1. Event Overview

The Martinez Classic OLR 2026 is a 7-race young bird series

Birds will be trained, conditioned, and raced from progressive distances

All pigeons compete from the same loft under identical conditions

2. Entry & Reservation

Each entry requires a perch reservation fee

The reservation fee secures space only and does not activate a pigeon

Perch fees are non-refundable

Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis

The organizer reserves the right to limit total entries

3. Activation Policy

Birds must be activated to be eligible for sponsorships and other awards.

Activation is due after the second race (130 mile race)

Only activated birds can get sponsored

Activation fees are non-refundable

Unactivated birds will become property of Martinez Classic and may be sold to others

4. Ownership & Transfers

Birds remain the property of the breeder unless activations are not paid in full before the 3rd race in the series

Optional race activations do not transfer ownership unless the original owner approves

If a pigeon is sold:

Ownership must be updated before the final race

Sponsorship winnings belong to the registered owner at the time of the race

The Martinez Classic does not assume ownership of any pigeon unless clearly stated in writing

5. Shipping & Arrival

All birds must arrive within the official shipping window (February-April)

Birds must be:

Healthy

Fully weaned

Free of visible illness or parasites

Any bird arriving sick or weak may be:

Treated

Removed from competition if necessary

Shipping costs are the responsibility of the breeder.

6. Health, Care & Training

All birds receive:

High-quality feed

Clean water

Vitamins and supplements as needed

Professional loft management

Vaccinations

Training tosses are conducted based on:

Weather conditions

Bird readiness

7. Race Series Format (2026)

Race 1 – 100 miles

Race 2 – 130 miles (Activation Race)

Race 3 – 165 miles

Race 4 – 220 miles

Race 5 – 290 miles

Race 6 – 300 miles

Race 7 – 350+ miles (Final Race)

Distances may vary slightly due to safe release locations. If tailwinds are forecasted we may add 10-20 miles or postpone the race.

8. Timing & Results

All races will be timed using:

Benzing Live clock systems

Wincompanion

Official results posted by the organization are final

Any protest must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of posted results

9. Sponsorships

The organizer reserves the right to:

Delay sponsorships if verification is required

Withhold sponsorship winnings in cases of proven rule violations

11. Force Majeure

The Martinez Classic is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or losses caused by:

Acts of God

Extreme weather

Fire, flood, or natural disaster

Government restrictions

Transport interruptions

12. Liability Disclaimer

By participating, all breeders agree that:

The Martinez Classic is not responsible for injury, death, or loss of pigeons

Participation is at the breeder’s sole risk

No guarantees of race survival or performance are expressed or implied

13. Media & Promotion Rights

By entering, participants grant permission for:

Photos

Videos

Race footage

Promotional use on websites and social media

No compensation is required for media use.

14. Refund Policy

Reservation fees: Non-refundable

Activation fees: Non-refundable

Shipping fees: Non-refundable

No refunds due to:

Bird loss

Weather cancellation

Trainer decisions

Race cancellations for safety

15. Rule Amendments & Updates

To ensure fairness, safety, and the protection of all participants, the organizer reserves the right to modify, update, or clarify these rules at any time, with or without prior notice.

Any rule changes will be made in good faith and solely for the purpose of:

Protecting participants

Preserving race integrity

Improving safety

Ensuring legal compliance

All updates will be published on the official Martinez Classic OLR website and will take effect immediately once posted.

Continued participation in the event after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised rules.

16. Agreement to Terms

By submitting a reservation or activation payment, you confirm that:

✅ You have read all rules

✅ You understand all conditions

✅ You accept full responsibility for your participation

✅ You waive liability against the organizer

17. Nature of Services (Stripe Requirement)

All fees paid to the Martinez Classic OLR are for event services only, including but not limited to:

Perch reservation

Loft care

Feeding, training, and conditioning

Race participation administration

Data processing and result publication

No payment represents a purchase of a guarantee, outcome, placement, prize, or performance result.

18. No Guarantee of Performance or Survival

By participating, all entrants acknowledge and agree:

Pigeon survival is not guaranteed

Performance is not guaranteed

Sponsorships are not guaranteed

Weather, predators, illness, accidents, or training risks may cause loss at any time

Participation is entirely at the breeder’s own risk.

19. Stripe-Safe Refund & Chargeback Policy

All payments made through Stripe or any other processor are subject to the following:

All reservation fees are final and non-refundable

All activation fees are final and non-refundable

All service fees are final and non-refundable

Shipping fees are non-refundable

No refunds will be issued for:

Bird loss

Weather delays

Training losses

Race cancellation for safety

Disqualification

Breeder withdrawal

By submitting payment, the participant waives all chargeback rights related to service fulfillment once services have begun.

20. Digital Service Delivery Confirmation (Stripe Protection)

By submitting payment, the participant confirms that:

✅ They are purchasing event services

✅ Services begin immediately upon processing

✅ They waive any right to dispute based on “non-delivery” once services have started

✅ Digital confirmation of services constitutes fulfillment

21. Event Cancellation & Modification Protection

In the event that a race must be postponed, shortened, rerouted, or canceled due to:

Weather

Safety concerns

Government restriction

Transport issues

Force majeure

The organizer is not obligated to issue refunds, and the event will be considered fulfilled based on services already rendered.

22. Rule Change Authority

To protect participants, ensure fairness, and maintain event integrity, the organizer reserves the right to update these rules at any time.

Changes may be made for:

Safety improvements

Legal compliance

Operational clarity

Competitive fairness

All updates take effect immediately once published. Continued participation constitutes acceptance.

23. Final Stripe-Safe Legal Acknowledgment

By submitting any payment, the participant confirms:

✅ They understand this is a service-based competition

✅ They accept all financial risks involved

✅ They understand no guaranteed outcome exists

✅ They agree to the non-refund and non-chargeback policy

✅ They accept the organizer’s final authority on disputes

All payments are for event services only. No guarantees of performance, survival, placement, or prize winnings are expressed or implied. All fees are non-refundable. Participation is at the sole risk of the entrant. Rules subject to change at any time to protect participants and preserve race integrity.

24. Elite Program Qualification

For every six (6) pigeons entered by a breeder, one (1) pigeon qualifies for the Elite Program

Breeders entering fewer than six (6) pigeons do not qualify

Qualification is based strictly on total birds submitted

The Elite Program is open to all breeders worldwide who meet the qualification requirement

25. Elite Activation Fee

The Elite Program activation fee is $500 per Elite-qualified pigeon

All Elite activation fees are:

Non-refundable

Non-transferable

Activation confirms participation in:

Elite sponsorship

Elite pigeon auction eligibility

26. Elite Pigeon Selection Requirement

The breeder must officially select their Elite pigeon(s) before submitting Elite activation payment

Once Elite activation is processed:

The pigeon designation is final

No substitutions are permitted

Failure to select before payment may result in automatic forfeiture of Elite eligibility

27. Elite Sponsorship

The Elite Program begins with a minimum $45,000 sponsorship

Sponsorship funds are awarded based solely on results from the 350+ mile Final Race

Sponsorship placements and distribution will be published separately prior to the final race

Elite Program Auction Eligibility

All pigeons entered into the Elite Program are pre-approved for auction eligibility.

Elite pigeons will be auctioned if they meet either of the following performance criteria:

🥇 Arrive in the First Drop of the Final Race

🏅 Place in the Top 10 Ace Pigeons of the Series

Auction participation is automatic and mandatory for pigeons meeting the above criteria.

28. Elite Auction Revenue Distribution

All proceeds generated from Elite Program auctions will be distributed as follows:

50% — Breeder

35% — Martinez Classic OLR

15% — Auction Platform Fees

All auction payouts are processed after:

Final identity verification

Ownership confirmation

Completion of buyer payment processing

29. Stripe-Safe Nature of Elite Program Payments

All Elite activation fees are collected strictly as event participation and promotional service fees, including:

Sponsorship prize participation

Elite status administration

Auction listing services

Promotional and advertising services

No Elite activation payment represents:

A guaranteed sponsorship payout

A guaranteed auction placement

A guaranteed race result

A guaranteed prize

30. Elite Program Refund & Chargeback Policy

All Elite Program activation fees are final and non-refundable

No refunds will be issued for:

Pigeon loss

Failure to qualify for auction

Disqualification

Withdrawal

Race cancellation for safety

By submitting Elite activation payment, the breeder waives chargeback rights once services have begun

31. Elite Program Modification & Protection Clause

To protect participants and preserve competitive integrity, the organizer reserves the right to:

Modify Elite prize distribution if required

Adjust sponsorship formats if necessary

Clarify Elite auction procedures

Any updates will be published officially and take effect immediately upon posting.

32. Elite Program Final Acknowledgment

By activating an Elite Program pigeon, the breeder confirms:

✅ They understand Elite qualification rules

✅ They understand sponsorships are not guaranteed payouts

✅ They agree to mandatory auction participation if qualified

✅ They accept the non-refundable nature of Elite activation fees

✅ They accept all race, auction, and market risks

Elite Program activations are for promotional and participation services only. Sponsorships, auction placement, and performance outcomes are not guaranteed. All Elite payments are final and non-refundable. Rules subject to change at any time to protect participants and preserve competitive integrity.

33. Standard Race Clocking Rules (Races 1–6)

All preliminary races (Races 1–6) are scored strictly by:

✅ Electronic clocking order

Placement is determined by:

Arrival time

Speed (YPM)

No sponsorship pooling applies to preliminary races

All preliminary race results are final once posted

34. Final Race Exception – Sponsorship-Based Ranking

The Final Championship Race (350+ miles) is treated differently:

Sponsorship placements are determined by First Drop arrival groups, not individual clocking order alone

This rule exists to:

✅ Protect fairness

✅ Prevent split-second technical advantages

✅ Reward true group performance

35. First Drop Definition – 60-Second Rule

For the Final Race only, a First Drop is defined as:

Any pigeon that arrives within 60 seconds of the first pigeon’s arrival time.

All pigeons clocked within this 60-second window are considered part of the same First Drop

The First Drop is treated as a group performance

36. First Drop Maximum Limit – 15 Bird Cap

The maximum number of pigeons allowed to qualify for First Drop sponsorships is 15 birds

If more than 15 pigeons arrive within the First Drop window:

✅ Only the first 15 pigeons recorded within the 60-second window qualify

Any pigeons clocking after the first 15 will:

❌ Not qualify for First Drop sponsorships

✅ Still qualify for official race timing and placement

37. Final Race Sponsorship Division Rules (Examples for Clarity)

These examples are provided for absolute transparency:

Example 1 – 20 Pigeons Arrive Together

20 pigeons arrive within 60 seconds

First Drop sponsorship limit is 15

✅ Only the first 15 pigeons officially recorded qualify

❌ Remaining 5 do not qualify for First Drop sponsorships

Example 2 – 10 Pigeons Arrive, 5 Keep Flying

10 pigeons arrive together

5 continue flying past the loft and do not commit within 60 seconds

✅ Only the 5 pigeons that actually commit within 60 seconds qualify

❌ The remaining 5 are not considered First Drop

Example 3 – 1 Pigeon Alone, Then 10 Follow Within 60 Seconds

1 pigeon arrives first

10 more arrive within the next 60 seconds

✅ All 11 qualify as First Drop

Example 4 – 5 Arrive, Then 5 More Within 60 Seconds

5 pigeons arrive first

5 more arrive within 60 seconds

✅ All 10 qualify as First Drop

Example 5 – 5 Arrive, Then 10 More Within 60 Seconds

Total of 15 pigeons arrive inside the same 60-second window

✅ All 15 qualify as First Drop

❌ Any pigeons after the 15th are excluded from First Drop sponsorships

38. Final Race Sponsorship

If more than one pigeon qualifies for First Drop:

✅ The Final Race Grand Sponsorship will be divided equally among all qualified First Drop pigeons

No individual pigeon is guaranteed:

❌ A full sponsorship payout

❌ Exclusive placement

Final determination is based solely on:

Clock verification

Video confirmation when available

Official posted results

39. Authority & Dispute Protection (Stripe-Safe)

All final race:

Clocking results

Drop determinations

Sponsorship divisions

Are final and not subject to appeal

By participating, all breeders:

✅ Waive disputes regarding group placement

✅ Accept the First Drop method

✅ Accept the 15-bird sponsorship limit

✅ Accept equal sponsorship division

Final Race sponsorships are based on group First Drop performance using a 60-second qualification window and a 15-bird maximum limit. Sponsorship shares are divided equally among qualified birds. No guaranteed placement, payout, or exclusive sponsorship is expressed or implied. All race determinations are final.

40. No Pooling, Wagering or Gambling

No pooling, side betting, wagering, or any form of gambling is allowed on Martinez Classic OLR property or through our channels.

The Martinez Classic OLR is a competition and service event only, not a gambling or gaming operation.

41. Health & Vaccination Requirements

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

Birds arriving without appropriate vaccination or showing signs of illness may be refused, quarantined, or removed from competition at the discretion of the loft manager.

42. Bird Acceptance Window

Birds and any allowed replacements will be accepted from February 1st through the last day of April.

No birds will be accepted after the end of April.

Any birds arriving outside of this window may be refused or returned at the breeder’s expense.

43. Entry Form Requirement

When sending birds, breeders must print and complete the official Entry Form available on the website.

The completed Entry Form must travel with the birds inside the shipping box.

Birds received without a completed Entry Form may be delayed, misassigned, or refused entry.

44. Perch Fee Policy & Pending Status

Perch fees must accompany the birds upon arrival, or be prepaid before shipping.

If perch fees are not received with the birds, those birds will be placed in a “Pending Perch Fees” status:

The birds will be listed in our system with the breeder’s name under the bird’s name.

If perch fees are not received within 7 days of the birds’ arrival:

These birds will be placed on the “For Sale – Martinez Classic OLR” list.

No exceptions.

45. Entry Fees for Birds That Do Not Reach Activation

If entry fees were paid for a bird and that bird does not make it to the activation race (130 miles):

No cash refunds will be issued for birds that fail to reach the activation race.

Credits are non-transferable unless approved by the organizer.

46. Banding & Federation Requirements

All birds must be banded with a 2024 seamless band recognized by a national organization (e.g., AU, IF, CU, etc.).

Birds banded with fake, unrecognized, or fraudulent federations will be disqualified and removed from the race.

Any attempt to alter, tamper with, or misrepresent a band will result in immediate disqualification.

47. Activation & Non-Activated Birds

All non-activated birds will become the property of Martinez Classic OLR after the activation deadline and will be:

Removed from the race, and

Managed at the sole discretion of Martinez Classic (including potential sale, retention, or rehoming).

This serves as a clear ownership transfer condition for non-activated birds.

48. Mandatory Participation in the Full Race Series

All entered birds are expected to compete in the entire race series, from the first scheduled race through the final race.

The only birds removed from the race series will be those that:

The Martinez Classic OLR staff determine are no longer capable of continuing due to illness or injury.

No birds will be removed from the series for strategic, financial, or personal reasons once the series has begun, except at the organizer’s discretion.

49. Post-Season Ownership (Non-Elite Birds)

Breeders retain ownership of all activated birds outside of the Elite Program after the season is over, subject to:

The claim deadlines and

Return shipping rules listed in these regulations.

Elite Program birds are subject to the Elite auction and ownership rules specified in the Elite Program section.

50. Clock or Chip Malfunction – Drop Eligibility

If a bird is on an eligible drop but does not clock due to a clock or chip malfunction:

The loft manager will visually verify that the bird was on the same drop as the other arriving pigeons.

After verification, this bird will be placed last in the drop order for that group.

This rule applies only when there is clear staff verification of the bird’s presence on the drop.

51. Tax Reporting & W-9 Requirement (USA)

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) recognized by the IRS (W-9 form) is required before any sponsorship or payment totaling $600 or more is released.

Such awards will be reported as required by IRS regulations.

Breeders must:

Submit a completed W-9, and

Clearly specify their Loft Name on the form.

No W-9 = No payment and no deductions from winnings for shipping or other services.

52. Post-Final Race Bird Claim Deadline

After the Final Race, breeders who want their birds back must claim their birds within 15 days of the Final Race date.

To claim birds, breeders must:

Send an email to info@martinezrace.com, and

Clearly specify their Loft Name.

Birds not claimed within 15 days will become the property of Martinez Classic OLR and will be managed at the loft’s discretion.

53. Return Shipping & Deductions from Winnings

Return shipping fees must be paid within 15 days of the Final Race.

If the breeder has winnings on account and has provided a valid W-9, shipping costs may be:

Deducted from winnings, with the balance then paid out.

If:

No W-9 is received, or

Winnings are insufficient to cover shipping,

The breeder must pay shipping directly.

No W-9 means no payment will be issued and no deductions from winnings can be made.
 

54. Nature of the Iron Pigeon Challenge

The Iron Pigeon Challenge is an average-speed competition

It is based on middle-distance races only

It rewards:

✅ Consistency

✅ Endurance

✅ Speed across multiple races

It is separate from the regular race series and Elite Program

55. Optional Participation

The Iron Pigeon Challenge is 100% optional

Only activated Iron Pigeon birds are eligible for:

Iron Pigeon sponsorships

Iron Pigeon recognition and awards

Birds not activated for this program:

❌ Are not eligible for Iron Pigeon sponsorships

✅ Still compete normally in the regular race series

56. Iron Pigeon Activation Timing & Fee

Iron Pigeon activation becomes available after the 165-mile race

The activation fee is $100 per pigeon

This fee is:

Non-refundable

Non-transferable

Only birds that successfully return from the 165-mile race are eligible for Iron Pigeon activation

Iron Pigeon Sponsorship

Iron Pigeon sponsorships will start at:

🏆 $45,000 minimum

Sponsorship distribution structure will be:

Published separately prior to payout

Based strictly on average speed results

All sponsorships advertised by Martinez Classic OLR — including but not limited to:

Final Race Sponsorships

Elite Program Sponsorships

Iron Pigeon Challenge Sponsorships

are based on a projected total of 2,000 activated pigeons.
 

57. Perch Fees, Activation Fees & Sponsorships

57.1 Definitions

57.1.1 Perch Fee
A Perch Fee is a non-refundable housing and care fee charged per pigeon for participation in the Martinez Classic One Loft Race (“Event”).

57.1.2 Activation Fee
An Activation Fee is a non-refundable participation and eligibility fee required to activate a pigeon for official competition eligibility in the Event.

57.1.3 Sponsorship
A Sponsorship is a voluntary contribution provided by individuals, businesses, or the Event organizer to support Event operations, optional prize programs, and promotional initiatives.
 

57.2 Perch Fees – Purpose and Use

57.2.1 Perch Fees are charged solely to cover operational costs associated with housing and caring for pigeons entered into the Event, including but not limited to loft housing, feeding, supplements, training, transportation, maintenance, labor, administration, and compliance costs.

57.2.2 Perch Fees:
a) Do not constitute prize money
b) Are not pooled or redistributed as payouts
c) Do not guarantee any winnings
d) Are not wagers, bets, or gambling consideration

57.2.3 Payment of a Perch Fee grants the right for a pigeon to be housed and cared for by the Event organizer and does not guarantee activation or payout eligibility.
 

57.3 Activation Fees – Purpose and Use

57.3.1 Activation Fees are required for a pigeon to be eligible to be officially clocked, ranked, and compete for main race payouts only.

57.3.2 Activation Fees:
a) Do not fund sponsorship programs
b) Do not fund optional prize programs
c) Are not pooled as prize money
d) Are not wagers, bets, or gambling consideration

57.3.3 Payment of an Activation Fee does not require or imply participation in any optional or sponsored programs.
 

57.4 Sponsorships – Purpose and Use

57.4.1 Sponsorships are independent of Perch Fees and Activation Fees and are not mandatory for participation in the Event.

57.4.2 Sponsorship funds may be allocated, at the discretion of the Event organizer, to:
a) Optional prize programs (including but not limited to Elite Program, Iron Pigeon Challenge, Speed Averages)
b) Additional incentives or awards
c) Event promotion, marketing, and operational enhancements

57.4.3 Participation in any sponsorship-funded program is voluntary, and non-participation does not affect eligibility for main race payouts.
 

57.5 No Gambling or Lottery

57.5.1 The Event is a skill-based competitive sporting event.

57.5.2 The Event shall not be construed as a lottery, gambling operation, or wagering system.

57.5.3 No fee paid to the Event constitutes a bet, stake, or wager, and no payout is guaranteed.

 

57.6 Organizer Discretion & Transparency

57.6.1 The Event organizer reserves the right to allocate sponsorship funds as disclosed in Event materials and to modify optional programs prior to activation deadlines.

57.6.2 All payout structures, sponsorship programs, and eligibility requirements will be disclosed prior to race activation.
 

57.7 Participant Acknowledgment

57.7.1 By entering pigeons into the Event, participants acknowledge and agree that:
a) Perch Fees and Activation Fees are service and participation fees only
b) Sponsorships are voluntary and separate from mandatory fees
c) No guaranteed returns exist
d) The Event is not gambling in any form