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2025 Rules

    1. 150 Miles (ACTIVATION)

    2. 200 Miles

    3. 260 Miles

    4. 350-370 Miles

    5. 400-420 Miles (OPTIONAL) IRON PIGEON RACE

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    Race Series: Four races with Average Speed competition:

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    Loft and Stations

  • Limited to 3,000 spots to ensure every bird receives the highest level of care, training, and management, fostering a competitive environment where only the best thrive.

    Exclusive Entry

    • Bird Entry Period: February 1st - May 1st

    • Replacement Birds: Until May 15th

    • Training: 

      • Loft/Trap Training: June​

      • Road Training: July

      • A 90 mile toss and a 120 mile toss will be done before the 150 mile race.

    • Light System: A light system is used to prepare the birds for competition. This process takes 5 months to complete, making it crucial for participants to send their birds as early as possible to ensure they benefit fully from the system.

    • Perch Fees: 

      • $100 each for 4 or more​

      • $150 each for 3 or less

    • Activations:​

      • $450 each​

    • Perch fee reservations are refundable before February 1st.

    • Perch fees are non-refundable after February 1st.

    • Activations are non-refundable.

      • We'll hand-scan each bird before the first training toss after the activation race. ​

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    For more information visit our Refund Policy Page​

  • Birds without paid entry will be sold and will become the property of the buyer. Activation fees are due immediately after the Activation Race.

    • IRS Compliance: Any winnings of $600 or more require a completed W-9 form.

    • Economic Adjustment: 15% of activation fees will be allocated to race expenses to account for current inflation.

    • Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years or older to enter.

    • All Races will remain open for 48 hours after release. If no birds clock within the time frame, prizes will be split among actual birds sent to that race.

    • All race prizes will be distributed within 30 days of the final event. Winners of $600 or more must submit a completed W-9 form. For syndicates, one designated member must submit the W-9 on behalf of the group.

    • All birds will be vaccinated for PMV and undergo comprehensive health treatments, including protocols for coccidiosis, canker, and internal and external parasites, prior to being accepted into the racing loft.

    • Training & Vaccinations:

      • PMV-Rotovirous

      • POX vaccinations.

      • 9th & 10th flights pulled and regrown for competitiveness.

    • Management: Equal care, feeding, and medication for all birds.

    • Light System: Used for handling and bird management.

  • For the Final Race Only: Prizes will be awarded based on the First Drop, followed by Clocking Order for all subsequent birds. The First Drop is defined as the first group of birds arriving together, with an 18-bird limit, and all birds on this drop will share the allocated prize equally.

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    • If any bird(s) in the First Drop fail to trap but remain present until another bird arrives, they will still be considered part of the First Drop.

    • If additional birds arrive and mix with unclocked birds from the First Drop, those birds will be placed in the order they clock.

    • Prizes beyond the First Drop will be distributed strictly by Clocking Order.

     

    This ensures fairness while maintaining recognition for exceptional performance.

    • If you are part of a syndicate, it is your responsibility to coordinate and submit a single payment. Multiple payments from individual breeders within the syndicate will not be accepted. Please collaborate and ensure one consolidated payment is made.

    • The Martinez Classic will begin shipping birds back after all races have concluded, including the optional 400-mile race. Birds will be shipped to the registered name and address listed on Wincompanion. It is the breeder's responsibility to ensure their Wincompanion account information is accurate and up to date. The Martinez Classic is not responsible for birds shipped to incorrect addresses due to outdated or inaccurate account details.

    • ​Special shipping requests will not be accommodated under any circumstances. All birds will be shipped exclusively to the address listed in Wincompanion.

    • Shipping Fees: A maximum of 2 birds can be shipped per box at a cost of $75 per box. Each bird will be shipped in a brand-new Horizon box (dimensions: 18” x 8” x 12”). For shipments exceeding 2 birds, additional boxes must be purchased based on the total number of birds.

    • Martinez Classic will hand-scan all birds prior to shipping for the first training toss after the Activation Race and for all four official main races, verifying electronic chips and ensuring the wellness of each bird. Additionally, all basketings and races will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube for full transparency and engagement.

    • All birds must be vaccinated for PMV at least 14 days before arriving at the loft.

    • The BENZING LIVE clocking system will be utilized alongside Wincompanion to provide live, real-time race results.

    • No birds with Pox will be placed in the racing loft and will be returned at breeder’s expense.

    • Breeders must complete the Activation Payment within 5 days of the Activation Race. Birds with unpaid activation fees will be sold, and the breeder will forfeit all rights to the bird(s) and any associated prize money.

    • After the race series concludes, breeders have 30 days to request the return of their pigeon(s). Any pigeons not claimed within this timeframe will become the property of Martinez Classic.

    • All entered birds are required to compete in the entire race series. The only exceptions are birds deemed unfit to continue by the Martinez Classic staff due to illness or injury. No other reasons for removal will be accepted.

    • Breeders retain full ownership of all birds they activate once the season concludes.

    • All non-activated birds will become the property of Martinez Classic and will be sold or removed from the race.

    • The entry fee is $450 per bird and is due immediately following the 150-mile Activation Race. Breeders are required to activate all birds on their team, as partial activations are not allowed. This is an "All or Nothing" activation policy.

    • Perch fees must either be prepaid or accompany the bird(s) upon arrival. If perch fees are not received with the bird(s), they will be marked as "Pending Perch Fees," with the breeder's name listed under the bird's name. If the perch fees remain unpaid for more than 7 days, these birds will be listed For Sale under the name "Martinez Classic - For Sale". No exceptions.

    • If a bird eligible for the First Drop fails to clock due to a clock or chip malfunction, the loft manager will verify its eligibility along with all other birds in the drop. Once confirmed, the bird will be placed last within the First Drop order.

    • Martinez Classic assumes no responsibility for lost birds under any circumstances, including but not limited to injury, illness, loft fly-offs, failure to return from training tosses or races, shipping issues, government regulations, natural disasters, or theft. All birds will be equally cared for and managed to ensure fairness.

    • We welcome international breeders who use personalized bands from their federations. To ensure fairness, and being aware that fake AU, IF, PH and FMC bands can also be used, our rule focuses on age: pigeons with molted 3rd flight won’t be accepted, regardless of the band type. This approach balances fairness and inclusivity for all participants.

    • Martinez Classic reserves the right to make all final decisions.

    • Martinez Classic reserves the right to deny participation to any breeder or attendee who fails to comply with the established rules or exhibits negative behavior that disrupts the integrity, fairness, or harmony of the event.

    • Martinez Classic will hand-scan all birds prior to shipping for the first training toss after the Activation Race and for all four official main races. During this process, the electronic chips will be verified, and the birds' wellness will be thoroughly checked.

    • Visitors are welcome by appointment only. To schedule a visit, please call or text Martinez Classic at (844) 410-6444

Experience the Thrill of the Finish Line

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