NEWSLETTER UPDATE #1

 

   BEST WESTERN MALLEE CLASSIC 2007

 

The business end of proceedings is fast approaching with the main race being on Sunday September 16th.  This year we again have pigeon fanciers coming from far and wide.  Frank Quinlan from the UK is one.  We also have the support of Keith MacKay and family and others of the non-pigeon fraternity making their first foray into the sport.

The birds have been training well both around the loft and on training tosses.  The falcons make sure they get plenty of exercise!!  They are strong, fit and healthy.  If your bird hasn’t been up there so far, don’t despair, a lot can change when the birds get to the Main Event.

 

Due to the extreme weather conditions that we’ve been experiencing over the past 4 weeks or so it’s been necessary to modify the race program slightly so as to make the first lead-up race, the Peter Munro Memorial. 

 

The New Program is as follows

 

First Lead Up Race                           on 27/08/07 Today

 

Second Lead Up Race                       on or about 05/09/07

 

‘The Mallee Classic’                         on 16/09/07

 

****NOTE ALL SPARE BIRDS MUST BE PAID UP PRIOR TO 1/09/07.  ANY BIRDS THAT AREN’T PAID FOR BY THE DATE WILL BECOME PART OF THE ‘SPARES’ POOL AND MAY BE PURCHASED BY ANY PERSON ON THE MORNING OF THE MAIN RACE, FIRST IN FIRST SERVED***

 

LOFT SPARES

 

You may have noticed that we have a number of ‘LOFT SPARES’ training with the Classic birds.  These birds have been purpose bred so as to provide entries for the non-pigeon public.  Many people have already availed themselves of this opportunity but there are still a number available for purchase.  If you wish to purchase any of these birds you will need to contact Barry or Duncan and pay for them prior to 1/09/07.  Any birds remaining unclaimed will also go into the ‘SPARES’ POOL and become available for purchase after 10.00am on the morning of the main race on a ‘first in first served’ basis.

 

 

RUMOURS, RUMOURS, RUMOURS

 

I know it’s not exclusive to the pigeon world but the rumour mill certainly thrives in that environment.  We’ve heard everything, from Barry shifting to Queensland and taking the Classic with him to both of us, Barry and Duncan, having a ‘falling out’.  Some rumours are spread out of ignorance or lack of information and others by malicious people who must have very boring lives.  Non-the less as they have, for the past 10 years, rumours abound about the Mallee Classic.

The truth is simple.  In 2008 there will not be a Victorian Mallee Classic, due to burgeoning work and family commitments, not to mention the toll of running the race for the past 10 years, we, Barry and Duncan, will be taking a year off.

The race will be conducted in both NSW and Queensland giving our supporters double the opportunity to race against the best under ‘ONE LOFT’ conditions.  We will remain heavily involved in the running and structure of these races and can only encourage those who are not scared of a challenge to support both races. We will publish full details of both races over the next couple of weeks.

 

Contact:

Mallee Classic NSW – Mark Johnston               02 6553 6005

Mallee Classic QLD – Jim Smith                  07 5483 3953

 

CHARITY AUCTION

 

We are again supporting the McCallum Disability Services Group in Ballarat.  These people do great work with those that, on the face of it, have been less fortunate than others. 

As per previous years we will commence the Auction ‘On Line’ about two weeks prior to the main race.  On Line bids will be accepted up until 5pm on Friday 14/09/07..the closing bid at that time will then become the opening amount on the day of the race.  Thanks to those that have promised birds for the auction it looks like it will again be a success.  If any person has birds that they wish to donate please give either of us a ring, pronto.  We will need full details of the bird and if possible a photo and pedigree. We have some birds already from Les Fenton VIC, Chris Hill QLD and Allen Wilmott NSW.

It doesn’t hurt to help others so lets make an effort to make this our 10th year something special.  Come along and make Ken ‘the voice that could cut glass’ Letch happy.

 

So watch the Mallee Classic Market Place for your chance to pick up some quality birds.

 

RACE WEEKEND

 

Saturday 15/09/07

The Pigeon Ball, with all its pomp and ceremony will take place on the Saturday evening.  It will again test the metal of those who attend but having regard for the stamina and style of the attendees of previous years I’m sure we will all rise to the occasion. We have it on reliable authority that Jacko and Pop from Denni have been training flat out for months!!

 

Sunday 16/09/07

Make an effort to get to this out 10th year, there will be something SPECIAL for those attending the race day. Gates open early with pools commencing immediately at 9.00am, again on a ‘first in best dressed basis’.  If you want your bird be sure to be early or you may miss out.

 

Pools sheets can be found on the Mallee Classic Website. http://www.malleeclassic.com/pg000002.htm

 

Loft spares will be offered from 10.00am at a price of $120.00 per bird.

 

The catering will be a BBQ and bar for those interested.  Please remember that for the purpose of the Licensing Act the entire premises of the Classic are covered and as such there will definitely be NO BYO.

 

After race entertainment…who knows?????? But we’ll work it out!!!!!

 

ACCOMMODATION

 

There are a number of Best Western properties listed on the front page of the Classic site you can contact them by clicking on the Best Western logo.

Accommodation is also available at the ‘BELL TOWER’ on the Old Western Hwy, about 5 k’s from the race.  Rob Brooke, the manager, has offered the corporate rate, inclusive of full buffet breakfast to race patrons who mention the Classic on booking.  It is an extremely good deal so give it a try.

 

To contact the Bell Tower phone 03 5334 1600

 

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD RACING.

Barry 0417 362 712

Duncan 0421 168 344