Pigeons take off for first race

Although the race was just a mock event (to ensure that all the timing devices and computer were running correctly), tension was high and a sense of competitiveness was in the air.

The birds were released at 7.30am sharp and the race was on.

The highest velocity for the day went to John Field, clocking at 10.29.48am at a velocity of 1,335.799mpm to win the young bird race.

Jaco Faul followed shortly afterwards, winning the old bird race by clocking at 10.28.42am at a velocity of 1,327.548mpm.

The next race will be from Winburg, on Saturday, June 7.

The top results from the race are:

• Ventersburg young birds: 1 J Field, 2 Van Tonder Lofts 1, 3 TNT Lofts, 4 TNT Lofts, 5 LH de Jager.
• Ventersburg old birds: 1 J Faul, 2 S Dowd, 3 Noels Loft, 4 J Faul, 5 Out Of Africa Lofts.