The Great '048' Of Robert Benn Of France

[retired]

There have been many outstanding pigeons in the history of the sport and perhaps people have their own favourites but there is one bird belonging to Robert Ben of France who would warrant attention at being the greatest bird in the world at present or

since the sports origins. This outstanding racing pigeon born in 1998 and rung 361048/98 is known as '048' and irrespective of weather conditions this black chequer cock during his racing career was to the fore at the extreme distances. An outstanding

specimen of our racing thoroughbreds.

 

However prior to considering the exploits of '048' let's introduce his owner, Robert Ben is from a large family in which his father was also involved in pigeon racing therefore the sport is in the blood so to speak. A reserved modest man with a good intelligence Robert is in his mid 50s and is now retired from his job in the communication industry. His love of his pigeons and long distance racing is second to none and based upon this he was determined to lay the right basis for he knew that to race and win in France only the best of bloodlines would do it. That is why he turned towards Holland which in the opinion of many is the modern home of the long distance and marathon type of racer. The sire of '048' is of the strain of Chris van der Velden, coming from a brother of the 34th National Dax plus a direct daughter from the famous 'Witbuik' of Batenburg. Whereas the mother of the '048' comes from Sprenkels and has pure Van Den Eijnde bloodlines as well as that of of the great 'Dolle'. The product of this blue blooded pair is a pigeon of a quiet disposition and a pigeon good in the hand but let us retrace our steps for a moment before we consider the exploits of '048'. Initially Robert Ben flew well at the short and middle distances in his native country but approximately 2 decades ago decided to concentrate upon the longer races. As stated he turned to Holland and in due course (1989) had 4 birds from the Van Den Eijnde lofts to be followed by stock from Kruvers, Theo Ernest, Sprenkels, Dingemans, Van Thuyne and birds from Waelkens. All noted distance fanciers. Stock from which he began to build his very successful family of today. Let us now record the exploits of what many consider to be the greatest pigeon of all time.

 

As stated '048' was born in 1989 and had a few races that year resulting in being placed 283rd of 1,996 birds from Le Mans and 1,894th position from 21,652 pigeons from Poitiers.

 

In the following year 1999 he only won one prize and that was 111th position from 2,028 in a race from St. Vincent. Not bad but nothing outstanding but promising.

 

Then in the year 2000 '048' was 56th of 1,691 birds from Le Mans; 2,896th from a convoy of 15,381 from Vichy; 164th from 1,731 birds at the Barcelona National and 3,372sd from 26,597 International; 3rd from 1,765 birds in the National from Perpignan and 119th from a convoy of 18,246 in the International.

 

2001 he was 3rd from 1,590 Barcelona National and 44th from 25,760 birds in the International; 21th from 1,646 in the National from Perpignan and 206th from 20,859 birds in the International.

 

Followed in 2002 with 360th from 16,608 birds from Limoges; 2,210th from 10,842 of a convoy from Tulle; 85th from 1,901 birds in the Barcelona National and 2,792sd from 26,928 in the International; 34th from 1,664 Perpignan National and 667th from 18,264 International.

 

Of course 2003 was a great year for '048' for he won again two top prizes from Barcelona and Perpignan in bad circumstances in which the convoys had to fly from Barcelona and Perpignan against strong head winds and temperatures far above 30C. Being 2,443rd from 13,154 birds from Tulle; 2nd from 1,835 National Barcelona and 20th from a convoy of 20,204 birds in the International; 3rd from 1,514 birds National Perpignan and 3rd in the 16,800 bird International.

 

And now we arrive at 2004 where the 5 year old '048' shows no sign of lowering his standard with 388th from 13,518 birds at Limoges; 1,362nd from 11,872 of a convoy from Tulle; 1st National Barcelona and 5th International Barcelona against 24,914 pigeons, followed with 5th French National Perpignan and 20th International Perpignan

against 22,519 pigeons.

 

This is not a one bird loft however and Robert Ben has a strong force of breeders and racers such as 'Zwarte Witpen'. With '048' now in retirement other birds will replace him but only time will reveal if his record will be beaten by them or others.

Perhaps he is one who comes along only now and again that is one in a million! There is no doubt when we get away from the addiction of being 1st, otherwise we are not interested, or our obsession with winning and consider the distance, the drag numbers and the natural configurations to be faced year after year this bird of Robert Ben cries out as being one of if not the greatest marathon pigeon of all time. I leave it to your thoughts to reach your own conclusion but whatever your opinion there is no doubt that '048' is an extraordinary racing pigeon. Again, just reflect upon his record!