Midweek race

Adverse weekend weather led to Horsham Racing Pigeon Club hosting a midweek instead of weekend race from Ouyen.

The race was the second from Ouyen on the 2021 program and west to northwest breeze of 10 to 19 kilometres influenced the event.

Shane Gusman of Murtoa won his first race for the year under the partnership name of Charlie and Shane Gusman, in honour of his late father Charlie who died just before the start of the 2021 race season. The result was a popular win in the club because this is the first year Shane is managing the loft.

The 10.30am release from Ouyen involved 603 pigeons taking off for a 169km airline distance to a Murtoa loft and 183km airline to Horsham lofts.

Leading pigeons into Horsham averaged 83kmh. Shane and Charlie’s averaged 90kmh to average the fastest velocity for the race overall.

Races in 2021 are in two sections to acknowledge small-team flyers and competitors who own larger race teams.

The Mcphee family continued its strong start to the season with a fourth win from five races in its section.

Results – Section one for small race teams: Mcphee family, 1358.3 metres a minute 1, Bruce Rentsch, 1350.8mm 2, John Arnott, 1342mm 3. Section two for large race teams: Shane and Charlie Gusman, 1508.2mm 1, Ern Blandthorn, 1436mm 2, John Aisbett, 1381mm 3.