The popular A ring race, with big money prizes, got underway this morning in Bath.
West Cumbrian fanciers will be scanning the skies this afternoon after 91 of their birds were liberated with others from the North West.
In glorious conditions they were liberated into a south west wind and although the weather at the home end hasn’t been brilliant it has been forecast to clear before the birds are due home.
Bath to Cleator Moor is 220 miles and there is much interest in the outcome of the race as fanciers from across the country bred birds which have been subsequently bought at auction to race in this one.
A total of 378 birds could potentially have contested the race but after a testing season about a quarter of them (91) are competing.
Prizes go all the way down to 16th with money for the racing fancier and also for the breeder/buyer of the pigeon.
Around £28,000 is on offer for the first 16 back home this afternoon and the money is split as follows:
- 1st £3,500 each
- 2nd £1.750 each
- 3rd £1,500 each
- 4th “1,250 each
- 5th £1,000 each
- 6th £900 each
- 7th £800 each
- 8th £700 each
- 9th £600 each
- 10th £500 each
- 11th £400 each
- 12th £300 each
- 13th £250 each
- 14th £250 each
- 15th £200 each
- 16th £200 each
