Jim Emerton Marathon Pr

[retired]

Although no longer actively involved in the breeding and the racing of our flying thoroughbreds Jim Emerton of England based upon earlier participation has left his mark in the realm of marathon racing in Europe. And although not actively involved as a pigeoner our subject contributes to the sport through his involvement in pigeon racing journalism. A person who reveals who he is and what he knows because of his life time love of marathon pigeon racing. An undying love that may open again the door to his participation.

Jim is a person of high intelligence and advocates that the gift or faculty of the latter should be applied in the breeding, racing and all aspects of the sport of the gods. Thus as one who values the knowledge and the experience of others from the ultimate level of our sport I decided to interview Jim on the back of an earlier insight which I wrote into his role as a pigeoner.

 

Jim and his mother Dorothy

 

In this introduction I must add that Jims late mother Dorothy played an important part in the sport during his years of success and to her I dedicate this article.

The following in essence is Jims answers to 20 questions which I put to him and which outlines a marathonist of the highest level. A person who possessed a unique insight into the art and the science of long distance pigeon racing.

Via his father, Jim senior, our subject has been in contact with pigeons since the early age of three years. Realising early on his earthly journey that pigeons made him happy and the latter also included the non racing varieties.

As a family the Emertons lived in various parts of their native land. A nomadic experience by which Jim came into contact with a number of pigeoners during his early years. These encounters deepened Jims love for our flying athletes and indeed this deepening attachment developed a mystical like relationship with the racing dove. An association which heightened the imagination of an intellectual who in his school years wrote an essay concerning the clocking of a long distance candidate from Marennes in France. Perhaps an example of dreaming dreams and saying Why not?

Arising from the familys nomadic life style the Emertons eventually settled at Sycamore Cottage, Holtby, in York, in 1976; where Jim made friends with a pigeoner called Jack Russ. The latter fancier gifted our subject with some squeakers and via his new friend Jim became a member of the St. Lawrence W.M.C. in York. And through the gifted squeakers our subject experienced his first win in the sport which fired him so much that in due course a few Stichelbauts were purchased from the Louella Lofts coupled by a grand son of the great Kleine Donkere from the Ponderosa Lofts, U.K. Thus the foundation of the Emerton strain was very soundly laid. Also I must add that Jack Russ was the person through which Jim met Jean - his partner of 30 years.

Thus at this time Jim Emerton reached for the stars and in due course had them in his grasp. A journey which saw his birds fly marathon distances against the odds across the English channel from the European mainland. Brave feathered warriors that had to break off from thousands of equally brave continental thoroughbreds on their journey to the land of the rose. Yes, it took courage as well as intelligence to branch off from the security of thousands and face a lonely journey into the Western Isles. A journey which he shortly hopes to see with an arrival from the Spanish race point on the 2nd day into the UK as part of what has become known as the Emerton 800 Miles Barcelona Challenge; for Jim has promised one thousand pounds to the owner of the bird which accomplishes this act of endurance and intelligent orientation.

 

Jim contended that genetic quality was more important than looks or handling qualities. Stating that a good pigeon, genetic wise, will endure hard conditions over 700 miles. That the internal factors allied with the basket differentiates between the champions and the also rans. Such pedigreed stock must dwell in hygienic conditions preferably a litter of wood shavings and Easibed; opining that such a system ensures immunity from most diseases. In addition in relation to disease Jim doctored for worms and canker but holds the opinion that the sport has taken a wrong turn through over dosing especially the increasing use of anti-biotics.

His breeding methodology involved all aspects- in, line and cross. Once he had discovered a golden pair i.e. Dark Destiny and Daughter of Darkness Jim line bred and inbred to those great producers for 30 years without many introductions. Some of the latter were stock from Brian Denney, Jim Donaldson and Trevor Robinson. He bred all his birds for as he says life is like a box of chocolates and one never knows what one is going to get next.

Our subject admits to making managerial mistakes but is of the opinion that the implied wrong decisions are the materials by which the potential to achieve greatness or genius arises. Being of the opinion that the essence of genius was simplicity, itself. Thus keeping management simple allied with a well thought out plan that took account of and accommodated failure. Yes, Jim sent birds in terrible weather conditions and too early on in the season and rued it but being a thinking pigeoner he learnt from his mistakes. Would that others would do the same. Then there would be less strays dotting the landscape from over producing pigeon lofts that brings the sport into disrepute.

 

His advice for the novice is to read all that the experts of the sport puts to paper. Befriend top pigeoners and seek their advice. Test young birds and yearlings hard, the latter up-to 400-470 miles, and if possible from an open loft with plenty of air, space and light. Then as two year olds, if off the right pedigreed stock, they are ready for marathon tasks of 600 plus miles. Stating that candidates for such long distances should not be rationed, food wise. His feeding was the same for both old and young birds. In the hoppers at all times layers pellets were available but they also received Gerryplus and Superplus with peanuts, Red Band and Hormoform.

 

In his latter years of participation in the sport Jim did not train his young birds but lifted them from the loft into races of 95 and 138 miles and they flew well. In his younger years he would toss midweek at 90 miles from all areas of the compass and they did equally well. Usually starting training a fortnight before racing began. With the old birds for national and international racing they were trained by entering shorter races of the programme. Here Jim reminds us that old birds do not need to be taught the way home- that good fit birds will orientate very well!

 

When he was actively participating in the sport what epitomised Jim Emerton to those who know him was that his total personality was dedicated to the breeding and racing and all round management of the sport. Yes, he was involved at club and fed levels of management as well. An all round sports person. Thus such dedication and commitment was bound to bear fruit of immense proportions such as many wins in club and above.

 

Jim holding 'Barcelona Dream'

 

'Barcelona Dream'

 

But perhaps of his many successes in the sport the outstanding achievement of Barcelona Dream in the Barcelona Marathon International of 1995 was the greatest reward for his commitment and genius. Jims great athlete finished 13th Open in the British International Championship Club section at the distance of 879 soul destroying miles. What an act of endurance- what an act of intelligent orientation- what a display of managerial ability!

Of course our subject has other successes of immense proportions such as Dax My Girl who arrived on the 2nd day after covering 687 miles to score 4th place in all of England. And a one bird nomination at that.

 

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Jim holding 'Mystical Queen'

 

Then Mystical Queen who was 10th Open Single Bird N.F.C. from San Sebastian at 737 miles. She being the first arrival over 700 miles. Jim also bred good birds for others including 'The 53' which won for Trevor Robinson 2nd Average National Flying Club 4 races upto Tarbes (France) 722 miles in 2007. Yes, many more could be referred to but as I recall I made reference to the concept of genius above and now in conclusion may the reader bear with me for it is the best advice that I have ever heard from a member of our sport. Jim contends that genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Thus the key to his success lay in the latter percentages. Therefore dedication and perseverance are the ingredients required today especially by those pigeoners who reach for the stars and ask Why not?. Of course a bit of humour wont go amiss for as Jim confessed- I think that the sparrow hawks chasing my birds helped to keep them fit. What a character- what a pigeoner!

 

Liam O Comain