In a race that captured the heart of the Western Pigeon Federation, Mark Saggers of Saggers Lofts delivered a performance that will be etched in the memory of every flyer and enthusiast. The Melton Classic 2025, held on 31st August in Mildura, saw 143 birds clocked in, liberated into crisp blue skies at 8:30am, with steady westerly winds guiding them home. But it was Mark’s birds that flew not just with speed, but with soul.
📍 Race Overview
- Liberation Point: Mildura
- Distance: 463.547 km for Y/Ville flyers
- Birds Sent: 143
- Flyers: Representing Melton, Y/Ville, A/City
- Winning Velocity: 1358.711 m/min
- Winning Bird: MLTC-24-389 (Blue Bar Cock, 2024)
📊 Top 10 Federation Results
| Position | Winner | Section | Birds Sent | Velocity (m/min) | Commentary | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Saggers (Saggers Lofts) | Y/Ville | 9 | 1358.711 | MLTC-24-389 | Two on the drop, 33% strike rate | |
| 2 | Mark Saggers | Y/Ville | 9 | 1358.379 | MLTC-24-393 | Consistent loft performance | |
| 3 | Mark Saggers | Y/Ville | 9 | 1353.554 | MLTC-24-382 | Third federation spot | |
| 4 | Frost Family | Melton | 12 | 1352.949 | GREY-24-95 | Strong showing from Melton | |
| 5 | Frost Family | Melton | 12 | 1352.191 | MLTC-24-190 | Two birds on the drop | |
| 6 | John and Nev Camilleri and Prada | Melton | 23 | 1344.796 | MLTC-24-363 | Depth in numbers | |
| 7 | Raymond Mifsud | Melton | 10 | 1319.752 | WPF-24-11562 | Solid fly time | |
| 8 | Trevor Webb | Melton | 9 | 1313.007 | MLTC-24-492 | Top 10 finish | |
| 9 | Trevor Webb | Melton | 9 | 1312.672 | MLTC-24-493 | Back-to-back birds | |
| 10 | Farrugia and Bogdan (Joe) | A/City | 13 | 1308.649 | MLTC-24-262 | Good flyer |
🔥 Bloodline Brilliance The winning trio from Mark Saggers are not just fast, they are bred from a legacy of excellence. These birds carry the Jansen bloodlines, rooted in the legendary imports made by Robbie Saggers from Belgium in the 1980s. These lines were carefully crossed with Paul De Keyser’s elite imports, creating a fusion of speed, stamina and intelligence.
The first bird, a Blue Bar Cock, is a direct descendant of the original Jansen imports, crossed with Herman Ceusters, a bloodline known for its fierce competitiveness and adaptability. The second bird, a Mealy Cock, was bred by Liam Gusman, a rising star in the sport, whose Vanderbolt x Jansen cross has already produced three federation winners in 2025. This bird also carries the influence of the De Keyser imports, which have elevated Liam’s loft into the winning league.
- Mark holding the winning Blue Bar Cock 🐦
The third bird, a Smaeulders x Jansen x Herman Ceusters, is a testament to the versatility of the Hermans. They cross beautifully into any line, bringing out the best traits and enhancing performance. These birds are not just racers, they are the result of decades of dedication, vision and passion.
💬 Emotional Tribute There is something deeply moving about watching Mark Saggers stand quietly with his winning birds, the pride in his eyes matched only by the humility in his smile. He is a gentleman of the sport, respected not just for his results, but for the way he carries himself. His strategic race selection, his loyalty to the Western Pigeon Federation, and his unwavering commitment to quality breeding have made him a beacon in the pigeon fraternity.
Together with Liam Gusman, who now joins Mark in the stock lofts with the Mealy Cock, they represent the future of pigeon racing. Quiet achievers, thoughtful breeders, and fierce competitors, they remind us that success is built not just on talent, but on integrity, patience and love for the birds.
- Mark and Liam proudly holding the Mealy Cock 🐦
🙏 Sponsor Appreciation The Western Pigeon Federation proudly supports the Melton Classic by providing rooms and facilities for the Melton Club to host this prestigious event. This generous contribution is the backbone of the race’s success, allowing flyers to come together in a professional and welcoming environment. The WPF also promotes the Melton Classic across its website and social channels, ensuring the race receives the recognition it deserves and continues to grow in stature.
We encourage all members and supporters to show their appreciation by visiting the WPF website and sharing the race highlights with fellow enthusiasts.
🚀 Closing Congratulations to all flyers, especially Mark Saggers for keeping the Saggers name synonymous with success. The Melton Classic 2025 will be remembered not just for the results, but for the heart behind them.
Stay tuned and keep striving for the top! 🕊️📊🏆