More than 2,300 pigeons were released at Manfredonia in Italy yesterday morning for the annual 400-mile race of the season in which 23 local pigeon clubs took part.

Pigeon fanciers were last night anxiously waiting for their return, though sadly just 20 per cent ever make it back to their lofts in Malta.

Sliema Racing Pigeon Club member Richard Saliba said they would be lucky if 50, from over 2,000, would return by last night.

"Some may stop to rest and arrive this morning. But we estimate we lose 80 per cent of our pigeons in this race. Some may be shot down, others may take the wrong route, some get tired flying over the 60-mile stretch of sea, or others may fall prey to wild birds," he said.

The pigeons allowed to take part in the longest race of the season are usually trained on a shorter 250-mile race from Catanzaro to Malta.

"There are usually three races from Catanzaro during the year and normally 70 per cent of our pigeons return," he said.

This race has been organised for the past 20 years and pigeon fanciers are over the moon when their pigeons finally reach their loft. The majority are not so lucky.