I think the vast majority of fanciers have at some time competed against fanciers that didn't work. That's nothing a working man can avoid. When I first raced not only was I working, I was working 3 shifts so had to change my system EVERY week. I missed many races, and positions due to holdovers ect.(i had to use holidays to mark & send the birds in the Nationals) But you do the best you can. For a time I worked 12 hour shifts and that was near impossible to race. When I married WORK came first, pigeons were a hobby to unwind at weekends, prize cards were a bonus.
I'd give extra praise to fanciers that worked who got out of bed at dawn to train, before going to work. Myself I never did. If I got up at 5am it was for work. I watched a lot of fanciers retire, only to see their performances get worse. Some changed from working & winning to retirement and losing. They spent too much time with the birds.
Your flying well Neil working, your time will come when you retire, and somebody else will moan that you don't work.
