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The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, October 14,1999 Page 9 Thoroughbreds of the sky Racing pigeons take flight for local owners By Brad Kelly Sports Editor Imagine, just for a moment, being dropped off 600 miles from home and being expected to find your way back. Such is the case for the 'Thoroughbreds of the Sky,' more commonly known as racing pigeons. Dave Woollier, who has been racing the birds since the age of six, is hard pressed to find an answer as to why the birds arc able to navigate their way home over outlandish distances. "I don't think that question has really ever been answered," said the Newcastle resident. "Some theories are that the birds follow the lay of the land, or use their smell, sight, or hearing." Some of the longer races cover a distance of 600 miles, and can take up to 12 hours to complete But in just about all instances, each time a theory is presented, it is generally discounted. Woollier relates stories of how tests have been done on birds where a blindfold is used to restrict sight, hearing or smell. Still, the birds managed to find their way back. "The easiest way to explain it is that the pigeons have a built-in membrane like a compass," compass," Woollier offered. During a race, it's not uncommon for the inexperienced birds to follow the more experienced experienced ones as a flock. The birds tend to go their own way when they get closer to home and an area they recognize. The birds are bred to race, and take to the sky at an early age. Courtice resident, Wael Yassein, says that birds can compete as early as three to four months of age. "Pigeons mature very quickly," says the member member of the Osliawa Racing Pigeon Club, which has 25 active members. "There is a saying that nobody has ever seen a baby pigeon, and that's because as soon as they are out of the nest they look like adults." Some of the longer races cover a distance of 600 miles, and can take up to 12 hours to complete, complete, reaching top speeds of up to 50 km-h. The birds generally race up to the age of five, during a season that can run from May to October, depending on the age of the pigeons. According to the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union Incorporated, the longest flight of a racing pigeon on record is 7,200 miles from Arras, France, to Saigon, Vietnam. The flight took 24 days to complete. Racing is very popular in countries like Belgium, Belgium, Holland and Germany, where prizes often include large amounts of money or cars. In South Africa there is a race with a purse of $1 million. Oshawa also has a prestigious race with a purse of $30,000 available. , "It can be just like horse racing, only on a smaller scale," said Yassein, who has been racing since 1976. But Yassein adds that money isn't the real reason reason people get involved in the sport. In what he terms the "Kentucky Derby" of races, the top prize is a trophy in the Upper Canada National Championships. "That race attracts more than 4,000 birds," he notes. In comparing racing pigeons to the homing pigeons commonly found in barns or under bridges, the differences are very noticeable, says ' Woolner. "A racing pigeon is bigger, and more solid in general," lie said. "If there was a homing pigeon in the coop with the racing pigeons, you would spot it right away." Not only do racing pigeons hold a special spot in the hearts of those who care for them, the birds also played a significant role in history. Military pigeons were used during Second World War to transport messages, as well as take aerial photos of enemy position. The birds were considered considered flying heroes, and buried with military honour. In Ontario, there are close to 60 racing pigeon clubs, including ones in Bownianvillc, Oshawa, and Whitby. The annual Canadian Pigeon Racing Union convention was held at the Holiday Inn in Oshawa from October 8-10. Newcastle resident Dave Woolner admires one of his baby racing pigeons. The Bowmanville Racing Pigeon Club is one of 60 in Ontario. Photo by Celia Bronkhorst jj - rw Roy's Enterprise win bronze The Clarington Roy's Enterprise Minor Peewee Selects won the bronze medal at the provincial baseball finals recently. In game one of the playoffs, Roy's defeated Pickering 6-5. In the South Durham Championships, Roy's eliminated Oshawa to advance to the provincial finals. This tournament included the top select teams in Ontario. In the first game, Roy's dropped a decision to Mississauga. Against Bra- malca, the team battled back from a 7-2 deficit to win in extra innings. In a rematch with Mississauga, Roy's won easily. In the next game against Thornhill, Claringon won by a score of 5-0 to advance to the semi-finals. Clarington jumped out to a 6-0 lead against another team from Mississauga, Mississauga, but ran out of gas and let the lead slip away losing 7-6 in seven innings. Mississauga scored four runs in their final at bat for the victory. Team members include, not in order in above photo: lessee Aide, Dan Charysz, Brian Corcoran, Nathan Murray, Kurds Salway, Brian Sellars, Justin Shaghnessy, Trevor Smith, Brad Spencer, Tyler Welch, Steven Whillans, T.J. Wriggley. The coaching staff included: Dillan Corcoran (bat- boy), Mike Morin, Jim Corcoran, Dave Salway, Tony Whillans. your game results to the sports desk 623-6161 Mason Windows finish third In a busy but exciting season, the Darlington Storm Under 12 girls' rep team finished third in the Central league. The team sponsors were Zellers, Mason Windows, and Continental Currency Exchange. Team members include, from row, from left: Kristina Ellul, Jenna Law, Kourtney Penfound, Merissa Partington, Jana Cryderman, Katie Turvill, Leandra Telefoglou; back row, from left: Trade Penfound (trainer/manager), Sally Bellerose, Nick Turvill (asst, coach), Jacquelyn Stone, Kristen Marano, Kathleen Moore, Rosemary Quinlan, Jen Perry, Ralph Cry- derman (coach). Evening & Saturday Appointments r Emergency Care □ Sedation □ Periodontist Dr. John Balenko Dr. Stan Goldman (905)623-7412 ^HiïDEfiiTALtE 111 ^ n GENERAL FAMILY DENTISTRY 60 LIBERTY ST. SOUTH, ^ SUITE 300, BOWMANVILli □ Children's Dentistry □ Orthodontics Dr. Karl Vermeulen Dr. Monica Katyal (905) 623-7100 Orchard Park Furniture" Proudly Presents All orders of "Dining Room & Bedroom Suites ,% OFF MSL Roxton Hurry In, Limited Time Offer! Applclcsl Special -Pick an apple from our tree - SAVE 10-30%* on any prim, lamp or accessory purchase 28 King Street W. 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