BOOK REVIEW Racing Pigeons and Patrick Brothers Winning Systems Gareth Watkins writes... The Patrick brothers, Steve and Philip, are amongst the most successful pigeon fanciers ever produced in these Islands, having won all there is to win at club, Federation, Combine and National level at various locations throughout England. In 2004 they “upped sticks” and moved to Belgium in search of one last challenge – to beat the best of the continental long distance fanciers on their own ground. The brothers' initial successes in club, Provincial, National and International races in Belgium at the first time of asking augers well for their future successes on the National and International racing scene once they have truly established a team of long distance racers with both age and experience on their side. That then is a brief introduction to the brothers and their background in pigeons. This book encapsulates Steve and Philip’s time in the sport and gives a detailed account of their racing methods, both in the U.K. and Belgium. This covers every aspect of pigeon racing, breeding and husbandry. Contained within are detailed descriptions of loft design, feeding, widowhood systems, young bird systems including motivation and the darkness system. Also included is a section on medication and their uses at appropriate times of the annual cycle of racing and breeding. The section on the preparation of their team for the Barcelona International race of 2008 is of particular interest as it goes into specific detail regarding pre-race training and racing plus the feeding system adopted literally on a day to day basis. As many readers are no doubt aware, the brothers won the NFC Pau National in 1999 by a staggering 43ypm. There is also a detailed section within the book explaining the way “Somerset Lad”, the Pau National winner, was conditioned in order to achieve such an incredible feat. Sprint and middle distance race enthusiasts are also catered for within as the brothers’ widowhood system, which was employed during their time in Berkshire, racing just 10 widowhood cocks, is also included in great detail. If you are going to buy one book on the sport of pigeon racing in 2009 then I suggest you get this one, as it is worth every penny of its purchase price and is probably the best book I have read on the sport of pigeon racing. Written by a down to earth practical pigeon fancier who has “been there, done it and bought the tee shirt” in a number of locations, it does not contain lots of fancy theories but is on the other hand crammed with practical advice on the art of breeding, racing and conditioning the avian athlete – the racing pigeon. Old hands and novices alike will gain great knowledge and satisfaction from reading this thoroughly enjoyable book. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to the fancy. Liam O Comain writes... I have just come through the worst winter, health-wise, of my 68 years on this planet and it’s not over yet…However when I received news that Steve Patrick of the famous Patrick Brothers partnership had written a book about the brothers' time in the sport, their numerous successes, and the system used I was delighted. As joyful as when I encounter the appearance of the first snowdrop of each new year. And when I received from the publisher a copy to review my joy was added to. As the reader may or may not know, the brothers are past winners of the National Flying Club’s Kings Cup from Pau by the great ‘Somerset Lad’. But this is not a one race phenomenon for as page 18 of the book conveys the awards won by the duo between 1999 and 2000 flying in the NFC races is itself phenomenal. Especially when one takes into consideration that the latter national club has about 5,500 members including the crème de la crème of the British pigeon racing sport. Of course Steve Patrick is known for his writings in the British pigeon media for enlightening and very interesting articles on the sport of all sports. And as I have stated in the past, the brothers are pioneers for since their domicile in Belgium in latter years they have raced very well and that could be an understatement. In fact I am looking forward to the partnership winning the marathon of all marathons namely the Barcelona International. Yes. I am convinced that they have the material and the know-how. This book is one of the few that really offers help to the aspiring pigeoner especially those who are entering the sport. Equally it is a goldmine of information covering all managerial aspects of the sport for the seasoned fancier. There are chapters of their life in England and the difference between the various distances raced. Diseases are covered and indeed all aspects of successful management. The knowledge pertaining to the long and marathon type of pigeon and the latter management is second to none. Indeed those who have been knocking at the door of success for years and failing to cross its threshold will find this publication of immense help in pursuit of their objective. The book is well illustrated and I highly recommend it to the modern membership of the sport especially those participating at the distances. The book is being printed by Landor Print Ltd, Firswood Road, Garretts Green Industrial Estate, Birmingham B33 OTG. Price £15 inclusive of Postage. Please note that Liam's new email address is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |