As to whether Pigeon Racing could be called a sport is open to conjecture, and certainly was a widespread recreation  and taken seriously across the Black Country, in the Gornal area, a pigeon loft at the foot of the garden was commonplace.
The Pear Tree and Woodman Inns both had clubs.
Although interest in the sport has dwindled in recent times, a few lofts remain in the area and the tell-tale circling groups of pigeons can still be seen.

"If yo' can guess 'ow many pidguns am in me loft, i'll give yer both on 'em!"
Aynuck and Ayli

See this 'almost' amusing news story in 1879, showing the single-minded and rather unmerciful Pigeon Flyer.