Team Hooymans WVL wins 1st Provincial Bourges II against 2,523 yearlings

This past weekend featured the Bourges II race, with a Monday release after two nights in the basket. In Desselgem, Team Hooymans WVL delivered a stunning comeback after finishing 2nd Provincial the week before: they now win the 1st Provincial Bourges Yearlings against 2,523 birds! The winning bird, “364”, also placed 86th National against 17,163 yearlings.Team Hooymans BE (Mol) also confirmed their strong form, placing four birds in the national top 100 in this massive competition.

The score for Team Hooymans Belgium now stands at 5 provincial victories and 1 national zone win this season. Meanwhile, their Dutch counterparts continue to impress as well: Team Hooymans NL won five regional first prizes in a row, including the prestigious 1st NPO La Ferte.

The winning pigeon: NL 24-8505364 “364”

This blue yearling stems from a pairing packed with proven class and raw speed. The father, NL 18-1227084 “New Harry” x Jeanette, is a direct son of the famous “New Harry” and grandson of the world-renowned “Harry” line of Jan Hooymans. On the dam’s side, “Jeanette” traces back to well-known pigeons like “Kleine Mario” and “Balkan Fair Play”.

The mother of “364” is NL 21-1302827 “Daughter Blue Brave”, daughter of “Blue Brave” – a multiple 1st prize winner. On the maternal side, we also find the influence of “Golden Prince”, “Lethal Weapon”, and “Sister Golden Prince”.

With this victory, “364” confirms not only its own class but also the solid breeding foundations that drive Team Hooymans' success.

* photos by Dominique Velghe

Looking ahead

Team Hooymans is far from finished this season. Both in Belgium and the Netherlands, they look forward to the next races with confidence. At this level of performance and with such a strong breeding base, it’s clear: the Hooymans train is charging ahead toward more success.

Maarten Herbots