Sandracer.com - Pigeon Racing

Pigeon Racing

Racing pigeons, or racing doves as they are more accurately known, are allegedly one of mans oldest best friends. In the past, the pigeon racer was the special sport of kings, princes and other noblility. Actually, in days of old, it was illegal for a common man to own pigeons.

Pigeon racing to the mainstream increased in 1815 with the help of what was then called a carrier pigeon. Pigeons are bred for racing because of their will to survive, their speed of flight and their strong endurance.

Pigeon flights as far as 1689 miles have been recorded by the top birds in competetive pigeon racing. The trick with pigeon racing is the bird is actually flying home, it is not really racing atall. Pigeons are flocking birds, so they actually prefer to race together, but the strongest birds will fly on ahead, hence the pigeon race is soon in full flight.

Pigeon Messengers

The pigeon, or rock dove, has been used by man as a form of long-distant communication as far back as early as 1150 in Baghdad and also later by Genghis Khan. In fact, it is reported Ceaser used the pigeon extensively during the Roman conquest of Gaul. The Egyptians and Persians also trained rock doves to carry messages. China indeed organized a postal system based upon the use of messenger pigeons. Pigeons were also used in the 1st and 2nd World Wars.

Pigeon Race Betting Odds

Pigeon racing betting and odds might appear here at Sandracer.com if I ever see a bookmaker price up a pigeon race. The bookies price up anything that moves, so i'm sure there'll be pigeon race batting market constructed before long.

Racing Pigeon Links (alphabetically listed)