THE RACING PIGEON 26 APRIL 2024
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– PAGES FROM THE PAST – Karel & Daniel Boeckx of Turnout
STILL AMONG BELGIUM’S KINGS OF SPRINT
The Boeckx loft which simply ‘smells’ of pigeon history.
F or several decades now Karel Boeckx the man famed for his trademark white cap has been one of Belgium’s elite fanciers in the sprint races. The only major change over this period has been the fact that Karel has been joined by his son Daniel so the competition now have to compete against ‘double trouble’. In answer to any reader’s query as to how successful the loft is today and I will just say does 3rd Old Bird, 1st & 2nd Nominated, 4th Ace Bird Vitesse and 10th Ace Bird Young Bird Vitesse KBDB answer your question? Like all good stories I feel that it is best to go back
to the beginning. Over 40 years ago the then young Karel went to Vorselaar and the loft of Miel Verhaert in particular to acquire his stock. These birds were from the world famed loft of Jos Van Den Bosch of Berlaar. This was quite understandable because this village was where many of the Antwerp area’s diamond dealers and workers lived. As would be expected the diamond industry brought great wealth at this time to those who were involved with this fashionable trade. This meant that the fanciers who resided in Vorselaar could afford to purchase the best racing pigeons. This has led to the Antwerp region being known for its outstanding sprint, middle distance pigeons which was highlighted by the
Antwerp Union which in the latter half of the 20th century was absolutely massive and became known as the ‘University’ of Middle Distance Pigeon Racing. Today though the numbers have shrunk as is the case within the whole of Belgium, believe me the competition is still severe. I think the saying ‘leaner but meaner’ is an apt description of the Union today. A little later a great friendship was formed with the Vet Frans Marien. Vet Marien was not only a superb veterinary but also a fantastic fancier who obviously knew where many of the area’s best pigeons were to be found. Since this time Karel has simply terrorised the
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