The Wonder of Bornival: “Blauwen Angoulème”

One day, Gust was told that the legendary “Blauwen Angoulème” (BE635/67), owned by Germain Imbrecht, was for sale. Throughout the pigeon world, this exceptional pigeon was known as “The Wonder of Bornival” and was considered one of the finest long-distance racers of his time.

Determined to own this extraordinary champion, Gust travelled to Bornival to meet Mr. Imbrecht. However, after discussing the sale, he realized he did not have enough money with him. The asking price was 400,000 Belgian francs (approximately €10,000), an enormous amount of money in those days.

That same evening, Gust could think of nothing else. Around midnight, he got back into his car and drove once again to Bornival. This time, he carried the full amount with him.

When he arrived, he laid the 400,000 Belgian francs across Mr. Imbrecht’s table, just like a card player laying down his winning hand.

The deal was done.

Gust returned home with “Blauwen Angoulème”, and by the following morning the international pigeon world was in complete astonishment. Few believed that anyone would spend such a fortune on a single pigeon—but Gust Taveirne had done exactly that. The purchase of “The Wonder of Bornival” became one of the most talked-about transfers in pigeon racing.

History would prove that Gust had made another remarkable investment.

At the Taveirne–Rigole loft, “Blauwen Angoulème” became an outstanding foundation breeder. His descendants achieved exceptional results and established his reputation as one of the greatest breeding pigeons of his generation.

Among his most famous descendants were:

• Grandfather of the world-famous “Witpen Kennedy”, raced by Gerard & Michel Vanhee.
• Grandfather of the 1st International Barcelona Winner (1986), raced by William Dirickx.
• 5th National Limoges against 11,503 pigeons, raced by Antoine Landuyt.
• A descendant that achieved 9th National Dax (3,276 pigeons, 1997), 41st National Perpignan (1997) and 5th International Pau (2002). These three top performers were raced by Ivan Delrue, but were bred at the Taveirne–Rigole loft.

“Blauwen Angoulème” became one of the cornerstones of the legendary breeding family that would later produce countless National winners, National Ace Pigeons, Olym – piad Pigeons, and top international performers.

“Eén-Witpen” – A Foundation Breeder of Exceptional Class

The legendary “Eén-Witpen” (BE342/64) was bred from some of the finest bloodlines in Belgian pigeon racing.

On his father’s side, he descended from “Witpen” of Hector Desmet, himself a son of the world-famous “Opgeblazene” of Stichelbaut—one of the greatest foundation pigeons in Belgian racing history.

On his mother’s side, “Eén-Witpen” traced back to a daughter of the legendary “Figaro” of Catrysse, another name synonymous with top-class long-distance pigeons.

According to respected pigeon racing experts of the time, “Eén-Witpen” should have been crowned 1st National K.B.D.B. Ace Pigeon in 1967. Unfortunately, his owner did not officially enter all of his results, meaning he never received the title he undoubtedly deserved.

Although his racing career was exceptional, his greatest legacy was established in the breeding loft.

One of his most remarkable descendants is “Manu” (BE3240159/95), crowned 1st National K.B.D.B. Ace Pigeon Long Distance 1998. The grandmother of “Manu” was BE3268003/90, a direct Taveirne–Rigole pigeon descending from the legendary “Eén-Witpen” (BE342/64).

This outstanding breeding line became one of the three pillars of the famous Golden Triangle—together with “Blauwen Angoulème” and “Witslager Desender”—forming the foundation upon which generations of National winners, National Ace Pigeons, Olym – piad Pigeons, and international champions were bred.