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🔺The History of a World Famous Strain - Part 6 Emiel & André Denys Angoulême Young Pigeons 1966 - 646 km A tested method by Charles Van der Espt and Maurice Vandevelde was simple: all young hens had to go to Angoulême, 646 km. Emiel wanted to test the offspring of each pairing and sent all his juniors—both cocks and hens—to Angoulême. In the long run, this was probably a mistake for the cocks. The hens weren’t entered into competitions later anyway, but for these cocks, it was a mortgage on their future. Learning comes at a cost, and in this case, that cost was pigeons. The widowers and breeders were paired for the first time around February 15. With this first round, plus a second round from "REMI" 3037744/54, pure Stichelbaut breeders, the lofts were well filled. The youngsters were trained in the third week of June, first to Arras, then to Clermont, Doornik, Boils, and Poitiers, each trip only once. At that time, there was no talk of administering cortisone drops, using blackout curtains, or even racing them in nest positions. They were motivated solely by their own perch. However, they were trained morning and evening for a full hour, under the supervision of Emiel Sr. The first major competition was Angoulême-Waregem, on the last Sunday of August, where four hens were entered. The weather was harsh: cold with a northern wind. Only about 20 pigeons out of 1350 made it home the same day. The first hen from the Denys brothers was clocked around 19:30, half an hour before sunset, based on the old summer time. She won 1st regional and 13th provincial. She was a daughter of "Spletborst" (from the bloodline "Dikken") and "Prinses '57", a golden breeding hen—though father Camiel never acknowledged her as such. The next morning at 8:30 AM, another pigeon was clocked, also winning a fine prize. The remaining two were still missing. A week later, it was time for Angoulême National, where 18 pigeons were entered. This time, the weather conditions were completely different: strong western wind and rain. Around 3 PM, the first junior arrived—number 13 on the pool sheet. From then on, it earned the name "Judaske," with ring number 3361274/66. That tiny hen won 1st regional, 1st provincial, and even the Governor's Plate of West Flanders. She was a daughter of "Blauwe Sprinter" 3308905/63, a son of the top pair "Sprinter" x "daughter Kaers." She finished 6th National out of 6011 pigeons. "Blauwe Sprinter" was then paired with "Witoog-duivin" 218/59, descending from a brother of "San Sebastiaantje," with a daughter of "Quick Star," granddaughter of "Coppi '48." Ten minutes later, a blue cock arrived, securing 2nd regional, 2nd provincial, and 10th National. He came from the bloodline of "Dikken" and "Coppi." The third pigeon was "Bekske," a daughter of "Bek" 3361254/63, another son of the top couple. The total result of the day: 10 out of 18 entered pigeons arrived, along with a double provincial victory. The second round pigeons had also been sent to Tours that same day and were blown homeward. But such an easy race did not convince Emiel. So, the entire group, including the second round, was prepared for Angoulême two weeks later—this time 33 pigeons in total. As is often the case in mid-September, the weather was ideal for pigeons—warm with an eastern wind. Whether the pigeons enjoyed this race was another matter. Only about five, those with the shortest distances, were clocked Saturday night. By Sunday morning, the Denys brothers started clocking a whole series. "Judaske," yes, that tiny one, opened the show at 8:38 AM, securing 1st regional and 34th National against 2684 pigeons. Every 10 to 15 minutes, another pigeon was clocked. The late Joseph Huysentruyt from Deerlijk was there and marveled at the arrivals. By 12:30, 12 pigeons had already been clocked. They hoped to have 20 of the 33 pigeons home by evening, but none arrived after that. The east wind remained steady all week, and it took an entire week before their 13th pigeon arrived—truly separating the champions from the rest. The results were phenomenal: Against 2648 pigeons: 34th, 46th, 54th, 58th, 100th, 109th, 140th, 170th, 189th, 320th, 346th, 397th. A Decision Was Made: These pigeons and their parents were kept for breeding. The cocks from this team were not raced the following year but competed again at 2 and 3 years old, with great success. After that, racing stopped for them. The pigeons that survived these tough tests became the foundation of today’s long-distance bloodline. The method of Charles Van der Espt and Maurice Vandevelde was simple, brutal, but effective. To be continued

♦️The History of a World-Famous Strain – Part 5 Emiel & André Denys 1965: 1st National Limoges Derby and Old Birds The 1965 racing season had a slow start. Emiel was in better shape than his pigeons. They didn’t have many old birds to work with, but the two-year-olds were showing real potential. During the National race from Angoulême, held in very hot weather, the birds arrived late in the evening. The “Vechter” placed 40th National, closely followed by his loyal teammate, the “Blauwe Dikken”. The next race for this duo was the Limoges National Derby. The weather was scorching hot with an eastern wind – it became a historic day. The “Vechter” (3308886/63) took 1st National with a velocity of 941 meters per minute. The triumph was complete when the “Blauwe Dikken” won the first nominated series with a 61st National, securing the Great Prize Georges Goossens. He also won the first nominated series provincial, claiming the Great Prize of the coastal town of Knokke. But the key victory was that the “Vechter” defeated two other top birds from famous lofts, both of which also placed in the national top ten: the “Benoni” from Pol Bostijn and the “Patrick” from Vanhee. As pigeon expert Piet Deweerdt often said: “In exceptional weather, exceptional pigeons rise to the top.” The “Vechter” was a son of the “Sprinter” (3105595/58) and the “Daughter Kaers” (3208806/56) – a true super couple. Two weeks later, the “Vechter” also placed 32nd National Perigueux. Truly a phenomenal racer! The Vechter – 3308886/63 🏆 1st National Limoges 1965 Judaske – 3361274/66 🏆 1st Governor’s Cup Angoulême 1966 1st National Limoges, 40th National Angoulême, and 32nd National Perigueux – all in one season. The first double national victory was now a fact for the Denys family. A new wind was blowing through the loft. From this point on, young Emiel was given carte blanche when it came to the pigeons. Emiel had come to realize that his Catrysse-Vanbruaene line performed excellently in good weather, but under doubtful or bad weather conditions, they were less consistent. To compete in long-distance races, one must have pigeons unafraid of rain or thunderstorms. In our Western European climate, skies are rarely clear and sunny along the entire route. So Emiel began searching for a bloodline that could handle adverse weather. In the pigeon magazine Duivenbode, he read that Descamps-Vanhasten was going to sell a number of their breeders. At the time, every Monday morning Camiel and Emiel would be at the poultry and hides market in Kortrijk. Their local café was the Zuiderbond, then run by Roger Depraetere from Lauwe – a big fan of Descamps-Vanhasten. He himself had crossed this strain successfully for middle- and long-distance racing. After the market, they would visit Bissegem for a drink with Daniel Labeeuw, then head through Gullegem, Wevelgem, and finally Lauwe, where they knocked on the door of Descamps-Vanhasten. After carefully weighing the pros and cons, they left with the famous “REM!” (3037744/54). He was already 11 years old but still in excellent condition. Little did they know that they were holding a true goldmine in their hands. More about his descendants in a later chapter. To be continued

Good morning everyone ☀️.

Good morning folks

Morning folks

This picture took my heart 💓🥰❤️🫶🤩 By Christina Narine Christina Narine 🗣️ The future of the hobby is with the youth. Get them involved and it will never lack. Keep the cycle going

Congratulations to Keith Ireland and sons on clocking there yearling hen at 10p.m(In the dark)after a 16hr flight from N.R.C.C Lerwick to take 9th open,1st section A.Amazing performance lads to put the icing on the cake for a great old bird season.

Phone Carol (Watty's neighbour) upto 8pm if interested on 07407714176

Copied from Facebook 24th July

Copied from Facebook 24th July

How many weeks does a pigeon racer keep in best shape during a race? Pigeon planters usually keep their top shape for 2 to 4 weeks — but that's on: --- 🔍 Factors that affect the duration of peak form: 1. The training program: ✔️ If the severity, timing and recovery are right, the peak will be long. ❌ Over training = easily tired. 2. The Deal: ✔️ Top management is good, the bird is stress free. ❌ Lack of rest, often beaten = will fall off instantly. 3. Recovery time: ✔️Provides enough rest and post-race electrolytes/protein recovery. ❌ If it was a consecutive race without recovery, the performance would drop immediately. 4. Individual Genetics: ✔️ Some birds are genetically stronger and can peak for a longer time. ❌ Some fell quickly after 1-2 races. 5. Season and weather conditions: ✔️ It is difficult to maintain top form if the race is in extreme heat, headwinds or crossing the sea. --- المع Big fan rule of thumb: > "Three weeks in peak form is enough to raise a race result, but just one week in mishandling of the situation will immediately go down. " --- ✅ Strategic advice When your bird is at its peak: Use it right away in target races (especially if there is a trophy). Watch the weight, fall, batting, attitude. After 2-3 consecutive races in peak form, just resting for a week or 2 casts to recover. من How long can a racing pigeon maintain its best shape during the racing season? A racing pigeon can usually keep its peak for about 2 to 4 weeks, but that depends on several factors: --- 🔍 Factors that affect how long a pigeon stays in its peak: 1. The training program: ✔️If training intensity, timing, and recovery is managed correctly, peak form lasts longer. ❌ Too much training will lead to bird wear out quickly. 2. The Deal: ✔️ Good apartment management and a stress-free environment helps to stay in shape. ❌ Poor rest, constant stress or too much travel will go down quickly. 3. Recovery time: ✔️Providing proper rest, electrolytes, and protein recovery after each race helps prolong peak performance. ❌ Without sufficient recovery between races, performance will decline. 4. Individual Genetics: ✔️ Some pigeons are genetically stronger and can stay at the peak for a longer time. ❌ Others lose form quickly after only 1 or 2 races. 5. Season and weather conditions: ✔️Maintaining top form is more difficult in extreme heat, strong headwinds or cross-sea races. --- 📌 Rule of thumb from big fans: > "Three weeks of peak can win races, but one week of bad mishandling can ruin everything. " --- ✅ Strategic advice If your bird is already in top shape: Use it immediately in major races (especially high-stakes ones). Watch closely: weight, waste, feather quality, and behavior. After 2-3 consecutive runs in peak form, give it a rest, or reduce to 1-2 light pitches to allow it to recover.

Copied from Facebook 22nd July

Copied from Facebook 22/7/25

Top class Derek

BY DEREK HAY AKA DELBOY This is Stella, ( straight back onto her yb after fly 456 mls from Ypre, Belgium )she just won 1 st west region Ypres. Stella has had 3 nationals in her life and has been 1st 2 nd and 5 th section ( the 5 th was achieved with her toe trapped up her back with the rubber, which means that particular, unbelievable performance is probably her best ) Stella completes the whole lot of West Region wins at every race point( distance ) for this loft. This feat has never been achieved by any fancier in the West Region history. I’ve had 35 positions in the top 3, 12 x 1 st, 12 x 2 nd and 11 x 3 rd west region, not to mention the other 300 plus diplomas( many, if not most , in the top 10) This win was the icing on the cake for my loft, which , incidentally,is located the furthest west in my section.