Big money race sees 16 prizes claimed in 90 minutes

The big money A ring race for West Cumbria went well yesterday with the 16 prizes claimed inside 90 minutes.

Liberated at 10-30am in Bath the leaders of the 91 Cumbrian birds made good time with the winning velocity equivalent to 55mph.

The winner was flying 230 miles to the Flimby loft of Jimmy, James and Matthew Varty – three generations of the family involved in the sport – and it was one they bred themselves.

Because of that the family netted £7,000 as they collected a first win in the prestigious end-of-season young bird race.

Previous winners Richard Martindale and George Lawman of Workington Victoria were second on this occasion with a bird bred by GTE Ingledew.

Last year’s winners Rodgers and Benn had three in the money at 8^th, 10^th and 12^th – two of them bred by Mr and Mrs Bewsher, of Egremont.

Prize winners