You are correct. It is no longer a race. The race finished around 13.00 on the second day. I don't understand the crazy though. Andy Eadie timed his bird bang on time. The rest were late, some well late. When was the last time birds were timed into Ayrshire from over 1000 miles? The last I knew was Davidson in the 70's and some from Irvine around a similar time. No disrespect to the guys, they are far better fanciers than I am, but their birds and their preparation was just not good enough and that is why they are late. The ones that haven't shown up, at best are not even that good and at worst are subject to predation. I think this race is not supported because it is far too difficult for the majority of north roaders. We do not have the numbers to be able to have a separate liberation, so will be subject to the English drag, making the race a lot longer than its measured distance. The birds that make it back have shown a great deal of spirit and character, have proved their homing ability and have shown up their trainers as "not up to standard". They themselves are also "not up to standard", due to their inability to break. The proof is Andy Eadie's bird. What are the numbers entered into Alencon by Ayrshire fanciers? Probably not 100. Years ago, Ayrshire was a hotbed for distance racing, now it is just a shallow excuse. The number of birds entered reduces drastically race by race. After 5 races they had dropped from around 3000 down to around 500. I appreciate the difficulties faced. The north roaders got sick of it, but instead of packing in they changed direction. At best they are able to reach 230 miles on land and some are quite happy so to do. Others wanted the most distance they could achieve and that is Lerwick. These north road pioneers probably realise the difficulties they and their pigeons face and are experiencing the learning curve, just as in the past the distance pioneers experienced before Rennes became a household name in Scotland. I so wish I could become a failure and time my birds from Lerwick, but I am just not good enough.