• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • HOME
  • Videos
    • Live Video
  • News
  • FLY BENZING
  • SERVICES
  • JOIN OUR GROUP
  • SOCIAL
    • YOU TUBE
    • FACEBOOK
    • INSTAGRAM
    • PINTEREST
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • GET INVOLVED
      • WRITERS WANTED
      • REPORTERS WANTED
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • My account

Racing Pigeon International

Welcome to the new era of Racing Pigeons Worldwide

  • Features
  • Interviews
  • REPORTERS
  • RESOURCES
    • AUDIOS
    • IMAGES
    • PUBLICATIONS
    • ONE LOFT RACES
    • ADVERTISERS
  • DIRECTORY
  • JOBS
    • Post a Job
  • ADVERTISING
  • OUR VISION
  • LOST & FOUND
    • STOLEN BIRDS

One Loft Races

The Making Of A Dream.

July 25, 2021 By m4rky Leave a Comment

The Journey of Orlando Golden Classic’s

 Roby Delgado 

Through the pigeon racing sport, we have met many people. People from all over the world, various countries, cultures, and backgrounds.  Roby Delgado was one of those people. Still in the infancy of our racing loft, we attended the Hoosier in 2018. Hoping to win big for our charity, with our one bird entry. We attended the Gala with little hope of fitting in, after all those in attendance had solid relationships formed over years of acquaintance. Ignoring the lack of social decorum, we invited ourselves to sit with a small group of strangers. There were four others at the table, and they too graciously ignored our lack of invitation; making room for us and smiling those uncomfortable smiles reserved for just such times. 

Roby sat across from us, quietly observing the room. Occasionally speaking to the gentleman next to him. As the evening wore on, we slowly delved into conversation. Going around the table like school mates introducing ourselves.

Roby lives in Orlando Florida, USA but was born and raised in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. Roby explained, seeking a better life, he had climbed into a boat with nothing but the clothes he wore and made the five-day journey to America. He came here

with nothing, became a citizen, and built his successful business. Stunned we sat listening to this young man in his thirties tell of a history that legends are made of. The subject faded and as with all pigeon sportsmen our attentions were drawn back to the sport and the upcoming race. While we didn’t win with our single bird, Roby did quite well.  We parted ways but Roby and his incredible journey had gained a place of respect in our lives.

When I approached Roby asking permission to share his journey and the incredible race he has built, I hadn’t imagined how much my research on the subject would affect me. Roby tells the story of his migration with quiet dignity. I could not have imagined the dangers, terrors and sacrifices he endured to begin his new life here in the United States. 

Currently in Cuba, people can travel internationally, due to changes created following Castro’s rule. But for a long time leaving the island was a crime and was subject to up to ten years in prison. A prison sentence often meant living in a 200-foot cell with several other men, one open toilet, and 2-hours a week to see the sun. The government claims that their prisoners have rights such as visits with family, adequate food, payment for work, a right to request parole; but, police and prison officials have in reality denied these rights, beating, neglecting, isolating, and denying medical treatment to prisoners. This includes those convicted of political crimes such as defecting and those who expressed views that countered the Political doctrine.”  Beyond the worry of jail time, in Cuba often a family would have been targeted for punishment as well. 

Cuba is rumored to have one of the largest prison systems in comparison to it’s population in the world, with approximately 100,000 prisoners in it’s suggested 200 prisons and labor camps in an area that is slightly smaller than the State of Pennsylvania. The numbers quoted are not a true representation as the Cuban Government does not release data, nor does it allow any inspections of it’s prison system. This high imprisonment rate would have been a terrifying prospect for a young man considering getting into a boat escape to the United States. 

”Here, people get thrown in prison for anything,” Roca said in a telephone interview from Havana, adding that breaking the law is often a matter of survival in a country where the government’s monthly food rations last less than two weeks and the average wage is about $10 per month. ”If you kill a cow to feed your family, you go to jail,” Roca said. “That’s part of the government’s method to maintain control over the population.”

Owners of private restaurants known as paladares can land in jail if they sell lobsters — officially reserved for tourist hotels and government-owned restaurants. So can those who exhibit behavior deemed by authorities as ”dangerous” or who sell their homes or cars without government approval.3 

All of this is a high price to pay to have a better life. 

I imagined what that day was like; it must have been heart wrenching for Roby. But he boarded the boat, determined to seek a better life in the United States.  Here was a life-altering decision, without any certainty that he would  see his family again, since returning might land him in prison; but determined he entered a dangerous sea where you could die of drowning, dehydration, or shark attacks; if you were caught by Cuban authorities, you would be sent to prison, and if you reached America, he would encounter a totally different society with no money, job, contacts, nor any grasp of the English language.  Everything Roby knew, his friends, family, the country, and culture he had grown up in would be left behind. 

I wonder if he anticipated the battle that was ahead of him, the dangers he would encounter, beginning with the first 12 miles. Owned by Cuba, and patrolled by officers who might have shot them on sight. 

Past that first 12-miles, looms international territory, The Florida Straits’ are rife with dangers that include, deadly coral, sharks, huge ocean waves, heat during the day and freezing wet temps at night.  

Congress had passed the Cuban Adjustment Act in 1966, allowing Cubans who touch US soil to be eligible for citizenship, but from the point of leaving Cuba and the ultimate dream of arriving on land in the USA was a horror film-esc scenario, one that Roby survived.

But that was not the end of his journey. During our awkward conversation those many years ago, Roby had spoken passionately of his dreams of running his own OLR. Within a couple of years, Roby had made that dream a reality.  As Roby had done with every aspect of his life, he has tenaciously created his dream, The Orlando Golden Classic. We weren’t surprised when the first year of his race was a stunning success. 

Based in Orlando Florida, the Orlando Golden Classic OLR, offers a four-race series. He has maintained that commitment to providing the highest level of communication and transparency. 

  In every update and race one can clearly see the amount of effort and work that both the birds and Robby put into the series. The final race update stated, 

“…the first 6 birds of the 501-mile race had spent 9 hours and 15 minutes on the wings”. Much like Roby’s own journey across the water all those years ago, determination and grit was what was displayed by those first six birds, but also work ethic and consistency on the part of the handler. Just like his journey through his life, he has pushed forward, working to bring his family, his own loft and now the OLR birds to the success. The second race series for 2021 is currently underway, I can’t help but smile when I think of Roby as he was at that dinner party in 2018. His eyes alight with hope and his voice alive, as his dream spilled from is lips. How honestly humble he was as he skimmed over his journey here, his impossible climb from nothing to success, that humbleness and integrity is still present. 

In every aspect of his life and OLR, I read his words, part of an update on Wincompanion Home Page (wincompanion.com) : 

“Good morning Breeders,

… I can’t wait to start receiving the 2021 youngsters and to officially commence our 2nd Season. I also want to thank all new breeders who have subscribed to our race, and for those who are returning breeders this year, you are the reason we are blessed to do what we love, THANK YOU AGAIN!

Thank you all for the support and I look forward to a great year of racing here at Orlando Golden Classic”.

But While Roby has seen one of his aspirations come to fruition, other dreams are still in the making. As discussed, Roby left Cuba to create a better life; he left behind his family and loved ones. After a ten year separation, Roby and his sister were reunited. Her visit to The United States was a joyous occasion for everyone. 

This reunion came on the cusp of a major crisis in Cuba. Cubans protested against the Communist government that has oppressed so many generations of Cuban citizens. Roby shared his hope for change with his friends and acquaintances. That hope is tempered with the consequences for the Cuban citizens in Cuba. With an insistence that the United States was responsible for the protests, the Cuban authorities have shut down the internet and, communication with anyone from the Island has been limited. 1

However, the protests were inspired by a shortage of food, power and medicine; leaving Roby and the rest of America concerned for those who live within Cuban. The hope for change is certainly being weighed against the price. Like Roby the path to a new life for those who are pushing for change will be treacherous. And, like Roby, the first steps while difficult are not the only dangers. 

The Cuban government steadfastly denies allegations of abuse, instead pointing to the strict embargo on the island  that has been imposed by the US since 1962, which according to them is the main cause of the great economic problems of the island. 2

While the unrest has mostly settled within Cuba, a spark of hope for change has been ignited. Change within the Cuban boundaries, but also here in the United States. The light that has been shed on equality will hopefully spread, to encompass those like Roby, who came seeking a better life and have faced repudiation for their origins. 

Despite the unknown of his homeland, the uncertainty of his loved ones, Roby continues to push forward. Running his OLR with  humility, transparency and honesty; loving his family and friends with respect and kindness and, living the life he sacrificed so much to achieve. 

I end  this article the same way as I began, with absolute respect for Roby and his incredible journey. 

 For more information on the Orlando Golden Classic:  Orlando Golden Classic – Welcome

 Yoannys Sainz, winner of Big Andy’s OLR in 2020, recommended Orlando Golden Classic; writing on FB on August 4, 2019:

“This will be a great race!!! We need experience handler doing race like this Good Luck”

Jorge Iglesias  recommended Orlando Golden Classic on FB as well, writing on August 5, 2019:

“You will get one of the best flyer in Orlando handle your birds. One of the best pigeon in Orlando is who takes care of your pigeons.”

Kelly Jo Stone

Photos provided

References:

1. Social media filled with rumors about situation in Cuba as government shuts down internet — MercoPress 

2. Cuba – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

3. ( NANCY SAN MARTIN, nsanmartin@herald.com) Cuba’s many prisons may hold 100,000 (latinamericanstudies.org) 

Filed Under: Articles, Features, One Loft Races

The Final of RPRA One Loft Race – Mark Lyford

September 10, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

The Liberation

Despite major internet connection issues I managed to cover the race as best as I can. 

607 birds were liberated from Alnwick a distance of 235 Miles.

Jeremy Davies with the winner of the 2019 Race

The winning bird owned by the Teeside Bombers syndicate clocked in with a flying time just short of 5 hours.

THE RESULTS

You can see the live results for all birds back by clicking the button below:

You can download the live results for all birds back by clicking the button below:

See the live coverage below. You can see a close up of the winning bird 56 minutes into the video.

Visit the RPRA OLR website by clicking below:

Keep Flying!

Mark Lyford

Filed Under: Live Video, One Loft Races, Videos

RPRA One Loft Race. Hotspot Race 3 Coverage

August 20, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

695 birds flying from Bubwith 137m. Liberated at 07:45AM.

Have a watch and hope you enjoy the coverage!

Keep Flying!

Mark Lyford

JOIN THE NEW RPI FACEBOOK GROUP HERE

Filed Under: Features, Live Video, News, One Loft Races, Videos

RPI TV – Join us live for all the latest news, chat, thoughts and opinion on the pigeon sport. #SHOW2

August 20, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Features, Live Video, News, One Loft Races, RPI TV SHOWS, Videos

Wild Atlantic Way OLR Roundup from Mark Lyford

August 19, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

The first Wild Atlantic Way One Loft Race has just finished in Dublin Ireland. Having visited the Sean Hunt and the lofts in June I was immediately impressed by what he, his team and family had managed to achieve in the first year of this race. The setup and location of the loft is second to non, set on top of a hill over looking Dublin. The views are spectacular. 

Having met Sean for the first time I had already read a lot about his birds and the great success they have had with racing. The evolution of them deciding to stage this race in their home country made sense and is something that you will see became a great success.

1187 birds in total were entered from a variety of countries.

Despite a couple of tough training tosses and hot spot races there were 524 that made it to the final race. 

You can see the final birds being basketed below.

Wild Atlantic Way Basketing

The final race location was to be from Valentia. A distance of 210 miles. The weather for the race day turned out to be good at the loft location with some south east winds coming in. 

You can see the full coverage of the final race below.

Wild Atlantic Way Final Race Day

The race turned out to be a tough one. Will only 30 birds back on the day. The winning bird was bred by Seamus Kinsella. A little blue bar hen, but size counts in these races and she proved what an amazing bird she was when she dropped 17 minutes before any other bird. 

It was a great day, over 300 people were there for the race and everyone enjoyed themselves. 

The presentation night location was packed to the rafters. Seamus and his partners were awarded to the first prize together with a whopping cheque for €50,000.

See the footage from the presentation night below:

Presentation Night

The Ace pigeon of the race was bred bt Herbie Thorpe at Proudstown lofts. The Sire is The Rocket Man, Ace Pigeon, an Original Danchaert Ronnie, Regional Ace Champion 2015, 2016, 2017 and winner of 9 x 1st, and now sire to another Ace pigeon. The Dam: Queen of Hearts, dam to 6 x 1st, contains all the DVB lines of 003, De Jan, 992, 40000, De 008, 871, Blauwe Leo, L Vale.

The Hotspot races winners were: 1st, Sean Donnelly 2nd, Paul Hughes3rd, Paddy Tidd

Below is a highlight of the top 7 birds in the auction from the race finalists.

Auction Of the First 30 Birds

The auction of 31 birds was on the 19th August 2019 at the Sarsfeild RPC in Dublin.

Our RPI reporter Arron Ennis was there to cover the auction and show our viewers some of the birds prior to the auction. See the live coverage of the auction below:

As you can see the auction was a great success with some excellent birds on offer (some bargains were to be had too). 

The individual sales of birds were: 

  • Lot 1 – €2000.  
  • Lot 2 – €2200. 
  • Lot 3 – €1400. 
  • Lot 4 – €200. 
  • Lot 5 – €380. 
  • Lot 6 – €650. 
  •  Lot 7 – €320. 
  • Lot 8 – €200.  
  • Lot 9 – €380. 
  • Lot 10 – €200. 
  • Lot 11 – €100. 
  • Lot 12 – €100. 
  • Lot 13 – €2800.
  •  Lot 14 – €400. 
  • Lot 15 – €200. 
  • Lot 16 – €420. 
  • Lot 17 – €200. 
  • Lot 18 – €200. 
  • Lot 19 – €800. 
  • Lot 20 – €460. 
  • Lot 21 – €2200. 
  • Lot 22 – €220. 
  • Lot 23 – €340. 
  • Lot 24 – €340. 
  • Lot 25 – €260. 
  • Lot 26 – €50. 
  • Lot 27 – €100. 
  • Lot 28 – €260.
  • Lot 29 – €160.
  • Lot 30 – €300.
  • Lot 31 – €1100

The total was €19,940 making an average price of €643 per bird.

(NOTE: All prices are believed to be correct at time) of writing.)

So there we have it. An amazing first year of a great race. Next year promises to be even bigger and better and based on this year I can see it being very popular with flyers wanting to get in on this great race. 

You can see the official site of the race at wildatlanticwayolr.ie

The official Facebook page of the race is here. (Be sure to like their page so you can keep up to date with all the latest updates for 2020.)

I’m looking forward to next years race already!

Keep Flying!

Mark Lyford

Filed Under: Articles, Auctions, Events, Features, Live Video, News, One Loft Races, Videos

RPRA One Loft Race – Hotspot 2 Race Live coverage

August 13, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Events, Features, Live Video, One Loft Races, Videos

Talking why I think One Loft Races are a great way of growing interest in the sport and my 3 phase plan to get mainstream public.

August 11, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Articles, Live Video, One Loft Races, Videos

My trip to Ireland, The new Pigeon Sport Future Foundation

August 9, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Charity, Features, Live Video, News, One Loft Races, Videos

Looking forward to Dublin at the weekend and the final of Sean Hunt’s wild Atlantic Way one loft race.

July 29, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

I’m looking forward to Dublin at the weekend and the final of Sean Hunt‘s wild Atlantic Way one loft race. I’ll be covering here on FB live and I’m looking forward to meeting many people. If you’re free on Sunday come along. It promises to be a great day!

Keep Flying!

Mark Lyford.

Filed Under: Loft Visits, News, One Loft Races, Videos

[IM COMING BACK TO IRELAND!] I’ll be in Dublin 3rd -5th August covering Sean Hunt’s Wild Atlantic One Loft Race.

July 16, 2019 By m4rky Leave a Comment

I’m coming back to Ireland! I’ll be in Dublin 3rd -5th August covering Sean Hunt’s Wild Atlantic One Loft Race and Arklow 6th-7th visiting Sheldon Leonard and Karl Donnelly .

I’m looking forward to meet many more people at the race.

Keep Flying!

Mark Lyford

#RPi #OLR

Filed Under: News, One Loft Races, Videos

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Cart

ProductS

FLYBENZING.COM

JOIN OUR GROUP

WALKERS TRANSPORT

en English
ar Arabiczh-CN Chinese (Simplified)zh-TW Chinese (Traditional)nl Dutchen Englishtl Filipinofr Frenchde Germanel Greekhu Hungarianit Italianja Japaneseno Norwegianpl Polishpt Portuguesero Romanianru Russiansk Slovakes Spanishth Thaitr Turkishuk Ukrainian

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Copyright -2019 - Racing Pigeon International Ltd
en English
ar Arabiczh-CN Chinese (Simplified)zh-TW Chinese (Traditional)nl Dutchen Englishtl Filipinofr Frenchde Germanel Greekhu Hungarianit Italianja Japaneseno Norwegianpl Polishpt Portuguesero Romanianru Russiansk Slovakes Spanishth Thaitr Turkishuk Ukrainian

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy