Once again, we headed to Ommeslagestraat in Kluisbergen/Zulzeke to congratulate Kurt Platteeuw on his 14th national victory (3 achieved in Zulzeke and 11 in Rumbeke). It had only been a month since 16 June, when we visited the very same location to congratulate loft manager Pieterjan on the national victory from Tulle. On that occasion, it was the hen "Lilly" (B25-4134011) that proved to be the fastest of 12,716 pigeons.

Last weekend, the champagne corks were once again flying through the steel-blue sky, as yet another national race produced the fastest pigeon at Kurt's loft. This time it was from Châteauroux, against a field of 14,101 pigeons.

Châteauroux turned into an exceptionally tough race. The pigeons had to battle a strong north-easterly wind combined with temperatures approaching 35°C. In such brutal conditions, many pigeons crack under the pressure, while only the true champions in peak condition manage to place their ring numbers at the very top of the result sheet.

The cock "Tom"

Kurt has made it a tradition to name his top pigeons after people with whom he enjoys an excellent working relationship. This time it was Tom from the feed company Van Robaeys, as Kurt and Van Robaeys work very closely together.

The care system is virtually identical at both the Rumbeke and Zulzeke lofts. As already mentioned, the feed mixtures are supplied by Van Robaeys. The "Platteeuw Special 523" mixture is served every day. Another of Kurt's mottos is "vaccination instead of medication". However, he makes extensive use of supplements such as Recharge and Belgasol (De Weerd), Recupfast (HP Pigeon) and Beovit. A new range of Van Robaeys supplements is also being tested. And of course, for many years now, all racing pigeons have received a weekly treatment with "yellow drops" and Sliepzand, both long-established components of his management system.

It is well known that Kurt continues racing his national winners, and therefore the Tulle national winner "Lilly" was also entered for Châteauroux as his first nominated pigeon. After photographing national winner "Tom", Kurt glanced at the arrival list on his laptop and suddenly exclaimed, "Lilly is home too!"... She also managed to win a national prize.

We are already looking forward to seeing whether "Lilly" and "Tom" will once again be basketed for the next race.

Congratulations from the entire Herbots Team, and here's to national victory number 15!

"Tom"
BE25-4134178
1st National Chateauroux 8,597 yearbirds
fastest of 14,101b.

Distance: 463km
Velocity: 1,157.32 m/m

Stefan Mertens