THE Daylesford Homing Club was formed in the early 1930s and has operated continuously ever since, apart from a recess during WWII.
The club is part of the Central Highlands Pigeon Combine, which consists of clubs from Ballarat, Daylesford and Maryborough.
The race season runs from June to early October and races are conducted from incremental distances ranging from 160km to 1100km.
The birds are transported to the race point overnight and, after feeding and watering, are released at an appointed time to complete the journey home.
The rubber race ring of the first bird returning to its loft is removed and placed in a special clock that records the exact time.
The time elapsed between release and arrival is then divided into the distance to determine the speed or velocity in metres per minute.
The highest velocity is the winner that week.
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