2024 will be remembered as a landmark year for the Cachia, Holwell & Cini racing team in the Western Pigeon Federation (WPF). Against all odds, the team delivered an awe-inspiring performance, shattering records and raising the bar for pigeon racing excellence. Their story is one of resilience, dedication, and remarkable achievement, making it a standout in the history of the sport.
A Revolutionary Partnership
The extraordinary partnership formed by Chris Cachia, Trevor Holwell, and Steve Cini highlights a new model for pigeon racing, where the intense requirements of competing at the elite level demand collaboration. Their roles demonstrate that it takes three dedicated individuals to manage the key areas of loft management, race strategy, and breeding excellence.
The partnership began at Chris Cachia’s loft. Chris, who has known Trevor since joining the Williamstown club in 2004, spent 20 years working toward the level of success they achieved in 2024. Chris had long aspired to win two federations in a single year. In 2024, not only did he achieve this, but he exceeded all expectations, securing eight federation wins and three “Best on Truck”.His pigeons, often flying against headwinds from the southernmost position in the federation, consistently outperformed competitors.
Record-Breaking Performances
Chris’s WPF Cup winner, aptly named “Exceeding Expectations,” a late bred in hen in May, won after a 8 hours and 42-minute flight in south-westerly finishing in hail, recording 1085 meters per minute and finishing 26 minutes ahead of the next pigeon. Another remarkable pigeon, “Miracle Hen,” won the prestigious Hillary Ashley Size Produce race at an impressive 1148 meters per minute, eight minutes ahead of her closest rival. These achievements solidified Chris’s reputation as not just a sprint fancier but also a contender in long, challenging races.
The success continued with “Heart’s Desires,” who triumphed in a grueling 10-hour race from Narromine (694 kilometers), sponsored by Fortitude Insurance. This late bred Hen in May, a cross of Houben, Taliani and Cini Sprint pigeons ( bred in Trevor’s loft), delivered on Chris’s lifelong dreams.
The Backbone of Success
Trevor Holwell is the backbone of the Williamstown Newport club, ensuring smooth operations and fostering camaraderie among members. His tireless dedication has been instrumental in the team’s success. Trevor steps in when Chris’s schedule becomes demanding, maintaining the team’s high standards even during his absences. His commitment has ensured extraordinary results, including instances where the loft thrived while Chris was on holiday. Trevor’s love for the sport and his ability to bring members together on a Saturday afternoon to celebrate successes have been a vital part of the team’s journey.
Steve Cini’s passion and investment in securing Australia’s and Europe’s best pigeons have been the cornerstone of the loft’s breeding success. With over 70 breeding pairs, Steve’s meticulous standards require that a bird achieves at least two top federation spots, including a win, to join the stock loft. This approach led to 27 federation winners and 58 birds with multiple top placements in 2024, all witnessed live by all who have a Benzing live portal.
Steve’s efforts have transformed Chris’s loft into one of the most formidable in Australia. Chris remarked that these results have set a new benchmark and credited Steve’s breeding program as essential to their success.
Overcoming Challenges
The team faced significant challenges early in 2024, including a devastating outbreak of PMV, Rota, and Circo viruses that claimed 37 pigeons. This triple-threat disease outbreak tested their resolve. During this period, Chris found support and collaboration with his fellow fancier and close friend, Matt Ciancio, who also suffered from the same diseases. Together, they shared techniques and strategies to overcome the outbreak and rebuild their lofts. Chris acknowledges Matt’s sincere friendship and congratulates him on an extraordinary 2024 season, where Matt achieved remarkable success, including winning the 600-mile event and long-distance averages with record points.
Matt & Chris combined resilience paid off, with their achievements setting new benchmarks in the sport.
Cachia Holwell & Cini accomplishments included:
– Eight federation wins a record-breaking feat.
– Three “Best on Truck ” against three federations,
– Dominance in key races, such as winning the WPF North East Track Short Series, highlighted by a victory at Finley with ten federation winners and another leading clock. Four in total…That’s a Wow for one of the federation’s longest fliers!
– Lastly, finishing the season and securing second and fourth positions in the 600-mile event, clinching the WPF Overall Averages title.
Bred by Steve Cini. The majority being Herman Ceusters cross Vander bolt; Koopmans and Stackenborg’s. Photo by Joseph Venturia 0447 752 530
A Season to Remember
The team also won the WPF Sprint Series and the East Section with 603 points and finished third in the Long-Distance Averages. Reflecting on the year, Trevor described the pigeons as remarkable, citing their confidence and navigation skills as exceptional. He has never seen anything like it, citing that these pigeons are truly different and unique.
The team’s record-breaking results capped off the 2024 season. The bond between Chris, Trevor, and Steve, forged over decades, has grown into a powerhouse collaboration. Their shared commitment to innovation, traditional values, and teamwork represents the future of pigeon racing. By combining their strengths, they demonstrated what can be achieved through passion, resilience, and dedication. As Chris said, “These results reflect the best racing pigeons in Australia today, and I am truly grateful for my partners’ contributions.”
As the 2024 season closes, the Cachia, Holwell & Cini team leaves an indelible mark on the Western Pigeon Federation. Their remarkable journey is a testament to resilience, collaboration, and excellence, inspiring fanciers across the sport.
Here is a photo of John Saggers, President, and David Hunter, Board Member, presenting Steve Cini with the WPF North East Track Overall Averages 2024 Winner award, with Chris Cachia on the far right.
