Racing pigeon flies to Devon school's rescue

by · DevonLive

A racing pigeon named “Ace” has soared to glory, proving that even feathered competitors can earn their wings—and a hefty prize purse—for a good cause.

Andrew Cridland, a pigeon racer and secretary of the Three Counties Classic Racing Pigeon Club, entered a pigeon named “Ace” into the prestigious Who Dares Wins International One Loft Race in Derbyshire.

Representing ACE School in Tiverton, “Ace” soared through the competition, achieving a commendable 31st place in the semi-final at Chale, Isle of Wight. The bird then stunned onlookers by finishing 11th in the final leg of the race, which covered a challenging 292-mile journey from Falaise, France, to England. The race began with 1,606 birds from some of the finest lofts in the UK and internationally.

“Ace” earned £2,455 for the school. Additional contributions came from the club pools, a unique funding initiative supported by members of the Three Counties Classic Racing Pigeon Club, which covers Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, with 257 affiliated members. These funds are expected to support outdoor equipment for the school.

Stacy Fagg, assistant headteacher at ACE School, said:“Our school community were delighted to be given the opportunity to have a pigeon entered into the Who Dares Wins International One Loft Race 2024 on behalf of our school. ACE, our speedy pigeon, has helped us raise funds for outdoor equipment and inspiring our children to believe that they can achieve anything they dream of.

“A special thank you to Andy Cridland for this amazing opportunity—together, we are teaching our kids that with determination, the sky's the limit.”

In a separate effort, Andy also entered a pigeon on behalf of St John’s School in Tiverton in the Royal Pigeon Racing Association’s One Loft Race. Although the pigeon, named “Tessa,” secured £266.66 in prize money during earlier stages of the competition, she was unable to compete in the final two races due to injury. Fortunately, “Tessa” has since made a full recovery.

Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
St John's School in Tiverton with Andrew Cridland and Tessa
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
St John's School in Tiverton with Andrew Cridland and Tessa
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
St John's School in Tiverton with Andrew Cridland and Tessa
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon
Ace School in Tiverton with the Ace pigeon