EMPIRE CLASSIC LOFT

2009 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 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 with our own racing team when others are experiencing heavy losses, a huge benefit for anyone entering our Empire Classic One Loft race.

We hope to make our EMPIRE CLASSIC WEEKEND 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 meal and refreshments.

We are proud of our track record in managing the Empire Classic. In 2006 70% of the total number of entries were shipped to the Empire Classic 350 and 75% were clocked on the day. In 2007 a whopping 82% of the total number of entries were shipped to the Empire Classic 350 but only 4% were clocked on the day. In 2008 66% of the total entries were shipped to the Empire Classic 350 and 30% were clocked on the day. Compare these numbers to any other large One Loft Race. Also compare our prize payouts compared to our entry costs to any other large One Loft Race. You will not find a better "bang for your buck". We do not take a percentage of pools or prize money. All bird and loft pooling information is posted at the loft prior to the arrival of birds. The detailed prize payouts are posted prior to the arrival of the birds. You can calculate your prize and pooling winnings without waiting to see what we send you. All training tosses after 25 miles are posted on our web site. The results of the four Official Training Races, Empire Classic 350, Empire Classic 420, Training Races Champion bird, Empire Classic Ace pigeon and all pooling and prize distribution info is posted on the web site. We have video cameras inside the loft and outside the loft for your viewing pleasure, you can view your birds, on our web site, from the moment they arrive in April or May until they come home from the Empire Classic 350 and Empire Marathon 420. We also keep you informed with our Empire Classic "DIARY". Regular updates, news and Classic information is posted on the "DIARY" throughout the year. Check out our "DIARY" from time to time, starting now.

ATTENTION AMERICAN FANCIERS! We would like to give our American friends the opportunity to participate in the largest One Loft Race in Canada and perhaps the largest in America and to compete against the top Canadian fanciers. To this end we have made it very easy for Americans to send their birds to the Empire Classic. Simply mail your birds via US POST to our AMERICAN CONTACT, Dale Zehr, in New York (see info below). We will get the vet health permits (no quarantine required) and we will deliver your birds to the Empire Classic Loft. Best of all WE WILL PAY ALL EXPENSES, you just have to get your birds to our AMERICAN CONTACT. Give us a try, your birds will love our climate and race course. Our climate and temperatures are very similar to many parts of the USA. Spring time (when the birds arrive) temperatures are in the 60's or low 70's. During the summer temperatures are in the 80's or at least high 70's.

PLEASE NOTE: We are a legal, registered business called "EMPIRE CLASSIC". We abide by all Canadian laws, as such, we declare our profits as income and pay income tax on those profits. Our Canadian laws require us to charge and collect 5% GST (goods and services tax) on all bird entries and pooling.

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CLASSIC 350 RACE DAY: Sunday Sept 6th, 2009 (or next favorable day). Come early to finalize your pooling and last minute activation of birds. Owners have until11 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. We do not shorten or lengthen the race based on the wind direction.

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CLASSIC 350 SHIPPING DATE: Saturday Sept 5th, 2009 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% (less 5% GST) 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 between April 10th and June 1st, 2009.

CANADIAN BIRD ENTRIES: Empire Classic bird entries from Canadian fanciers can be delivered in person to Empire Farm or can be shipped by AirCanada 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:

DALE ZEHR

10632 Jackson Lane

Carthage, NY 13619

USA

tel: 315 771 9081

email: zehrsfamilyloft@yahoo.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.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO ENTER:

2 BIRD TEAM: $350 ( 5% GST included)($232.50 capitol, $17.50 GST and $100 perch fee) payment in full with delivery ofbirds. 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)($650 capitol, $50 GST and $300 perch fee) 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.

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 2009 Classic you get a FREE 5 Bird Team entry for the 2010 Empire Classic (you pay 2010 perch fee and GST only). This credit is only available if there is a 2010 Empire Classic.

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 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

NOTE: The prize payout may be adjusted at the discretion of Jim McInnes, however 100% of capitol will be paid out and the prize list will be posted prior to the arrival of the birds.

TRAINING RACES:

There are four (4) Official Training Races, the ownerof 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 ACE BIRD. There will be four EMPIRE CHAMPION ACE PIGEONS recognized and will win the following prizes:

1ST EMPIRE CHAMPION ACE.....................................$ 5000

2ND EMPIRE CHAMPION ACE.....................................$ 3000

3RD EMPIRE CHAMPION ACE.....................................$ 2000

4TH EMPIRE CHAMPION ACE.....................................$ 1000

NOTE: PRIZE PAYOUT WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE EMPIRE CLASSIC 350 CAPITOL MONEY.

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.

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.

EMPIRE CLASSIC MARATHON 420: This race will take place 3 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 within one week after the Empire Classic 350.

EMPIRE CLASSIC MARATHON PRIZE PAYOUT: 1 prize for every 15 birds entered. For example 150 birds gives 10 prizes, 225 birds gives 15 prizes etc. Prize breakdown will be posted on our site prior to the race.

EMPIRE MARATHON 420 (based on 225 birds):

1st: $6000 2nd: $4000 3rd: $3000 4th: $2000 5th & 6th: $1000

7th, 8th, 9th & 10th: $750 11th to 15th: $500

AUCTION OF RACE BIRDS: The top 25 birds in the EMPIRE CLASSIC 350 and the top 20 birds in the EMPIRE CLASSIC MARATHON 420 will be auctioned on the internet and the net 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.

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 provide our first inventory about June 15th to 20th when all birds are settled and flyer out of the loft. Subsequent inventories will be posted and also the training results that are posted will also serve as an inventory.

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.

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.

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.

PLEASE NOTE:

If your birds are lost for any reason your perch fee ($100 plus 5% GST = $105 PER BIRD) will not be refunded. This includes loss of your birds through health, thief, fire etc or any "act of god". If the 2009 Empire Classic 350 is cancelled for any reason your capitol entry payment (without interest) will be returned to you.

Help us make the 4TH Annual EMPIRE CLASSIC a tremendous success!

"RESERVE YOUR PERCH NOW!.....NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED"

Your hosts, Judy and Jim McInnes.

OUR EMPIRE CLASSIC FRIENDS