Birds were out loft flying yesterday and today. We will resume training on Sunday and will continue to watch the weather to determine the next race. We hope to have the next race late next week after we get some training in. There is an additional $58,000 in prize money that will be added to the current total prize payout of $1,200,000. The additional $58,000 will be divided up between the 160 Mile Race and the 220 Mile Race. 160 - Mile Race will have $1000 each for the 1st 10 birds in the clock (clocking order).220 - Mile Race will have an additional $15,000 added to the 1st place prize, making 1st place a total of $20,000. The remaining $33,000 will be added to positions 36-68, allowing for a $1000 prize for clocking positions 2nd - 68th. The 220-Mile Race will pay out in clocking order. Have a great weekend!
Birds were released in beautiful weather this morning at 7:55 am from Green Castle, Indiana. Winds were North around 5 mph. Driving back the weather remained good until 45/50 miles south of the loft. Around that area we then drove through 14 miles of low dark clouds. We did not drive through rain until we arrived within a few miles from the loft. This rain was light and lasted about 15 minutes. These storm clouds and rain WERE NOT in the forecast. North winds have picked up to about 10 mph. Majority of the birds arrived right on line and continue to come from the South.
All birds have been hand scanned for the 125-mile race tomorrow. This will be the 1st race of the Hoosier Classic 2023 Season. We anticipate an 8:00 am release from Green Castle, In. This race will count towards average speed as well as the Knockout Competition. The weather for tomorrow calls for partly cloudy skies, with a north wind of 5-7 mph. This will be a head wind for the birds. Any of the birds that have been listed as lost or marked missing and have not been activated have been removed from the race. Breeders can claim these birds at the end of the season when all other birds are being shipped home. Good Luck to Everyone!!
Several times in the last few days the question has been asked about the race schedule and final race. While the 1st three race dates are TBD, the final race is scheduled for October 23rd.Below is some general information for fanciers should anyone like to book rooms at any of the local hotels. We do not have a room block at any hotel. We know that Blue Chip Hotel & Casino is a popular location to stay, however if we do not host an event there, they will not allow us a room block. I have listed several hotels below with telephone information to make it a little easier to find a hotel close to the loft. I have checked with multiple hotels and t rates were cheaper if you booked online vs. trying to do a room block.
Our plan is to train the next few days weather permitting. We had rain all day yesterday and this morning. The rain cleared out around 9:00 am this morning and the birds were allowed out to loft fly. Our goal is to get a few trainers in before the 1st race which will more than likely be either Monday or Tuesday next week. We are continuing to watch the weather for those 2 days to determine the best day to race. We would like to say Thank You to everyone that got their entry fees in. Our goal was to have everything paid by yesterday and for the most part it is. We do have tracking information for several breeders that have said the payments were mailed. We know the Postal Service isn't perfect, so we are working with those breeders in tracking their payments. There are still a few birds left on the For Sale List for anyone still looking to participate. These birds will be removed if not sold by the 1st race. We know everyone is anxious to get the races started, as are we. We just want to get the birds out a few times before we take them 125 miles. Any questions, please feel free to call the office or send an email.
Activation Fees are Due Today!!We have processed all checks that arrived today, as well as PayPal. We are in the process are running credit card payments now. If you have not paid your fees, they will now need to be paid by Credit Card or PayPal. We will be in the office today until 5:30 pm to take payments over the phone. PAY BY PAYPALOR CALL TO PAY BY PHONE 219-733-0011Unpaid birds will be listed For Sale and breeders will loose any rights to the birds and any potential prize money. THE FOLLOWING PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND WE DO NOT KNOW WHO THEY ARE FOR:GABRIEL CARDENASKRISTIN SKINNELIZABETH BELLEVOUPAYPAL DOES NOT SHOW US ANY NOTES ENTERED TO IDENTIFY THE LOFT.IF YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE PLEASE HAVE THEM CONTACT OUR OFFICE 219-733-0011
ACTIVATION FEES ARE DUE BY MONDAYThere are just a few days left to get your Activation Fees in! All fees need to be in by Monday 9/11.Any unpaid birds will be offered For Sale and breeder will loose all rights to the birds. Activation Fee is $600 per birdAll birds must be activatedThe office is open today from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm to call and make payments over the phone or pay in person.Pay by Credit Card 219-733-0011PayPal is accepted by clicking the link belowProcessing fees apply for credit card & PayPal optionsFees vary, depending on the amount of birds
Birds were taken out today, however there is heavy cloud cover and very gloomy skies. We waited at the release point for quite some time with no sign of the weather clearing up. Birds were brought back and will be let off the trailer to loft fly.
