The Western Pigeon Federation’s most prestigious race  the WPF Breeders Plate 2025  was held on 14th September, and it delivered one of the most heartfelt wins of the season. With 61 flyers and 277 birds liberated at 7:30am into a clear blue sky, the race unfolded under ideal conditions, with favourable northerly winds helping the birds home.

📊 Top 10 Federation Results

Position	Winner	Section	Birds Sent	Velocity (m/min)		Ring (Year)	Commentary
1	Glenn Roder Syndicate	GCHC	7	2086.411		WPF24-6333*	Stunning win with a consistent Blue Bar Cock. Fastest velocity of season!
2	No.5 Loft [N. Santoso]	A/CITY	10	1967.008		WPF-24-504	This Red Chequer Hen — second fastest velocity of the season!
3	Saggers Lofts [Mark]	Y/VILLE	6	1955.555		WPF-24-5978	Strong form, also won Melton Breeders Plate.
4	Frank DePasquale	Y/VILLE	2	1949.302		HRPC-24-2550	Solid performance from a Blue Chequer Hen.
5	Frank Briffa	W’BEE	9	1941.063		WPF-24-7505	Consistent flyer with depth in team.
6	Iannazzone & Warnecke [Nick]	Y/VILLE	8	1938.900		WPF-24-6021	Another strong Blue Chequer Cock.
7	M Iacovella	GCHC	8	1938.662		WPF24-5990	Close finish, just behind 6th place.
8	Nick Lakiotas	Outside Org	4	1864.346		WPF24-14301	Long distance flyer, solid effort.
9	Nick Lakiotas	Outside Org	4	1849.522		WPF24-5937	Second bird in top 10 — great consistency.
10	V & M Seguna	GCHC	9	1837.728		WPF24-5954	Blue Bar Pied Cock rounds out the top 10.

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🧠 Race Commentary & Insights

This year’s Breeders Plate wasn’t just a race  it was a story of mateship, trust, and a syndicate’s dream coming true. The winning bird, a Blue Bar Cock (WPF24-6333), was bred from a Yankee sire from close friend, the late Dean Collins and a Herman Ceusters dam from Robert Saggers line a pedigree built for performance.

The syndicate behind the win  Glenn Roder, Graeme Chapman, Kelvin Blackmore, Vivce Seguna, Gary Gravett and Glenn himself  each received two rings. But one ring was left over. In a moment of generosity, the team gave Glenn the third ring, which made their generosity to share with the possibility of a twist of fate that makes this victory even more emotional.

Even more remarkable, Glenn was on holiday in Canada for two weeks leading up to the race. His mates Graham Chapman; Gavin Blackney and his son Ben, stepped in to care for the birds, following Glenn’s simple instruction: “Just feed them peas.” It was a bold move  switching from a complex rice mix to straight peas  but it paid off in the most dramatic fashion.

At 12:00pm, Glenn sat down for a quiet coffee, thinking there were no birds on Benzing Live. Then, his shadow alarm went off. He looked up — and there it was. His consistent Blue Bar Cock had landed on the shed and quickly trapped, recording a phenomenal 2086 m/min, the fastest velocity of the season and a full 16 minutes ahead of second place.

“I honestly couldn’t believe it. I was just sitting down for a coffee, thinking we’d have to wait a while, and then suddenly the shadow alarm went off. To see that blue bar cock trap first, after all the changes and with the syndicate behind me, it was just an incredible feeling. Winning $20,000 with your mates it’s something you dream about, but never expect. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped, especially Graham and Gavin for looking after the birds while I was away. This win means the world to us.”
— Glenn Roder

Special mention to Norman Santoso (No.5 Loft), whose Red Chequer Hen clocked 1967 m/min  the second fastest velocity of the season  in her fifth race. Not a bad investment, purchased at the sales for $60 returning $3,000 and for Matt Ciancio, the breeder, $2,000.

Mark Saggers also continues his winning streak, having claimed the Melton Breeders Plate with three birds on the drop, all showing magnificent form.

🎯 Congratulations to all flyers and syndicates! The WPF Breeders Plate 2025 was a true celebration of breeding excellence, friendship, and competitive spirit. Here’s to more unforgettable moments in the skies ahead! 🚀🕊️