THE RACING PIGEON 26 APRIL 2024
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The Joe Murphy Column
(Gold Cup) again in 1982. Hendry says in his note that ‘Blue Blitz’ was beaten by the flap of a wing to win the Gold Cup for the third time, would he have got the Gold Cup to keep (erom the SNFC)? Don’t think this statement is correct Hendry, the year after ‘Blue Blitz’ won the Rennes race, W T Gardner of Lockerby won the Gold Cup the following year doing a velocity of 1094. John Kirkpatrick of Annan won Rennes and Nantes. Has any other fancier done this with the SNFC? Other double SNFC winners are as follows: Matt Jamieson of Annan won Nantes in 1969 & 1986 plus Sartilly in 1982. John MacGillivray & Son of Forth won Nantes in 1956 & 1958. John Robertson of Jedburgh won Nantes in 1970 & 1972. Jim Sanderson of Pathhead won Nantes in 1981 & 1982. John Fairbairn won Avranches in 1974 & 1978. Hope this helps you out with your question Hendry. There are other outstanding fanciers who have graced out wonderful sport over the years; but I’m sorry to say that I don’t have the time to look these up or to sit and write them all down Dewar Trophy Book Received an email from Bob Carter who wrote; ‘Hi Joe, Just to let you know that I have received the book and I’m enjoying reading it. You have certainly done your research. Some fascinating stories and facts about the Dewar
Received a card and lovely note from Etta & Henry Mair of Irvine saying; ‘Hello Joe & Margaret & Family – Hope you are all well, and keep up the good work for the sport in Scotland’. Love & Prayers & Best Wishes Hendy. There was also a note for the Joe Murphy
Column which is as follows. Enjoyed you Excellent Article on the two greatest pigeons to fly in the history of Scottish National Racing from France. ‘Fortune Lady’ and ‘Kingdom Spirt’ –both 10 times winners in the SNFC results, and both the only ‘ Double Gold Award Winners’ in the History of the SNFC. Jack Wylie of Newcastleton, ‘Blue Blitz’ that was beaten by the flap of a wing, to win the Gold Cup for a third time, would he have got the Gold Cup to keep (from the SNFC). I have my doubts as this trophy is worth a lot of money, and is irreplaceable to the SNFC. Joe who holds the record for National wins from Europe (France) into Scotland in the past 100 years. Could you give me a 1-2-3 if possible. (I think John Hodgson from Annan must be up There! John Kirpatrick of Annan won Rennes & Nantes. Has any other fancier do this with the SNFC. Wishing you and Margaret best wishes Yours Hendry.’ To answer Hendry’s questions: John Hodgson of Annan won the SNFC seven times . These were as follows: Sartilly (2) in 1986 & 1990; Sartilly (1) in 1987 & 1991; Rennes (Gold Cup) in 1990; Falaise 2008; Clermont 2010. Newcombe Brothers of Mackmerry – Cheltenham YB National 1972; Rennes (Gold Cup) 1979 & 1984 and Avranches 1980. Willie Kinnear & Son Barry of Edinburgh – Le Ferte Bernard (Gold Cup) 2004; Ypres 2009 and Reims (Gold Cup) 2020. Shillinglaw & Wylie of Newcastleton won Rennes (Gold Cup) in 1964; Falaise 1978 and Rennes Michael Thomas recieving 1st Nantes Trophy from Andrew Deans.
Joe & Margaret Murphy recieve trophy from Jock King.
received a warmer welcome and what a privilege and a pleasure it was. Happy days. Well, done with the book, Joe and thanks again. I wrote to Bob and thanked him for his nice comments and would he mind if I use them in my column (as to be honest the book is not selling as I hoped). Yes, it took me eight months researching the results and information on the winning pigeons to get the whole thing completed, as it was the 50th Anniversary of the Trophy I so much wanted to have this docu- mented to go into the history books. I’m glad Bob is enjoying it and thank him so much. Bob replied to me, ‘You are more than welcome to use my email
Joe, cheers Bob’. Obituary
I received a phone call from my dear old friend Jock Strang of California, who informed me that his wife Betty had passed away. They were married on the 21st October (the same date as Margaret and I but a few years earlier). We both visited each other’s houses over the years and have become great friends. (Even though Jock played for Rangers, ha ha). We have had some great banter over the years when it came to ‘Old Firm’ games. However, our friendship meant more to us than a foot- ball game. Many years ago, Jock
Willie Wilson of Larkhall with Joe Murphy.
Trophy-winning Champions and a timely, very well-deserved and fitting tribute to them all. A reminder, if one were needed, that some of the finest long distance pigeons (and fanciers) are to be found in Scotland. I made my very first trip to Scotland (a round trip of nigh on 500 miles) from my home city of Hull to see the first winner of the trophy having been so impressed by the performance of W & D Ree’s fine grizzle cock Champion ‘High Degree’. Still in my teens I couldn’t have
George & Gareth Rankin.
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