The Western Pigeon Federation’s 2nd Tintinara race, held on 23 August 2025, was a thrilling 480 km contest that brought together the best of the best from across Victoria. With 1,894 birds entered across six sections, including competitors from the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union and Geelong City Homing Club, the race was a true test of elite conditioning, breeding, and strategy.
A big congratulations goes to David Hunter for winning back-to-back Federations and claiming the prestigious Peter O’Sullivan Memorial, one of the most sought-after titles in the West. This event attracts some of the largest prize money and the fiercest competition, and David did not hold back—sending his best pigeons to the line.
His winning bird, a 2023 blue bar cock (Ring No. WPF-23-597), is a seasoned veteran who raced in 2024 and made his mark with an 8th Federation position at Rupanyup, clocking an impressive 1414.7 m/min, just four minutes behind the winner and leading his section. This weekend, he repeated that feat—leading his section again and claiming 1st Federation with a velocity of 1321.16 m/min.
But the story doesn’t end there. This lovely blue cock also landed with David’s 8th placed 10-bird entry, which would have earned an equal 8th Federation position—a true borderline superstar pigeon, and a well-deserved winner of the Peter O’Sullivan Memorial. Congratulations to the entire Hunter family on this outstanding achievement. I wish you all the best in winning the bird of the series.
🥇 Federation Top 10 – Where Prestige Meets Performance
| Position | Flyer | Section | Velocity | Birds Sent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Hunter | West | 1321.16 | 36 |
| 2 | Paul & Rys Camilleri | West | 1301.27 | 29 |
| 3 | R. Saggers | Metro 3 | 1276.28 | 30 |
| 4 | S & M Mifsud | West | 1268.66 | 40 |
| 5 | R Ziaja & G Lup | Metro 1 | 1264.22 | 28 |
| 6 | Vella Family | West | 1263.53 | 40 |
| 7 | Manila Loft [H. Del Rosario] | Metro 1 | 1262.77 | 18 |
| 8 | Frost Family | West | 1261.39 | 24 |
| 9 | Frank Dugdale | Northwest | 1257.15 | 15 |
| 10 | No. 1 Lofts [N. Adikli] | Metro 1 | 1252.81 | 25 |
🏅 Section Winners – Where Prize Money Meets Pride
Prize money was awarded at the section level, and several section winners also placed high in the Federation rankings:
| Section | Winner | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Metro 1 | R Ziaja & G Lup | \$357.75 |
| Manila Loft [H. Del Rosario] | \$238.50 | |
| No. 1 Lofts [N. Adikli] | \$119.25 | |
| J & J Pulis | \$79.50 | |
| Metro 2 | M & N Ciancio | \$418.50 |
| Cachia Lofts [Reno] | \$279.00 | |
| L Paligora | \$139.50 | |
| Pierre Anastasi | \$93.00 | |
| Metro 3 | R. Saggers | \$433.35 |
| Huang & Zheng | \$288.90 | |
| Saggers Brothers [John] | \$144.45 | |
| John Goodwin | \$96.30 | |
| Northwest | Frank Dugdale | \$279.00 |
| Trevor Webb | \$167.40 | |
| Justin Tenaglia | \$111.60 | |
| West | David Hunter | \$494.10 |
| Paul & Rys Camilleri | \$329.40 | |
| S & M Mifsud | \$164.70 | |
| Vella Family [Renni] | \$109.80 | |
| Southwest | Saggers Lofts [Mark] | \$602.10 |
| Iannazzone & Warnecke [Nick] | \$401.40 | |
| Ruel Camigla | \$200.70 | |
| Frank DePasquale | \$133.80 |
This spread of winners across all six sections—from the West to the East—reinforces that this was a no-excuse weekend. As Robbie Saggers proved with his section win and 3rd Federation placing, the race was wide open. Anyone, anywhere, could have had the winner.
🌟 Spotlight – Paul & Rys Camilleri
Flying out of the West section, Paul & Rys Camilleri delivered a masterclass in pigeon racing. Their 2024 blue bar cock (Ring No. WPF-24-10541) clocked a velocity of 1301.27 m/min, placing 2nd Federation and 2nd in the West section, just behind David Hunter. With 29 birds entered, they earned \$329.40 in section prize money.
Their bird’s performance was not only fast—it was historic. Alongside Hunter’s winner, it was one of only two pigeons to break the 1300 m/min barrier, proving its dominance against a field that included top flyers from the VRPU and GCHC.
đź’¬ Race Reflection and Encouragement
With over 1,800 birds in the air and only two breaking the 1300 m/min mark, this race was a true showcase of elite pigeon racing. The mix of older, wiser birds and younger, energetic flyers made for a thrilling contest.
Congratulations to all winners and participants! Whether you topped your section or climbed the Federation ranks, your efforts are what make this sport so exhilarating.
🔜 Looking Ahead – Double Trouble from Tintinara!
Next week promises even more excitement with two races from Tintinara. One of them is the Classic Bing – the Allison Portelli Special, a 10-bird hens-only race that’s sure to test the mettle of the best lofts in Victoria.
Who will have the best 10 hens? Which flyer will rise to the top in this elite showdown?
Stay tuned… the next chapter is about to unfold.