B23-1001258
1st National Marseille 1,812 old birds

Distance: 755km
Velocity: 1,060.91 m/m

In the Belgian pigeon racing scene, certain colonies stand out due to their consistency, methodology, and top-level results. This is certainly the case for this father-and-son duo, whose record is impressive, marked by four major national victories. Let’s take a look back at their standout performances and the secrets behind their successful breeding and racing operation.

On Friday, July 18th, they were able to place the cherry on top by clocking their first pigeon from Marseille at 6:36 PM. With nervousness and impatience, they had to wait to see whether their feathered champion would hold onto first place in the national ranking.
As the first pigeons were being clocked by our Dutch neighbors and from the longest distances in Belgium, it became clear that a fourth national title was within reach!

The national winner, a 2023 checkered male with a striking white eye, flew a distance of 755 km to return to his home loft in Pesche, reaching a speed of 1060.91 m/min. This speed was enough to secure the top spot nationally!

Top-level winners
Guy and his son Michael, who live in Pesche in the far south of the province of Namur, have been a close-knit team since forming their partnership in 1995. Both worked in Guy’s masonry company until he retired and Michael took over the family business.

Since his retirement, Guy has been able to fully devote himself to his passion and now focuses on the racing teams housed at his home. In 2025, the season began with around 60 widowers (racing cocks), about ten hens, and approximately 60 young birds. The goal: to perform in middle- and long-distance races, with particular attention to the Rhône line, on which many victories and national top-100 results have been achieved. However, as Guy pointed out, the season hasn't always been easy, as many races took their toll on the loft, resulting in the loss of some valuable pigeons.

The breeding side of the loft, managed by Michael, consists of about fifteen breeding pairs and some helper breeders. Their foundation is built mainly on the bloodlines of Willy Antoine, Daniel Dutranoit, Jean Hausoul, Léon Crowet, and Stéphane Depasse-Lardenoye.

The duo works wonderfully together and complement each other in the daily care of the pigeons. The widowers are trained twice a day and fed twice daily. Beyers mixtures have been a staple in Pesche for many years, used successfully. Widowers are fed both in the feeder and individually in nest boxes depending on their race preparation.

The same applies to the hens, though during the racing season they are kept apart and placed on a roller system to prevent mating.

As for the youngsters, they are trained as much as possible to start the season in optimal condition and to gain as much experience as possible for their yearling season.

Only minimal medication is used during the season, and vet visits are quite rare. However, they do seek support and advice during the sporting season from veterinarian Dr. Schroeder.

It is clear that discipline, dedication, and consistency yield results!

An impressive record

2005: 1st National Perpignan / 7646 old birds – 5th International / 17,834 b.

2014: 1st National Argenton / 9970 yearlings

2019: 1st National Montélimar / 4676 old birds + 6th, 28th, 87th, 101st national

2025: 1st National Marseille / 1812 old birds

Top results on the Rhône line:

2021: 5th National Rhône line

2023: 3rd National Ace Pigeon Rhône line

2023: 13th National Rhône line

Throughout their career, they’ve recorded many national top-100 results in their favorite discipline!

The colony of Guy and Michael Regnier is truly one of a kind—distinguishing itself year after year with regularity and outstanding results.

The Herbots team congratulates Guy and Michael on their national victory and thanks them for their warm welcome. We wish you continued success in this already exceptional season and for many more to come!

Julien Lelièvre-Damit

Julien Lelièvre