The Ghost IF 03 NCC 2059.... and this is his story
Spring Hill Florida 350 Miles (90) Lofts Flamingo International 2003
Team Catskill USA entered our first One Loft Competion in 2003 at the Flamingo Classic
which was held in the pigeon racing hotbed of Spring Hill, Florida. One of our entries was
a White Grizzle Cock that was of medium size, powerful and brought a high perch , alpha
attitude to the Flamingo Loft. Race day turned out beautiful with clear skies and a strong
crosswind accross the 350 mile course. Team Catskill entered our entry in every box
on the sheet and board plus Loft Auction. We settled in to watch the race with over 100+
Fanciers and felt the excitement rise as the day became afternoon. In a flash there were
Four [4] Two bird pairs out front and someone bellowed "Ghost pigeon at 9:00 and
coming fast". He was 7th overall and "The Ghost" became his permanent name. The
Big Guy drew a lot of attention at the evening auction but with over 16,500 points earned, "The Ghost" was coming home to anchor the white grizzle side of The Ghost Shadow Grizzle line of Champions. Spring Hill, Florida....Ghost Shadow Country
2010 IF Convention Race
In 2010, "The Ghost" mated to his hen "No Fear" produced a white grizzle hen "Windjammer " that was forwarded to John Gallagher as a handler in Spring Hill, Florida. There were over
1000 + entries and this Ghost Shadow was about to attract the attention of the South Florida
Racing Community. She opened at the 150 mile station in 4th place, followed in the 200
with a strong 3rd and in the 300 Mile finale in 9th place vs 500 + pigeons with only 41 birds
on the day. Visitors at the Loft said that "She comes along, once in a Decade''
2010 IF Convention Race Champion "Windjammer"
Spring Hill , Florida Three [3] Race Series
Total 650 Miles
"Windjammer" is a direct daughter of "The Ghost" and "No Fear" 04 IF NCC 860 DCH
who holds two [2] first at the 400 and claimed a two bird derby at 350 miles, one hour
out front in a head wind and scattered thunderstorms. Her nestmate 04 IF NCC 859 DCC
placed second with only nine birds on the day. Windjammer was entered again'st over
1000 + entries from 200 lofts. She took care of business by scoring 4th at the 150 mile
station, followed by a 3rd at the 200. Her handler, John Gallagher said " This Grizzle hen
leaves the team while exercising and routes by herself ". The 300 mile finale turned into
a "Smash" but Windjammer came off course to place 9th [3.5 minutes Out] and earned
"Champion Pigeon" by over 85 + Points .Like her Sire and Dam ,"Windjammer" refused
to yield over 650 miles of racing and finished "Out Front" in the tradition of"A Ghost Shadow"
"High Cotton" Team Catskill USA is a product of a full brother to the Ghost” and an inbred shadow hen from the Las Vegas Classic Grizzle line. He scored second place and created a following buzz at the open auction. After some spirited bidding, this beautiful White Grizzle cock came home to add his powerful gene pool to the Team Catskill USA stud breeding program.
"Sugar" is a full sister to the“Ghost” and when mated to the 04 Las Vegas Classic winner,“The Sundance Kid” in 2006, created a Grizzle Hen “Colonial Mint” who was entered by Team Catskill USA in the South Africa Classic Millionaire Race. Please refer to our home page menu“Success Stories” to follow this heartwarming story about the little Grizzle Hen who held our colors high over 10,000 miles from home while competing against the world.
Footnote :
"Sugar" and her mate"The Sundance Kid" bred the 2009 Las Vegas "Equal First" Winner
"Tiger Moon" [Grizzle Cock] There were five [5] birds on the first drop
from 330 miles, out front by over twenty minutes, after over eight [8] hours on
the wing. Only three [3] more day birds reported, which brought the total to only
eight for the day out of 180 entries. This was the fourth [4th] time in the past
six [6] years that the "Ghost Shadow" Foundation pair scored "Equal First" in
Las Vegas. The years were 2004/2005/2008 and 2009. Incredible feat.
When Race Day extends and shadows begin to welcome evening, your tired eyes can sense a flash and you think “Was that a Ghost?”….and then something folds to end their journey.
Welcome Old Friend…”Job Well Done”.
