THE YOUNG BIRD NATIONAL
by Jim Emerton
In this concept I think of the NFC. The longer fliers in this epic race in Sections K and L can have a real tester of man and bird with towards 400 miles on the day. Early bred ybs set up for the task tend to be the order of the day - perhaps on darkness/lightness, specialist systems and later put on widowhood. A great exponent of this dedicated discipline is Chris Gordon of Old Snydale - a real expert at it - clever lad - with a team bred for purpose. I sent natural ybs to Sartilly 362 miles in 95 and clocked May hatched hen Little Darkie at 7.02 on the night - memorable for different reasons. I think in the UK they will go 450 on the day and 500 would be unusual. I am in favour of maximum available distance and do not favour attempts to shorten flying distances, believing that distance racepoints answer all the questions of fancier and pigeon, and that international events are top class. In the final analysis it is wise to seek what you can accomplish.
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Elimar - August 2014