Conditions impact on pigeon racing

Horsham Pigeon Racing Club had two races at the weekend in mirror conditions to the previous weekend.

Strong northerly wind on Saturday resulted in almost record speeds from leading pigeons flying in a Young Bird Derby from Coombah, NSW, to Horsham.

The derby was a race for pigeons in their first year of racing and leading birds averaged 127 kilometres an hour across an airline distance of 420kms. Coombah is mid-way between Mildura and Broken Hill.

A race from Ararat on Sunday involved pigeons flying into a strong northerly wind, gusting between 27 and 40 kilometres an hour.

This race resulted in the leading pigeons averaging only 49kmh.

Next weekend’s race will again be from Coombah, but on this occasion will be a Centenary Race to acknowledge the club’s 100-year milestone in 2017. This race will be the final part of 100-year celebration, which started in November.

Past members, sponsors and supporters are invited to join members on Saturday from 5pm at the club’s Railway Avenue clubrooms for the Centenary Race. Results – Coombah: John Muszkieta, 3 hours 17 minutes 54 seconds at 2118.34 metres a minute, 1; Robert Nelson 3.18.19 at 2116.71, 2; Graham Elbourne 3.20.07 at 2112.42, 3; R. and J. Williamson 3.19.33 at 2100.02, 4. Ararat: R. and J. Williamson, 1.53.36 at 818.69, 1; John Muszkieta 1.53.39 at 812.97, 2; K and H. Hunter 2.12.21 at 732.77, 3; Bruce Koenig 2.11.44 at 728.3, 4.