Where is our sport headed?

Pigeon Racing is a sport that is changing as rapidly as many other sports that were formally obscure or not as well publicized. For example, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is now paying prizes in excess of $1,000,000 in a single event. For us the futurity has provided us opportunities to win big cash prizes. Yet for most clubs, there is not a big cash pay out at the end of the season just for competing at the top of your game. The difference however, is prizes in the other sports, has primarily been funded by big name sponsors and by ticket sales. For us our prize money has for the most part come out of the pockets of fellow fanciers.

The world of breeding has also changed with other performance based animals. Dogs, racing horses, bucking bulls now use a DNA database for breeding stock. Why? Because progeny of these animals is as large as the single event pay outs. If someone is dropping $50,000 on a young bull, you want to be certain of the pedigree. These other breeders are now starting to look more closely at breeding and breeding strategies and in order to do this scientifically and with certainty, there needs to be a DNA database and an ability to test a high dollar purchase to ensure the accuracy of the pedigree. Will we reach a point where pigeon breeders of top birds will be doing the same?

The futurity was a concept that has greatly changed our sport. There are now so many flyers that specialize in the futurity and only young bird racing. There are now fanciers who don't have the time or the facilities to enjoy fully competing in a regular series but they are able to keep a few birds and only ship to futurities. There are clubs with quality names that have been running successful events that have grown into huge dollar events that have help their clubs and greatly helped members win decent money while enjoying their hobby.

Yes, there are cons as well. Some say the futuries and young bird specialist are taking away and killing out old bird racing and long distance racing. There are dangers of birds from all directions of the compass being brought together and that is the chance for the increase in the rapid spread of various diseases and viruses. What happens to the also rans in these events. Money spent with no return on a bird leaves it at the mercy of the handler in some cases.

It may be time to have a new concept. A concept that rewards longetivity and distance flying. Already long distance and old bird racing requires patience as it may be a few years for a super performer to surface and reach his/her prime. Do you have a concept 'out side the box' that fits the challenge to move beyond young bird and short distance racing? If so, I'd love to hear it.