by Ryan Ponto | Dec 15, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent
It’s Christmas party season for stables up and down the land – some with much to celebrate, and others with cause to wish 2016 away as quickly as possible.
Ryan Moore made a welcome appearance at Sir Michael Stoute’s end-of-year bash after hotfooting it back from Hong Kong earlier this week, with The Tack Room restaurant at the new National Horseracing Museum the destination of choice for a number of functions in the town.
Poor Marco Botti is still looking for the British Group One success he craves and deserves, having gone closest when Euro Charline was caught close home in the Lockinge, but it won’t be long before he gets that monkey off his back and he can at least end the year on a high when Grendisar takes the Listed Betway Quebec Stakes at Lingfield.
He was very much in need of the run on his recent return to action at Wolverhampton but that defeat might just help ease his price out a fraction here. All of the evidence from his homework on the all-weather says he’s as good as ever and although he was narrowly beaten in this race 12 months ago, he won in 2014 and the balance of his Lingfield form over the last couple of years ought to make him very hard to beat.
Adam Kirby is banned, meaning George Baker takes over. Kirby also misses the ride on the Jeremy Noseda-trained Novis Adventus in the Download the Betway App Handicap earlier on the card, having been quite positive about the horse when riding him last time out on his debut for the trainer. Martin Harley (who some would have expected to have been aboard Grendisar for that matter) is on board and Novis Adventus is expected to appreciate this slight step back in trip.
Limonata can finally come good on her second start for Harry Whittington in the Betway Handicap at Lingfield. Henry Candy would have hoped to have won a race with this half-sister to his stable star Limato, but she proved just a little frustrating and she has moved on to his close neighbour with the hope that a change of scenery will do her good.
Although beaten into fifth on her debut for the Sparsholt trainer, she was not beaten at all far, and connections are now trying their luck with cheekpieces for the first time. She has pleased at home since and, with the headgear in place, she looks worth one last chance.
Somethingthrilling has improved steadily this year and should go close in the Stallions Breeding Winners Conditions Stakes. She has progressed steadily as a four-year-old for David Elsworth and it was interesting that he also entered her in the Listed event on this card over a mile and a quarter. It did not looks her best trip however, and she is better judged on her win over this course and distance on her previous start.
Consul de Thaix is arguably the least-exposed horse in the line-up and could well make the most of his light weight in the Wessex Youth Trust Handicap Hurdle at Ascot.
Nicky Henderson has long held this valuable prize as a prime target for the four-year-old, who showed very obvious promise during his first season before going down by only three-quarters of a length to stablemate Brain Power, having been set plenty to do, on his reappearance at Sandown two weeks ago.
Connections are confident there is much more to come with the benefit of that outing behind him and he is fancied to turn the tables on Brain Power, even though he is also expected to progress from the run. Modus is another who commands respect, and those looking for a big outsider might want to risk an each-way investment on the former John Ferguson-trained Chesterfield.
The Druids Nephew is reported back to something like his best and is just preferred to Triolo D’Alene in the Lavazza Jolie Silver Cup Handicap Chase.
A very useful performer for Andy Turnell in his youth, he has been a grand servant for Neil Mulholland, and won a big handicap for the Limpley Stoke trainer at the Cheltenham Festival in 2015. Despite a couple of sound performances when underfoot conditions were right last season, he has slipped down to a mark just 2lb higher than his Festival win, and the going will again be to his liking here.
Walt can beat former stablemates Minstrel Royal and Ballinure in the Foundation Developments Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. Bought by Mulholland after showing promise in a typically light early campaign for Nicky Henderson, he has come on for his debut effort for his new trainer at Ffos Las just over a month ago and looks the sort to progress further.
Andy Kelly can put an early unseat on his return from a lengthy spell out at Kempton firmly behind him and is worth an interest in the BGC Partners Handicap Chase. Emma Lavelle has always thought highly of the seven-year-old, but connections have had to be remarkably patient after he sustained another setback following an impressive debut win over fences at Plumpton just over a year ago. He was none the worse for his spill at the Sunbury course, and deserves a change of luck for a stable in better form than has been the case for some time.
Ut Majeur Aulmes can step up on his pleasing comeback effort in a good class event at the Newbury Hennessy meeting and win the Stockton Brook Handicap Chase at Haydock. Victor Dartnall’s charge has a fair bit of chasing experience but seemed to take a significant step forward when winning his last two races of the 2015-16 campaign. Although beaten into fourth at the Berkshire course, he stuck on to good effect behind Ultragold and looks nicely handicapped here with useful claimer Ciaran Gethings taking off 5lb.
Tearsofclewbay is held in high regard by Philip Hobbs and can give some of her more experienced rivals a scare at a price in the Listed Abram Mares Novices’ Hurdle. She produced a smart turn of foot to beat a decent field at Worcester on her latest start, and looks ready for this step up in grade despite a two-month racecourse absence.
Nicky Henderson’s runners at Fakenham are always worth a close look and Argante will be fancied to send punters home happy in the closing Independent Racecourses Maiden Hurdle on Sunday. He threatened to be involved in the finish until meeting serous traffic problems on his comeback at Ascot last month, and should be the one to beat in what looks an interesting heat.
Looking forward to next Wednesday, James Fanshawe has his sights on a raid at Newcastle, featuring Star Storm in the fast-track qualifier over two miles. A talented type on his day, he was given a midsummer break to have his wind tweaked and has come back in decent form since, being the only horse to give the smart Western Hymn a proper race in Listed company at Kempton in October.
Two miles is utterly uncharted territory, but he has the ability to switch right off in his races and it would be no surprise to see him relish the move up in distance. Singapore Sling, set to join Star Storm on the lorry up the A1, should take some beating in the maiden too.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Ryan Ponto | Dec 4, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent
PLANS to remove two trees by the water tower in Tower Close, Emmer Green, have been postponed as one of them has been found to have a pigeon nest with eggs in.
Thames Water said the work would not take place until the nest is empty, which was not expected to be before mid-December at the earliest.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Ryan Ponto | Nov 16, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent
A stubborn pigeon has been filmed refusing to move in a busy city road, forcing every car to go around him or stop before a pedestrian finally dragged him out of the way.
The video shows seven vehicles swerving into the adjacent lane while going around the pigeon as he refused to move on a road in Birmingham on Friday.
The eighth vehicle stopped dead in its tracks so as not to run over the bird.
A pedestrian rushed into the centre of traffic to resolve the stand-off, removing the pigeon himself.
The pigeon was caught on camera dodging traffic on the bustling Pershore Road, near Calthorpe Park, during the lunch time rush hour.
But the bird but somehow survived on a wing and a prayer.
The unflappable character refused to move for man, beast or car, the Birmingham Mail reports.
His actions caused numerous drivers to slow down and swerve.
After a few minutes, a good Samaritan spotted the plucky pigeon, scooped it up and placed it in the safety of the road side.
A man called Alex filmed the episode.
He said: “I only noticed it sitting in the road as I walked past.
“I thought it was a bit funny of the pigeon.
“It’s as if the pigeon was having a lone protest, possibly for food.
“I only noticed when a car blew his horn for a car which had stopped, then everyone was just driving around the pigeon to avoid hitting the little guy.
“It’s possible the pigeon was weak but it’s also possible it was stubborn and simply refused to move for anyone or any vehicle.
“It’s not the kind of reason you’d expect to have a tailback on a busy road in Birmingham.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Ryan Ponto | Nov 8, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Bird Deterrent Products
FOR a pigeon breeder, it’s the ultimate feather in the cap: to win the Australian National Pigeon Show.
Phil Young, from New Norfolk in Tasmania, has been breeding pigeons for nearly 40 years, yet so far the victory has remained elusive.
“I’ve got a four-door dressing table in the garage that is full of trophies and ribbons from agricultural shows around Tasmania and Australia,” says the 68-year-old, who is the president of the Royal Hobart Show pigeon and poultry committee.
“The Melbourne Cup is the pinnacle of racing and for our sport, the Australian National Pigeon Show is the big one.
“But no, I’ve never won it.”
Heaven knows he has tried hard enough.
Starting with a breeding pair 38 years ago, Phil now has 250 pigeons in six breeds, kept on his residential block in lofts in four aviaries, measuring 25m long and 6m wide.
“It’s like an alarm clock in the morning with the cooing,” Phil says.
“There can be a fair bit of noise, but we’ve got very good neighbours — they used to show parrots so they understand.”
Every morning and night Phil feeds his brood a special grain mix (costing $100 a week), as well as a protein mix for special birds, and estimates he spends at least two hours a day tending to their needs.
In the lead up to competition day, however, he and his wife, Sue, can spend much of the day preparing the birds.
“If we’re going to the Nationals we prepare for a month beforehand. My wife can be in the yard up to midnight shampooing the birds, especially the tail feathers, then drying them with a hairdryer.
“We put powder in their feathers to sweeten them up a bit and make them soft.
“We use clippers on their feet and a nail file on their beaks.
“Some of them enjoy it. The most flighty are the magpies, they don’t want to work with you. But the dragoons or the tumblers really concentrate and do everything to help. Of course the more you handle a bird, the more they work with you.”
The Youngs have 15 breeding pairs of magpie pigeons, 20 pairs of British show racers, 10 pairs of dragoons, six of English carriers, seven Australian performing tumblers and five British racers.
Phil, who is also a judge at agricultural shows and the president of Tasmania’s Meander Valley Pigeon Club, says there are characteristics in each breed that make a winning bird.
Similar to the cattle or sheep show ring at agricultural shows, pigeons lose points based on conformation — bones, feathers, beaks, eyes and body shape are all scrutinised to establish best in breed.
This year, the National Pigeon Show in Melbourne (next year it’s in Adelaide) saw 57 exhibitors show 379 pigeons.
“It’s a very friendly atmosphere in competition,” says Phil, who this year has attended 11 events.
“You want to win. Everyone wants to be the top exhibitor, but it never gets too competitive.”
He says time and expenses add up when travelling to events, with pigeons by law needing to be transported in special cargo containers, especially when flying.
“The Australian National Pigeon Association has worked with Qantas to make it easier for breeders to move their birds,” Phil says, adding that he has a special covered trailer and van when driving.
He says the beauty of attending events is also buying cocks or hens from competitors to try to improve his breeding genetics. Phil breeds year-round, with eggs taking 21 days to hatch a squeaker (a baby pigeon).
Each year Phil sells up to 80 of his own birds, ranging from $10 to $100.
“The most I’ve ever seen a pigeon sell for was $1000. It was a top bird and the breeder just wanted it.”
Even though he breeds racing pigeons and is a member of a homing society, Phil has never become involved in the sport, mainly because he lives further than the 10km radius from the Hobart club – a required distance so pigeons can fly home.
Phil grew up in Tasmania and worked in the railways out of Launceston and Hobart before spending the next 40 years as a harness racing trainer.
He’s still the president of the Tasmanian Pacing Club and helps his stepsons train their trotters.
“I got into pigeons because it took some of the stress away from harness training,” Phil says.
“A friend of mine gave me a pair of breeding pigeons and I was hooked. The bug started from there.
“The sport is very social.
“Everyone makes you feel warm and welcome.
“If you get down, you go out to the pigeons. I appreciate them and it’s also a buzz to win.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Ryan Ponto | Oct 9, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent
If you ever needed proof that a fine line divides genius from madness and it’s often indistinguishable and frequently crossed, the foreign media seems to have found it in abundance in our country. The only thing is I’m not sure which side they’re coming down on. Either way the joke is on us.
A report that the police in Punjab have in their custody a pigeon, who they believe came from Pakistan and could be a spy, led to this memorable headline in the Wall Street Journal: “India detains pigeons as authorities fret over risk of a coo.”
Agence France-Presse says the pigeon was found carrying a note in Urdu presumably addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The note reads: “Modi, we are not the same people from 1971.Now each and every child is ready to fight against India.” The Huffington Post says the pigeon was found by a 14-year-old boy who took the bird straight to the police station.
The Wall Street Journal has some fascinating details. The paper says that the pigeon has been x-rayed and some unusual spots found on its abdomen. Two further x-rays followed but Rishpal Singh, an assistant sub-inspector, has said “the authorities still aren’t sure if there is anything nefarious.” Now the army will be consulted.
Rakesh Kaushal, a senior superintendent of police in Punjab, was good enough to explain the seriousness of the situation. He has told the Wall Street Journal: “We thought maybe it’s a spy pigeon. We can’t establish if it’s from Lashkar … it’s better to double check …law breakers are always up to new tricks. Who knows?”
Who knows indeed! With such a bird in hand our security forces need to be extremely concerned about the others still in the bush.
Meanwhile, Pakistani social media has named the pigeon Ghutarghoon Khan and they’re clearly having a hoot at our expense. But this is not the first time pigeons have caused such consternation.
My niece Narayani tells me Ghutarghoon Khan is the second pigeon in Punjab police custody. The first was apparently caught 10 days earlier and remains in detention. I presume the police are meticulously gathering evidence before they file charges. Last year, a pigeon was discovered with a mysterious number on its feathers. At the time the deputy superintendent of police, Hansraj Hans, told Quartz: “We checked for cyanide under its beak.” Garud Sharma, said to be “a top intelligence officer”, added “We are also checking for circumcision.”
The Guardian, which has obviously done extensive research on this subject, has found a lot more than just avian espionage. The paper claims two balloons were recently found in Punjab with similar messages to the one found on Ghutarghoon Khan. Understandably no one is prepared to dismiss this as a mere case of hot air propulsion. In 2013 Indian security forces found a dead falcon fitted with a small camera. In 2010 a pigeon was detained following fears it could be a spy. Unfortunately, the paper does not relate what happened next. I wonder if it was found guilty. Regrettably, the Geneva Convention does not specify how birds accused of spying should be treated by their captors, but at this time of spiralling tension with distrust of our naughty neighbour at a peak, it would be irresponsible to dismiss such reports as a fowl affair or a story fit for the birds. In the pecking order of threats to national security these jailbirds must not be taken lightly.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by Ryan Ponto | Sep 13, 2016 | 4-S Gel Bird repellent, Pigeon Patrol's Services
Two snakes whose writhing encounter in ferny undergrowth at Kembla Heights was captured on video have heralded the start of reptile season.
LET’S DANCE: Two snakes intertwine in a curious scene from amateur video captured at Kembla Heights.
Rachel White noticed the intertwined pair near her Kembla Heights home and posted video of the action as a warning.
WIRES Illawarra reptile co-ordinator Hugh Marriott said the video appeared to show two males locked in combat.
ENSSSNARED: A red-bellied black snake found trapped in bird netting at Kiama makes its displeasure known. Picture: supplied
“They may be trying to force the other into submission, so they can get access to the females that are around,” Mr Marriott said.
But a male-female interaction, akin to foreplay, could not be ruled out.
“If they’re intertwined, not actually biting each other, that’s normally a mating stance,” Mr Marriott said.
“You’ve got to be up close and personal to see that [mating] activity taking place at the end of their tails.”
A snake’s reproductive equipment is located in its cloaca cavity, towards the tip of its tail.
Area reptile handlers have come under increasing demand as recent warmer weather causes snakes, lizards and turtles to end their hibernation.
“We’re coming into that really high-activity period for reptiles, where they’ll stick their heads out looking for food, shelter and a mate,” Mr Marriott said. “We’re fielding calls left, right and centre.”
“Having a pond in your backyard will bring in reptiles because they’re looking for food. They’re attracted to what we provide around our homes.
“Keeping your yard clear of rubbish and having the grass mowed and clear is a good idea.
“If you back onto a bit of bushland or reserve, you’re bound to have visitors who will come into your garden.”
Red-bellied black snakes, diamond pythons and “three or four species that people often mistake for an eastern brown snake” are common in the Illawarra. The region is also home to some small-eyed snakes, golden crowned snakes, black-bellied swamp snakes and tiger snakes.
”They’ve all got to be treated as venomous until proven otherwise,” Mr Marriott said.
“The best action to take is to observe from a distance.
“Never approach or try to kill or capture them, because 90 per cent of people get bitten if they try any of those actions.”
Snake activity can remain high until the end of April, when reptiles will start to bunker down for the winter.
Mr Marriott traveled to Hothersal Street, Kiama on Thursday afternoon to tend to a 1.3-metre red-bellied black snake that had become ensnared in bird netting.
He found the creature healthy and highly agitated. It was eventually freed in Albion Park, with the help of a wildlife rescue volunteer.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
