Anybody have any anti yahoo spray?

[Matthew3590]

might make me seem dumb but what is a poult?

 

[James_UK]

I can confirm chaps 'turkey racing' is very much a traditional sport here in Britian.

I've just come back from Somerset where i've enjoyed the annual 'Devon and Somerset' country show (A fantastic excuse for a sneaky pint or two). It's basically the south of Englands largest agriculture, beer/wine/homebrew and poultry show which one of the largest events spans over two days and is indeed turkey racing. The second day consists of all the finalists of the two races, 50 meter sprint and a 2 mile 'endurance' race. From these both 'owner' and turkey are crowned the south of Englands champion and can then go forth to compete in the national championships which of course, have Royalty in attendance.

The British National Turkey Championship (BNTC, prince Harry is the chairman) is the County champions from all over the country and even turkeys from Regiments/corps of the armed forces have entries and can be spotted by their distinctive regimental 'jackets' sporting their regiments colours. Naturally these armed forces turkeys excell in the endurance events especially those from the Parachute regiment and Royal Marines.

The 'Royal Turkeys' are elites in every class both as show birds and participants and can be seen in Hyde park and Windsor great park training all year round in any elements. They are located in the grounds of Windsor castle and the grounds of Buckingham palace and have a constant year round guard duty for protection provided by the guards regiments (they rotate the duty between the regiments yearly, colstream, scots etc). Like the royal horses they have a team of up to 200 men and women caring, training and catering for these fine birds in both establishments. The also have a ceremonial duty in the summer at the Tower of London and can be seen standing guard with the 'Beefeaters' at the tower, this in itself show the level of training they have to endure.

Best regards,

James.

 

[SourRoses]

 

[JIMLITTLEDEVIL]

Hi James,

Just read your post and thought I would send you a reply. Glad you enjoyed Cider Country ( Somerset )

When I was in the mob ... way back in 1981, I was detached to RRF as a pti for six months, training the Lance Jacks who were in charge of the "Royal Galliform Society" R.G.S.

Thought it was all a load of old codswallop to start with but after a few weeks got right into it.

Never thought a turkey or handler would have to endure such a physical training regime.

We even had a visit from an American detachment of Marines, as obviously turkeys are big business in the USA. They could not believe how hard the training regime was. Not sure they took it too seriously but it was good to meet them.

I now live in Somerset, have been here for nearly 11 years.

Dont see many Royal turkeys though. Not many people breeding them as you probably know, they can only be bred by Royal decree.

Nice talking to you mate

Jim ..... yep another one !

 

[babymakes6]

Quote:

I think you'll fit right in here!

 

[babymakes6]

Quote:
A poult is a baby turkey.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

Quote:
James,
We only have the 50 meter sprint here in the States, I'll have to ask the organizers here about why we don't have the two mile endurance race? I had never even heard of Royal Turkey Racing until a couple of years ago at the county fair. There were several different regiments there and it was a huge hit! As a matter of fact, they sold more tickets this past year at the Tupelo fair for the turkey races than they did for the Daryll Worley concert!
We have several regional clubs now though and I'm happy to say that the new Mississippi State training and exhibition track is only about a mile and a half from our house! Me an the kids go up most Saturday evenings and watch the "Royals Run" as it's called here.
It is amazing to see the different styles and colors of the regimental jackets and I hear the training is very tough here too. I know the prize money is HUGE on the bigger races.
Wish these storms hadn't hit this afternoon, all the races at our track were canceled due to the rain.

 

[hennyannie]

Where is Spook, Did he go to England to research? Maybe he is out at the races?

 

[Spookwriter]

Spook is never far away. He's setting here reading about the
Turkey Racers, just like everyone else.

It's beginning to appear that maybe Steve's Royal Turkeys may
be worth something after all. This turkey racing seems to be catching
on.

Anyone heard from Steve today?

 

[Lifesong Farm]

Quote:
No not yet. He is probably out training his turkeys so they can give their best performance for prospective buyers.

If not he has died of laughter and we need to contact his wife.