B18-4190274
1st National Dax 2,516 old birds
 

Distance: 853km
Velocity: 919,05 m/m

The Heavy Burden of a Pigeon Legacy… or the Feather-Light Inheritance?

This is a question that comes to mind as I drive towards Lauwe. The place I am heading to was once a pilgrimage site for pigeon racing. Grandfather André Vanbruaene was a grandmaster in long-distance racing. He achieved an incredible record on the toughest flights and built a lineage of pigeons whose sons and daughters are still present in the pedigrees of top long-distance pigeons even in 2025.

1st National Dax Old Birds

We are driving to Lauwe because Patrick Delrue (grandson of André) has once again managed to achieve an outstanding feat with a national victory on the international race from Dax. It was going to be a tough Dax, that was certain. The weather was warm along the entire race line and the wind was definitely not tailwind. It was clear the first pigeons would drift westward, which was confirmed by early arrivals in France. The northern part of France saw arrivals closer to the coast, so it was not surprising that the West Flemish were a bit more alert awaiting their pigeons than other regions in Belgium. A quick calculation showed it would be tight to reach Belgium before dark.

Then suddenly, at 9:45 PM in Langemark-Poelkapelle, a yearling pigeon appeared on the radar, and we knew some more might still arrive. Shortly after, Herquegies in Hainaut clocked a yearling, and at 10:09 PM, a 7-year-old cock arrived in Lauwe as the first old bird in Belgium. This was quite a surprise for Patrick and his caretakers. It was clear the pigeon had the potential to do this (otherwise it wouldn’t have stayed on Patrick’s loft), but that it would become a national victory… consternation all around upon arrival. Then it was a few more hours of anxious waiting. No more pigeons arrived in Belgium that day, and everyone awaited which pigeons would clock early elsewhere in the country to possibly snatch the victory due to neutralization.

Hooray in Lauwe

The morning after the liberation day, the old pigeons gradually returned home; for the yearlings, it was a different story. After a few hours, it was clear the national victory for the old birds would go to Lauwe. Patrick has faced many challenges in his life and with his pigeons, but a win like this does something special to a person. During our visit, there was joy and celebration over this victory, with some bottles of De Reiger champagne opened by Patrick’s friend, Guillaume Vanneste. Also, longtime helper and caretaker Rik Huyghe shared in the joy of the win.

In Lauwe, it is noticeable that there is a large loft with very few pigeons. In the distant past, more pigeons were kept, and pigeon racing was a family passion. The passion has not disappeared, but the number of pigeons and the intensity of competition has dropped to a lower gear. Yet the quality is clearly still there.

A 2-Year Break for Son Cassidy

While there is a trend in pigeon racing for birds to be sent out weekly and never rest, this victory confirms the opposite. The national winner from Dax was not entered in any race in 2023 and 2024. The pigeon had plenty of experience, but due to family circumstances (Patrick’s hip replacement surgery, caring for his mother…), very few pigeons were entered, and the sport itself was at a very low ebb.

This season started with more pigeon courage: birds were trained and races entered again. The winner from Dax was named Son Cassidy (see pedigree below) and was therefore well rested to start this season. He is a slender cock with a beautiful, expressive eye. He was raced on classic widowhood, and there are only three cocks on the loft. To give him extra motivation, Patrick let him take possession of the nest box beside his own, which apparently gave him that extra push to be “home for the dark”.

Pedigree and Care

Son Cassidy (BE18-4190274) comes directly from the breeding loft of Carlo Gyselbrecht. The Gyselbrecht family built their own long-distance line long ago, based on the Vanbruaene pigeons from Lauwe. This winner also carries this lineage on the father’s side, supplemented with Florizoone and Vanderwegen bloodlines. The mother is a hen from the famous Horus line of Frederick Leliaert from Aardenburg. And interestingly, Frederick also took the victory on the Dax race… coincidence or not?

Patrick’s care of the pigeons is good but very classic and straightforward. The feed is Vanrobaeys (two types), and the rest is left to nature to do the selection. The quality of the pigeon is essential—this has been proven over generations and continues to be proven. Either you can or you can’t, and the test is the race itself.

Summary

Large loft, few pigeons, letting the pigeons motivate themselves on their territory, and then let them fly… simple as that!

Someone whispered in my ear a few times: “Don’t underestimate Patrick; he is one of the best breeders in pigeon racing and knows better than anyone how to anchor and perpetuate the genes of the line.” Let’s classify this under hereditary talent.

This is a very beautiful victory and a fine crowning of an impressive record at the lofts in Lauwe!

Congratulations from the Herbots Team!

Geert Dhaenens

Dhaenens Geert