1st average speed prize winner in 2011 multi loft Snowbird race.

44.) 11 FVC 4318 Blue Bar Cock Flown by Saul Landa, 4318 was 1st average speed prize winner in 2011 FVC Snowbird multi-loft 3 race series. He is a direct son of Eddie Spetz’s prolific breeding male 460. This blood did extremely well over the years for Marty. 4318’s uncle is 2000 F.H.C. 22, Winter Classic 1st place winner of $22,000.

45.) 08 ARPU 53822 Blue Bar Wfl Cock This is the sire to Fast Eddie’s Late Hatch Classic eq. 1^st winner 12 FVC 2219 B.B.Wfl Hen. Sire is Meuleman bred by David Zarlenga and one of only 5 birds clocked in San Fernando Valley at 600 miles on very hot day. Dam is Ladin foundation Janssen hen 403. Full sister to this cock won 2006 San Diego Classic 300 mile race.

46.) 06 VCM 298 Blue Bar Cock Purchased directly from Vic Miller. Best Miller blood is in this pedigree. Grandmother is sister to Vic Miller’s 1995 Snowbird 2nd place 95 IHC 1982 Blue Bar Wfl. Cock winner of over $25,000. 298 is sire to many excellent pigeons including 08 FVC 1293 B.B.H. 3rd @150 miles, 2nd @200 miles, 2nd @275 miles, 3rd @300 miles. His offspring have also bred well. Son bred 2011 FVC Futurity winner 11 ACE 5 Blue Bar Splash Hen, also included in this auction.

47.) 11 FVC 4700 Blue Check Hen Many top 10% races for this bird. She was Marty’s favorite Calcutta pigeon and has been a very dependable hen. Dam is two time FVC winner Bred by Steve Belanger. Sire is down from Mike Ganus pigeons.

48.) 10 FVC 44 Blue Check Cock Sire is two time FVC club winner 07 FVC 2714. Dam was a super distance hen bred by Code 3 loft. This strong male was 6th place San Diego Holiday Cup 300 mile race and has been a consistent breeder.

49.) 12 FVC 2219 Blue Bar Wfl Hen 1ST place in Fast Eddies Late Hatch Classic in a tough race with only 18% of birds returning on day 2/17/2013. Dam is half-sister to Triple Crown Classic Champion “Lady Zenyatta” 1st place winner of $46,000. Great grandmother on BOTH sides was 02 FVC 403 from Ladin’s foundation Janssen blood that literally goes back decades. 403 was dam to 2006 San Diego Classic 1st place and other big money winners. She was gold in the stock loft and her impact is still being felt today.

50.) 13 FVC 787 Blue Check Hen Sire is two time FVC club winner 07 FVC 2714. Dam is off Spetz’s 460 and was 13th San Diego Classic.

51.) 11 FVC 4304 Blue Check Hen 4304 is half-sister to $46,000 Triple Crown Classic winner “Lady Zenyatta”. 4304 is also half-sister to Fast Eddie’s Late Hatch Classic eq 1st winner in 2013. Dam is also is also a half-sister to San Diego Triple Crown Classic Champion bird “Lady Zenyatta”. Marty’s most successful Janssen blood is here.

52.) 10 FVC 20 Blue Check Hen “Lady Zenyatta” Well, here she is. The $46,000 1st place winner of the 2010 San Diego Triple Crown Classic. If you are not familiar with the Triple Crown, it is a grueling points-based one loft race where the birds fly three races in one week through the desert (100, 200, and 300 miles). Only the absolute best are there at the end. On a tough day, she arrived first to the loft from the final 300 mile race just before dark set in to take the win. Marty’s best Janssen blood is in this hen. In 1990, the great grandfather to Lady Zenyatta won $40,000 as the 1990 Triple Crown Classic Champion. After more than 20 years, this blood still has a serious impact in the sport.

53.) 10 FVC 47 Blue Bar Cock This is another one off of Eddie Spetz’s 460. 47 was 6th @200 miles, 8th @500 miles and also 3rd @500 miles as well as other solid print performances. Full brother was 1st average speed prize winner Snowbird Classic. Excellent distance blood here. Meuleman/Janssen.

54.) 12 FVC Futurity 225 B.B. Hen This well-built hen was a futurity entry bred by Bill Ensign of Las Vegas. She was also a Calcutta favorite of Marty’s.

55.) 10 FVC 6302 Blue Bar Cock Bred by Stephen brothers, 6302 racing highlights include 5^th @200 miles, 13th @250 miles and 8th @400 miles as well as other top 10% prints. In an excellent first year in the stock loft, he bred 4 fine youngsters that all printed in top 10% in FVC.

56.) 08 FVC 1253 Blue Check Hen 11th in California Classic race. Sire to this hen is full brother to San Diego Classic winner in 2006. Brother to sire bred eq 1st Fast Eddie’s Late Hatch Classic 2013. Janssen/Meuleman.

57.) 12 FVC 1139 Blue Bar Cock Prize winner in tough 2012 A.U. race. He is ½ brother to Triple Crown Classic champion “Lady Zenyatta” winner of $46,000. Excellent muscle on this bird Janssen.

58.) 11 ACE 0005 Blue Bar Splash Hen The winner of 2011 FVC Futurity. Vic Miller’s best blood is in this hen. She was 10th @200 miles, 6th @350 miles, 5th @150 miles and 5th @150 miles among other top 10% performances. She was a favorite of Marty’s. Grandfather was purchased directly from Vic Miller. Dam is daughter to Vic Miller’s 1995 Snowbird 2nd place 95 IHC 1982 B.B. Wfl. C. winner of over $25,000. The best Snowbird blood there ever was is right here, and it is still potent.

59.) 13 FVC 703 Blue Bar Wfl. Hen This hen has several top 10% performances. Dam is ½ sister to Triple Crown Champion “Lady Zenyatta”, Sire is 10 FVC 6302 Bred by Stephens brothers.

60.) 12 FVC 1168 Blue Check Hen Both parents to this hen are winners. Sire is two-time FVC winner 07 FVC 2714 Blue Check Cock. Dam is Triple Crown Champion bird “Lady Zenyatta” winner of $46,000.

61.) 12 CU O&L 1111 Blue Bar Hen Heremans/Janssen Purchased at Devries auction. Outstanding flying performance and pedigree on this pigeon. Winner of 6x1st or equal 1st combine as a young bird and yearling. Her nest mate brother has won 5x1st or equal 1st as well. Bred from some of the absolute best blood Oscar and Linda Devries have. This powerful hen is exceptional on the nest and will be a great addition to any stock program.

62.) 08 FVC 1293 Blue Bar Hen This is an outstanding pigeon. 1293 was 5th @125 miles, 11^th @150 miles, 3rd @150 miles, 2nd @200 miles, 2nd @275 miles, 3rd @300 miles, and 14 @500 miles. Sire is 06 VCM 298 B.B.C. purchased directly from Vic Miller and also in this auction. All of the best Miller blood is in this hen. Dam is 02 FVC 403, Ladin’s foundation Janssen hen. 1293 is also a half-sister to 2006 San Diego Classic winner 1599 B.B.Wfl H. A full brother to 1293 bred 2011 FVC Futurity winner. You only get a shot at a bird like this at a final closeout sale.

63.) 12 FVC 2221 Blue Bar Cock This is direct son of 2010 Triple Crown Classic Champion “Lady Zenyatta” when mated to two time FVC club winner 07 FVC 2714.

64.) 13 FVC 713 Blue Bar Cock Dam is half-sister to “Lady Zenyatta”. 713 flew well as young bird with high prints at Tulare and Fresno then was stocked. This young male is excellent on the nest.

65.) 11 CU O+L 11619 Blue Bar Hen This hen was purchased at Oscar Devries auction. Bred print bird at Tulare 2013 y.b. Two good looking youngsters were entered in one loft races this year. Impressive Janssen blood throughout her pedigree.

66.) 13 FVC 733 Blue Bar Cock 8th @250 miles as young bird. Sire is 10 OCF 10699 Blue Bar Cock Bred by Tim Brandon and down from the Outlaw family. Grand sire is the Black Bandit, Champion bird ’09 O.B. and sire of 2010 e1st California Classic winner.

67.) 12 MCLOFTS 4542 Blue Bar Cock Inbred Sablon & 1st Nat Patron. Sire is bred from a super breeding Sablon cock. Dam is bred from a full sister to 1st National Ace Long Distance of All Belgium Patron. From Frank McLaughlin lofts.

68.) 13 FVC 705 Dark Check Hen Full sister to fourth overall high point bird for young bird season in FVC for 2013, Lot #23. The sire to this hen is a super breeding and flying male bred by Vic Miller. Dam was Janssen bred by O+L Devries.

69.) 11 FVC 491 Blue Check Cock Grandsire is two time FVC club winner 07 FVC 2714. Full brother to dam was 1st average speed prize winner in 2011 FVC Snowbird multi-loft race.

70.) 12 CU CAL 1301 Blue Bar Cock Sablon purchased at Bob Durha auction. Brother to four different winners. Hard to get “Bak 10” blood.

One of America’s Premier Family of Vandenabeele’s will be offered by Mr. David Trunnell. Don’t miss this Auction, register today if you have not registered on Pigeonauctions.com. This auction of top class pigeon’s from the very best of M & D Evans will offer some very very special birds. One of those birds will be the “PERFECT COCK“, a super breeding son of “SHADOW” who filled every egg for over 16 years. The dam of the “PERFECT COCK“, “BLUE ACE” was a car winner and winner of $35,000 in the Europa Classic scoring 1st Ace Bird and Loft Champion in the six Race Series. Many other Top class pigeons will also be in this Auction. More Details coming soon!

1. The Perfect Cock, supreme son of Shadow, “We believe Shadow is the best breeding cock to ever leave Gaby’s loft!” – Mark Evans The Perfect Cock was bred polygamously this year to only the Ugly Bastard, his best granddaughter 142, and the Emerald Hen. 32 eggs, ALL filled! Agile, tough, full of vitality – he’s just incredible physically – as he is genetically! And so smart.

2. The incredible, beautiful Ugly Bastard. Known across the U.S. for her outstanding breeding of racers and breeders, her breeding quality is matched only by her pedigree: Golden Gaby (featured below here), and Carrie (“…responsible for over 1,500 winners through 7 generations now”). As Mark Evans says, “The Ugly Bastard just plops out the eggs!” You might as well keep her mated 9 months of year as she loves to mate and lay – the closest thing to a polygamous hen you can find!

3. A second child of Golden Gaby (Please see his picture above.)

4. A child of Pre-Olympic, “One of the best Dutch racers in the last decade!”), and “…now SUPER BREEDER!”

5. A child of Davina, “Superstar breeder!”

6. Double son of Shadow, inbred by Mark Evans from two proven, direct children of Shadow.

7. At least one Grandchild of the TRUE foundation hen, Joint Venture, when mated to Eisenhower. You see these two super breeders, both mated together and with other mates, throughout the pedigrees of other top Evans breeders.

8. At least one Grandchild of True Blue/Lady Bliksem, and Shadow/Top Investment – bred by Mark Evans from a proven son of those 4 super breeders.

9. At least one Evans bred bird from the Amocachi Line – Amocachi, full brother to Shadow, and winner of 3 x 1st, plus 3rd Limoges 4,359 birds, 4th Chateauroux 6,678 birds, 4th Limoges 18,608 birds, 9th Blois 6,100 birds etc.

And many more specially bred birds from these and my other top M&D Evans breeders will follow……..

Normally I don’t comment on pigeons posted for auction, even though I get requests all the time for my recommendations to do so. Today, I’m breaking my own rule.

Dick Mellinger and Greg McKnight are offering a draft of quality birds this week on Ipigeon.

Two of those pigeons, in my opinion, deserve a closer look. I’ve handled both pigeons, and was impressed with both. I’ve handled the other pigeons listed as well and can honestly say that they are worth 2 to 3 times the opening bid and will make excellent breeders for years to come.

Click here to read the latest article about Greg McKnight.

Arthur -Breeder of Winners

I still can’t believe Greg McKnight decided to sell “Arthur” (click here to watch YouTube video of Arthur), arguable the most famous grandson of “Champion Red Daniel” to ever leave England! “Arthur” is no slouch! He’s bred 4 Federation winners and his children continue to be found among fancier’s top breeders.

*** Click here to bid on “Arthur” on Ipigeon ***

“Arthur’s” sire, “Immortal”, is a top producer for Keith and Linda Turner and is himself grand-sire to Federation winners! His damn, “Clare”, has bred  16 x 1^st Federations winners and several other top shelf birds is herself  a daughter of “Champion Red Danial”, winner of 19 x 1^st and sire, grand-sire and great grand-sire of numerous foundation birds world-wide.

Greg told me over the weekend that a grandson in the 2014 old bird season won 1^st place Orange County Flyers 5 race series for Larry Tomlin of Lamppost Loft.

I can contest that “Arthur” is a spectacular pigeon in the hand; perfectly balanced, excellent wing, tons of variation and movement in his eye…..as classic signs of a foundation breeder! To sum it up, he is perfect!

Snow Princes – Daughter of Snow Queen

Greg’s been hiding something in the garage and I just not realized what it was! It’s been this fantastic daughter of “Snow Queen”, the most sought after daughter of “Sure Bet” EVER! Don’t know who “Sure Bet” is? I guess then you’ve been hiding under a rock or the dark side of the moon, because “Sure Bet” is hands down the most prepotent breeder of one loft winners in North American history!

*** Click here to bid on “Snow Princess” on Ipigeon ***

He was bred by Mike Ganus and bought by Victor Venezuela after returning home from a race with a broken wing.  Victor needed a hen and bought some birds from, you guessed it….Greg McKnight from his good old fashion made in American no B.S. Waterhouse Bekaerts, and the rest is history. “Sure Bet” was sold to China for $200,000 as a very old pigeon.

Click here to view the remainder of Mellinger & McKnight’s auction birds.

Drew Lesofski

Today, October 14, the Daily Herald published a letter: Goodman on pigeons, written by Jared S. Goodman, director of Animal Law, PETA Foundation, Washington, D.C.

In his letter his writes, “more than 60 percent of birds get lost or die after being forced to fly through storms, being attacked by predators, being shot by hunters, colliding with electrical lines, or succumbing to exhaustion.”

Mr. Goodman goes on to claim, “Racers often exploit these qualities by purposely separating pigeons from their hatchlings and lifelong mates so they will be desperate to fly home. Birds who aren’t “fast enough” are typically killed by suffocation, drowning, neck-breaking, gassing, or decapitation.”

Mr. Goodman’s letter is very disturbing and shows that PETA is planning on continuing their attacks and are actively seeking avenues to promote their propaganda against pigeon racing.

Please take a moment NOW and post a comment challenging this Mr. Goodman’s allegations.  Pat Gazaway and I both have at time of posting. Simply click on view comments and look for the comment box to open.

Next, call the AU headquarters at 405-848-5801 and the IF 516-794-3612 and encourage them to do something, anything to defend our sport!

We need to send a message loud and clear that we will not allow PETA to make false claims about a sport we all cherish.

Drew Lesofski