This past weekend, the twelfth edition of the prestigious Golden Ten Auction reaffirmed its status as a must-watch event in the international pigeon racing community. The auction nearly matched last year's record, achieving a total revenue of €1,756,080, with an astounding average price of €10,453 per pigeon. This year’s auction once again captivated enthusiasts and buyers worldwide, solidifying its position as one of the most significant events in the sport.
A Competitive Market Reflecting Unwavering Quality
Held in a lively atmosphere, the event showcased an impressive lineup of top-tier pigeons, drawing buyers eager to secure elite bloodlines for their lofts. The auction was marked by fierce bidding, with 52 out of the 168 pigeons sold fetching more than €10,000 each, demonstrating the enduring value and high demand for quality racing pigeons.
The standout of the auction was Gerard & Bas Verkerk, who achieved the highest price of the event. Their pigeon, NL24-8413937, commanded a record-breaking sale of €85,200. Other top sales included Kaier Europe's B24-2115401, which went for €55,200, and another Verkerk pigeon, NL24-8413904, sold for €52,800.
Notable Performances from Leading Fanciers
The auction results underscored the reputation of well-known fanciers, with impressive averages per seller:
- Gerard & Bas Verkerk: €39,450
- Deridder-Van den Brande: €24,600
- Rik Hermans: €21,150
- Kaier Europe: €19,950
- Erik Limbourg: €13,020
- Jan Hooymans: €11,445
These fanciers have once again proven their pigeons are among the most sought-after, with buyers investing in proven genetics to bolster their racing teams for the upcoming season.
High Stakes for the Most Expensive Pigeons
The auction saw a surge in high-value transactions, particularly for birds with proven pedigrees. Highlights included:
- Gerard & Bas Verkerk dominated with multiple top-priced sales, including four pigeons surpassing the €35,000 mark.
- Kaier Europe also secured impressive results, with two pigeons sold for over €35,000 each.
Rik Hermans and Deridder-Vandenbrande further showcased their renowned breeding prowess with several pigeons crossing the €25,000 threshold.
Setting the Stage for Future Success
As the dust settles, buyers are eager to see if their investments will translate into victories on the racetrack. The Golden Ten Auction has once again highlighted the international demand for top-quality racing pigeons, with enthusiasts and investors willing to pay a premium for the best bloodlines.
This year's auction reaffirmed its reputation as the sport’s premier marketplace, drawing global attention and setting the stage for future editions. With such high-caliber pigeons changing hands, the upcoming racing seasons promise to be more competitive than ever, as fanciers around the world look to capitalize on their new acquisitions.
The bar has been set high, and the world will be watching to see which of these pigeons will dominate the skies in the races to come.
Until the next blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Real Pigeon Boss
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