Flight Facts
The classic from Gien brought 2050 racing pigeons to the skies of Zeeland ’96. At 09.00 the baskets opened, and with a strong south-eastern wind it was a race that demanded everything from both pigeon and fancier.
The distance to Zoutelande measured 427.432 km, and at 14.00.25 the winning pigeon — NL25-1329377 — hit the clock. With a speed of 1422.796 m/min, this bird set the standard for the entire race.
The CLEANSWEEP – 8 Sent, 8 Prizes
What makes the performance of Jan Hengst truly exceptional is the perfect score. 8 pigeons entered, 8 prizes won. No misses, no gaps. This is a CLEANSWEEP of the purest kind.
In pigeon racing, winning 1st prize is already a milestone. But when you send a small team and achieve a 100% prize rate, you prove that your entire loft is in peak condition.
Jan Hengst’s team performed like a well-oiled machine:
1st place with 1422.796 m/min
Follow-up positions at 157, 271, 273 and continuing into the prize list
A 100% prize percentage – every pigeon delivered
This is more than a victory. It is a masterclass in precision, preparation, and confidence.
The Winning Pigeon NL.25-1329377 “Zoetermeer”
Identity & Color
Ring number: NL 25-1329377
Name: “Zoetermeer”
Sex: Cock
Color: Blue
Breeder/Owner: J.P. Hengst, Zoutelande
Performances (2025)
“Zoetermeer” has already proven himself with class results on the road:
27th Melun
45th Chateaudun
56th Pont du Zwaluw
1st General Champion Samenspel West
1st Sector 1, Gien against 4,214 pigeons – a true statement win that marks him as a future star!
Pedigree
A powerhouse pedigree, blending Minderhoud/Melchior racing blood on the sire’s side with the Houmes NPO-winning line on the dam’s side.
Sire line
Father: NL 18-1147874 “Blauwe 74”
Winner of 1st Melun (2nd Provincial) plus multiple strong prizes.
Son of Koos Minderhoud × Erich Melchior foundations.
Grandparents:
NL 12-3209053 “Bl. 53 E. Melchior” – top breeder and father of champions.
NL 08-1607260 – original Minderhoud class.
Dam line
Mother: NL 20-1549952 “Blauwtje 52 Houmes”
A hen carrying the winning DNA of Houmes’ NPO cracks.
Grandparents:
NL 14-3413060 “Romeo” – a red cock with phenomenal records:
1st Argenton 1/373
9th NPO Chateauroux 9/618
6th NPO Issoudun 6/5052
NL 15-1761750 “Anne” – dam of “Aidan,” FZN Gold Crack 2018.
Summary
“Zoetermeer” (NL 25-1329377) is not just a promising racer – he’s already a proven winner with a breathtaking 1st Provincial Gien vs. 4,214 pigeons on his record. With his elite Minderhoud/Melchior sire line and the Houmes champions on the dam side, “Zoetermeer” is the perfect blend of results and pedigree.
He represents what every fancier is looking for: a cock that wins today and breeds the winners of tomorrow.
The Man Behind the Victory
Name Jan Hengst
Location Zoutelande
Entered 8 pigeons
Prizes 8
Prize Percentage 100%
Top Positions 1, 157, 271, 273 …
Speed Winning Pigeon 1422.796 m/min
For Jan, this result is no accident. It reflects a philosophy where quality outweighs quantity. Instead of filling the race sheet, Hengst carefully selects, prepares, and trusts his team.
The winning pigeon NL25-1329377 flew a straight, determined line — no hesitation, no detours — just a flawless performance.
The Top 10 from Gien
Jan Hengst – Zoutelande – 1422.796 m/min
Gebr. Wisse – Aagtekerke – 1420.859 m/min
Pieter Eggebeen – Aagtekerke – 1419.733 m/min
H. Mookhoek & Zn – Breskens – 1417.161 m/min
Gebr. van Belzen – Arnemuiden – 1402.904 m/min
Pieter Eggebeen – Aagtekerke – 1395.538 m/min
Geert-Jan Meuwese – Lewedorp – 1394.963 m/min
H. Mookhoek & Zn – Breskens – 1391.648 m/min
P. Gernaert & Zn – Breskens – 1391.538 m/min
Em. de Beule – St. Jansteen – 1388.551 m/min
Against such well-known names, the CLEANSWEEP of Hengst shines even brighter.
Why a CLEANSWEEP Matters
The term CLEANSWEEP is more than just numbers — it symbolizes absolute dominance.
100% efficiency – every pigeon scored
Depth of quality – not one standout, but a strong team effort
Smart selection – a small basket, maximum results
Beating the best – in a top field, Hengst produced perfection
This performance proves that Hengst not only has one champion but an entire loft capable of delivering on the highest level.
Conclusion From The Pigeon Boss
The victory of Jan Hengst in Gien 2025 will be remembered as a landmark in Zeeland ’96. 8 sent, 8 prizes – a CLEANSWEEP that leaves no doubt.
It is the ultimate confirmation that preparation, quality, and trust lead to perfection. And perfection is exactly what Jan Hengst delivered.
A winner, a loft in form, and a CLEANSWEEP that echoes through pigeon racing history.
Until the next champion blog,
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss