Some very amusing responses from you all. Thanks for that. But I suppose the bottom line is that no one wants to escort the pigeon back to N. Ireland. It seems remarkably at home here despite various predators and other livestock hazards amd likes to follow the humans around - I find that bizarre having been brought up on a fair to huge quantity of pigeon pie/stew/casserole/pate.

Still, to get back to the subject of McCallen - it was splendid to see him on the parade on Senior Race day and a few others besides. Although I would have put money on Haga just doing a "waving" lap, which is certainly what he was doing as he passed me. I presume I'm right in thinking he has never ridden the course before.

Anyway, must go and intercept the stool pigeon's latest transmission....