2008 EMPIRE CLASSIC one loft race

                                Hosted by Judy and Jim McInnes......Empire Farm

                                        184 Hunt Rd  RR4 Brighton On K0K 1H0 Canada

                tel: 613 475 6052               fax: 613 475 6053           email: jimmcinnes@xplornet.com

                                                        Web site: www.eijerkampamerica.com

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          We are located on the North Shore of Lake Ontario, 1 ½ hours east of Toronto and 1 hour west of Kingston. The area was originally settled by Empire Loyalists and is prime farmland although the urban expansion of Toronto is creeping closer each year. Our residence is a Victorian brick farm house built in 1846. Registered Polled Hereford beef cattle and Judy’s pet “Dallas”, a registered quarter horse, can be seen grazing on our pastures. Our wood lot boasts majestic oak, maple, white pine, ash and cedar. A truly spectacular setting for the lofts, our racing and breeding lofts and our new Empire Classic loft.

           As well as an ideal setting for your Classic birds, we offer a high degree of experience, skill and success in the management of racing pigeons. Our credentials and successes as racing fanciers and organizers of special events are well known across Canada and beyond. We traditionally have very few losses in the races even when others are experiencing heavy losses, a huge benefit for anyone entering our one loft race.

           We hope to make race day a special occasion, not only for the winners but also for everyone attending. It will be a golden opportunity to meet old friends, develop new friendships, watch some birds race home and enjoy our complimentary lunch.

           Our 2007 Empire Classic race was completely different than our 1st Empire Classic in 2006. In 2006 we sent 70% of the entries to the Classic 350 and we clocked 279 (75 %) on the day with 14 birds on the first drop.  Race day in 2006 was clear and no wind at release and throughout the race course there was a light tailwind.  For the 2007 Classic 350 we shipped a whopping 82% of the total entries mainly because we had very little health problems and minimum losses in road training, in fact the birds were in better condition than in 2006 but we had a completely different race day, right from the release the birds had to fight a 30 to 40 km headwind and this severe headwind continued throughout the day. It was the most brutal race day I have seen in many years, normally at release the wind will be light which enables the birds to take a line for home, not this day, the birds were driven in the opposite direction right at release. As a result we only had 29 day birds and only about 50 % made it home. On the plus side we had a single bird win the 1st prize of 50,000. Each year we will see a different kind of race, sometimes easy, sometimes hard and sometimes in between. Each year we will see different types of birds and different fanciers take the top prizes. Each of you hope that your dream will come true and your name will be listed at the top of the race sheet, unfortunately only a few dreams can come true each year, for the rest we must wait until next year. Good luck with your dreams!

            Each year we try and make improvements to our Empire Classic One Loft, in reviewing our 2006 "make it better" list we accomplished improvements in each area we identified. The loft was moved, expanded and remodeled, we purchased a new trailer exclusively for the Empire Classic birds and we obtained the Unikon One Loft Clocking system (same one as used by South Africa). Also in 2007 we held a Classic Marathon 420 which was very well supported even though we had such high losses at the Classic 350. Here is the "make it better" list for 2008, first and most, we will install cameras which will be connected to our web site. The plan is to have one outside looking at the landing board and trapping area and another inside the loft looking at the computer screen which will show the birds as they clock, owners name, band number, clock position and time. This will greatly improve the enjoyment for the out of town fanciers. We are already working on this. The loft worked out super but I do have a few modifications to make, I am going to move all the trapping stalls together, in a row, in the middle of the loft . This will eliminate birds looking for "their" stall trap and also better accommodate the outside camera. There are also a few other more minor improvements we are looking at for 2008.      

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CLASSIC 350 RACE DAY: Sunday Aug 31, 2008(or next favorable day). Come early to finalize  your pooling and last minute activation of birds. Owners have until 11 am on race day to pool and activate their birds. After 11 am  anyone else can activate and pools birds. Complimentary  refreshments and lunch will be served.

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CLASSIC 350: 350 miles (approx) from the North course. We can get various types of races from the north. Sometimes a tailwind, sometimes a headwind but most often a side tailwind or side headwind. Most of  the race course is bush land and lakes with the last 50 miles over  farmland. NOTE: The Classic 350 will be released from the 350 mile (approx) station regardless of whether we have a tailwind or headwind.

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CLASSIC 350 SHIPPING DATE: Saturday Aug 30, 2008 at 1 pm. Owners can handle their birds before they go into the shipping  trailer but you must be at Empire Farm by 1 pm. If you arrive late and your bird has been  placed in the trailer you cannot handle your bird. We will hold a loft auction after the birds are shipped, 100% paid out to the winners. Loft auction proceeds paid out in three prizes, 50%, 30%, 20%. Owners can pre purchase their lofts for $75 but must do so before the beginning of the auction.  Complimentary  refreshments will be available.

WHEN DO YOU SEND YOUR YOUNGSTERS TO EMPIRE FARM?  Birds must arrive at Empire Farm April 19 to May 11, 2008.

CANADIAN BIRD ENTRIES:  Empire Classic bird entries from Canadian  fanciers  can be delivered in person to Empire Farm or can be shipped by Air Canada to Kingston Airport.

 AMERICAN BIRD ENTRIES:  Empire Classic bird entries from American fanciers can be delivered by Air or in person or by US Postal Service to:

DON ZEHR (Clayhaven Farms)

10850 State Rt. 126

Carthage, NY 13619

USA

tel: 315 493 2130

email: dzehr1@twcny.rr.com

Empire Classic organizers  will handle  getting the American birds  across the border and we  will pay the expenses for our American  friends. You only have to get your birds to our "AMERICAN CONTACT" and we will get  your birds safely to Empire Farm.

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THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO ENTER:

2 BIRD TEAM: $350 ( 5% GST included)($250 capitol less GST and $100 perch fee) payment in full  with delivery of  birds. This pays for one bird entry in the Classic race, if both birds are available for the Classic the second bird can be activated (up to 11 am on race day) for an additional $350 (GST included). Equal first drop rules apply. Please make cheques payable to "Empire Classic".

5 BIRD TEAM: $1000 (GST included) payment in full with delivery of birds. This pays for a three bird entry in the race, if more than three birds are available for the race the additional birds can be activated (up to 11 am race day) for the perch fee only ($100 plus GST per bird) FREE capitol entry for  your additional two birds, SAVE $500. Equal first drop rules apply. Please make cheques payable to Empire Classic.

5 BIRD HIGH ROLLER TEAM: $1500 (GST included) payment in full with delivery of birds. This pays for a three bird entry in the race, if more than three birds are available for the race the additional birds can be activated (up to 11 am race day) for the perch fee only ($100 plus GST per bird) FREE capitol entry for your additional two birds, SAVE $500. The first $1000 (less perch fees and GST) of  the $1500 high roller team is "equal first drop rules" (see prize payout). The additional $500 (less GST) is clocking order, not equal 1st drop. We will only payout 4 prizes for this portion ($500 less GST) of the "High Roller",  40%, 30%, 20% & 10%. For example if we have 30 High Roller teams our payout will be 1st ($6000 less GST), 2nd ($4500 less GST), 3rd ($3000 less GST), 4th ($1500 less GST). If we have 50 High Roller teams our payout will be 1st ($10000 less GST), 2nd ($7500 less GST), 3rd ($5000 less GST), 4th ($2500 less GST). Only activated birds are eligible. Please make cheques payable to Empire Classic.

NOTE: ALL ENTRY and POOL MONEY MUST BE PAID IN CANADIAN FUNDS. ALL PRIZE AND POOL MONEY IS PAID OUT IN CANADIAN FUNDS.

Please make cheques payable to Empire Classic. NOTE: If the owner of any 5 Bird Team entry does not have a bird  available for the 2008 Classic you get a FREE     5 Bird Team entry for the 2009 Empire Classic (you pay  2009 perch fee only).

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 PLEASE REGISTER NOW  AND SEND $250 DEPOSIT PER TEAM TO SECURE YOUR PLACE IN THE 2008 EMPIRE CLASSIC. ONLY RESERVATIONS ALONG WITH $250 DEPOSIT WILL GUARANTEE  YOUR PLACE IN THE EMPIRE CLASSIC, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. TOTAL 1000 BIRDS ACCEPTED. DEPOSIT IS NON REFUNDABLE.

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PAYOUT: All birds in the 1^ST drop are equal 1^ST and share equally in the               accumulated prize money. Electronic clocking order  will determine the remaining positions and prize money after the 1^ST drop. The only exception is the $ 500 (less GST) portion of the HIGH ROLLER TEAM which is clocking order only. The discretion of the loft manager, Jim McInnes,  will determine the 1^ST drop and his decision will be final.

PRIZE MONEY  EMPIRE CLASSIC 350 (based on 1000 birds) :

1ST prize.........$50,000           2^ND prize.....$20,000            3^RDprize.....$10,000

4^TH prize.....$5,000                 5^TH .....$2,500                    6^TH to 30TH prize....$1,000   

31ST  to 60TH prize.......... $500

EMPIRE MARATHON 420 (based on 200 birds):

1ST prize.........$ 5,000            2ND prize......$ 4,000             3RD prize......$ 3,000

4TH prize.........$ 2,000            5TH to 10TH prize..........$ 1,000

TRAINING RACES:

There are four (4) Official Training Races, the owner  of the 1ST prize in each of the four training races receives $500

CHAMPION BIRD IN THE 4 OFFICIAL TRAINING RACES:

The bird with the best score in the 4 official training races wins a prize (to be announced at a later date). The winner is determined by adding the clock position of all four training races, the bird with the lowest score wins the prize.

EMPIRE CHAMPION ACE PIGEON:

The Champion bird will be determined by adding the clock flying time of the EMPIRE CLASSIC 350 and the EMPIRE MARATHON 420. The bird with the least combined flying time is the EMPIRE CHAMPION BIRD and winner of  $ 5,000

NOTE: 100% of capitol prize money (less 5% GST) will be paid out. If we have additional capitol prize money to pay out we will add $500 prizes in the CLASSIC 350 until the money runs out.

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POOLS: All pools are paid out based on clocking order. Pool sheets will be available prior to the Classic 350. Pool money must be in our hands by 11 am on race day. POOL MONEY MUST BE PAID IN CASH OR CERTIFIED CHEQUE unless in our hands 3 weeks prior to the event. After 11 am and before 12 noon any person can pool birds in the pool category that has not been taken by the owner. All pools will be posted on the board for all to see before the birds arrive home. 

POOLS for EMPIRE CLASSIC 350: $10, $20, $30, $50, $100, $200 at 10 to 1 payout.

                                        also $10, $20, $30, $50, $100, $200 at 50%, 30%, 20% payout.

                                        also  $500 winner take all pool.

Note: There will be a 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) charged on all pooling.

NOTE: 100% of Pools (less 5% GST) will be paid out.

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ACTIVATION OF BIRDS: Activation of birds by their owners must be done by 11 am race day. After 11 am race day but before 12 noon race day any other person can activate  birds not activated  by their owners.

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EMPIRE CLASSIC MARATHON 420: This race will take place 4 weeks after the Empire Classic 350. You do not have to commit to entering this race until after the Empire Classic 350. There will be a completely separate fee charged for this race which will go toward expenses and prize money. This fee will be payable after the Empire Classic 350.

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AUCTION OF RACE BIRDS: The top 25 birds in the EMPIRE CLASSIC 350 and the top 10 birds in the EMPIRE CLASSIC MARATHON 420 will be auctioned on the internet and the proceeds will be paid out as follows: 40% to owner, 40% to handler and 20% to the Cancer Society. Please note: Owners of auction birds will be required to provide an acceptable pedigree, anyone not providing a pedigree when required will forfeit their share (40%) of the net auction proceeds, their proceeds will go to the Cancer Society. The auction will take place after the Empire Classic Marathon 420 which means the top 25 birds in the Empire Classic 350 are eligible to enter the Empire Classic Marathon 420 and will then be placed in the auction if they return from the Marathon. All additional birds will be returned to their owners, if desired, at the owners expense. Birds not claimed will be removed at the discretion of Empire Classic organizers.

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MANAGEMENT of EMPIRE CLASSIC BIRDS:

Classic birds  will be management by Judy and Jim McInnes. All birds will be darkened so that the feather will be outstanding for the big race. The birds  will be given top quality grain mixtures supplied by MOORE'S FEED CO The Empire Classic birds  will be maintained on the HEALTH GUARD program and products. The UNIKON electronic timing system will be used for recording training results and for the Empire Classic & Empire Marathon results.

COMMUNICATION:

Our main means of communication with our Empire Classic participants will be our web site: www.eijerkampamerica.com  Please check our Diary on a regular bases for ongoing updates.

We will keep an updated inventory list on the web site as well as news about the birds and their progress. The longer training tosses will be posted on our site so that you can follow the progress of your birds. For those that do not have the internet we will send info out by the postal service.

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DIRECTIONS to EMPIRE FARM:

Travelers from the west take 401 and exit 497 (The Big Apple), turn south to the village of Colborne and turn east on Hwy 2. Travel 6 km on Hwy 2 to Hunt Rd, turn south on Hunt Rd to 184. Travelers from the east take 401 and exit 509 (Hwy 30), turn south into the village of Brighton and turn west on Hwy 2. Travel 5 km on Hwy 2 to Hunt Rd, turn south on Hunt Rd to 184.

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PLACES to STAY during the CLASSIC:

A variety of accommodations are available for our out of town guest. There are a number of excellent “Bed and Breakfast” establishments as well as a small motel in the immediate area. About ½ hour away are a selection of larger hotels.

For the camping enthusiast the Presqu’ile Provincial Park is nearby. If you need more info give us a call. Our parking area at Empire Farm can also accommodate motor homes, campers and tents, if anyone wants to stay right at the site of the Empire Classic you can. Portable toilets and sinks are onsite but there are no electrical hookups.

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NOTE:

The EMPIRE CLASSIC organizers  will settle any disputes that may arise and their decision will be final. The EMPIRE CLASSIC organizers reserve the right to limit participation in the Empire Classic. All birds entered in the Empire Classic One Loft will be considered the property of the person entering the birds, any dispute regarding ownership of the birds must be settled by the person entering the birds and the rightful owner, Empire Classic organizers are not responsible for settling ownership issues. Judy and Jim McInnes, Empire Farm and Hans Eijerkamp & Sons WILL NOT have birds competing in the EMPIRE CLASSIC.

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Help us make the 3rd Annual EMPIRE CLASSIC a tremendous success! Your hosts, Judy and Jim McInnes. 

OUR EMPIRE CLASSIC FRIENDS