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Hilaire Surinx-Pletsers (Nieuwerkerken) wins 1st Provincial Valence against 692 old birds – 4th National against 4.925 old birds.

09 Jun 2026

Surinx-Pletsers, Nieuwerkerken

1st Provincial Valence against 692 old birds – 4th National against 4,925 old birds

Hilaire Surinx and Nadia Pletsers can be considered a well-established name in pigeon racing. Three years ago, they stopped publishing LCB (the pigeon racing magazine) and discontinued the well-known public auctions. Their focus is now on their own racing team, the garden, and enjoying life.

Pigeon racing is truly a team effort here, and Hilaire confirms that without Nadia’s support, the overall results would likely not be as successful.

The 2025 season was already outstanding, but the current season is proving to be equally impressive. Their record to date includes several remarkable performances:

  • Chimay (111 km) – 2,814 pigeons: 2nd (058, sister to 2nd Provincial Bourges 2022 and 3rd National Bourges 2023, out of Frul Clicque ’21 x daughter of Jack x Sunshine), 3rd, 247th, 14th, etc.
  • Dizy (160 km) – 3,549 pigeons: 4th, 36th, etc.
  • Momignies (119 km) – 240 old birds: 1st, 3rd, etc.
  • Chimay (111 km) – 1,006 old birds: 1st (472-24, son of Crack Herve, whose sire was 2nd National Bourges x Sunshine), 9th, etc.
  • Sens (328 km) – 1,507 pigeons: 1st (660, daughter of Super Willy x inbred Sunshine), 7th, 14th, etc.
  • Valence (663 km) – 692 old birds Provincial: 1st Provincial – 4th National.

The Valence Winner

BE-24-5011423

  • Light chequer hen
  • Small type

As a yearling, she already won prizes from:

  • Vervins
  • Laon
  • Soissons
  • Châlons
  • Agen
  • Libourne

This season she achieved:

  • 23/05 Bourges (491 km): 198th Provincial against 2,462 pigeons
  • 30/05 Sens (328 km): 147th Regional against 1,507 pigeons
  • 07/06 Valence (663 km): 1st Provincial against 692 pigeons – 4th National against 4,925 pigeons

(Pedigree attached)

Pedigree

Father: 100% from the late Etienne Devos.

Mother: Direct from Yvon Deneufbourg, an exceptional breeder and also the mother of Athena and Electra, nest sisters 307/18 and 308/18. Together they contributed significantly to achieving 4th place in the National KBDB Long Distance Championship 2020. In that season, they ranked 10th and 20th National Ace Long Distance over five races.

Management and Racing System

The hens are raced in two groups (starting with 2 x 30 hens paired to one stay-at-home cock). They train once daily, freely in the morning for approximately one to one and a half hours.

They are prepared using the classic system with:

  • Super Diet
  • Training mix
  • Traditional widowhood feeding

The cocks (around 30) are also raced on the traditional widowhood system. They train first each morning for approximately one hour.

The feeding schedule for cocks and hens is identical.

Hilaire strongly believes in the use of supplements. Upon returning home, the pigeons receive water containing BT Amin (a combination of vitamin B, amino acids and electrolytes). This is followed by two days of Hessechol, combined with BT Amin and Carnispeed + Avidress, and then two days of BT Amin, Carnispeed and Herbo ALR.

To accelerate recovery, the feed is supplemented with:

  • Gervit-W and KK proteins immediately after the race
  • Followed by Atemfrei and Avimycin
  • Then conditioning is rebuilt with oils and condition powders, including:
    • RO 200
    • Immunbooster
    • Optimix

From a medical standpoint, the loft visits veterinarian Raf Herbots every four to five weeks, and his advice regarding medication is closely followed.

Bloodlines

The loft is largely built around Sunshine (3rd National Ace Young Bird KHF KBDB 2019), who has developed into an exceptional breeding hen. Her pedigree combines the bloodlines of:

  • Foundation cock De Boonen (R. Rase)
  • The Herbots family
  • Lucky Ace Cock of Etienne Limbourg

In addition, the loft still relies on the old Herbots foundation bloodlines, supplemented in recent years by top introductions from:

  • Ronny Menten (Rummen)
  • Gino Clicque

A strong bond of trust has developed with Ronny Menten. The two speak by telephone several times a week, allowing them to support and advise each other whenever needed.