🤝 United for Blinman – A Federation-Wide Success
Our final race of the season from Blinman was more than just a race — it was a powerful demonstration of unity across the Victorian pigeon racing community.
All eight Melbourne-based federations came together under the PRV Joint Transport Initiative, sending a combined 2924 birds from 186 flyers. Birds were liberated at 7:30 AM Saturday morning, marking one of the largest and most coordinated long-distance liberations in recent history.
📸 Photo: The transport truck departing the Western Pigeon Federation logistics centre at 10:50 PM Wednesday night, securely loaded for the 930-kilometre journey to Blinman.
Special thanks to Marc Tenaglia, who once again rose to the challenge and coordinated the entire transport effort. It’s no small feat to align multiple federations, load birds securely, and dispatch the convoy on time.
This year also saw the introduction of a new water measuring system, ensuring every bird had adequate hydration for the marathon ahead. Thank you to Daniel Tenaglia for leading this initiative — a vital step in improving bird welfare and race outcomes.
📋 Participating Federations – Blinman 600 Mile
| Federation | Flyers | Birds Sent |
|---|---|---|
| WPF | 59 | 1105 |
| VRPU | 35 | 414 |
| VHA | 46 | 785 |
| GMPF | 29 | 428 |
| VPO | 7 | 51 |
| Traralgon | 1 | 23 |
| GPF | 4 | 63 |
| GCHC | 5 | 55 |
| Total | 186 | 2924 |
This race was a resounding success, not just in numbers but in spirit. It showed that when federations collaborate, we elevate the sport — creating better racing, stronger logistics, and a united community.
Conditions were ideal — clear skies, 10 km/h easterly winds, and a favourable N/NW stream at 1500m. Temperatures reached 28°C en route, cooling as the birds approached home.
📊 Federation Results – Top 10
Here are the 1st- and 2nd-place winners congratulating each other after a glorious 2025 season.
Chris on the left and Michael on the right.
| Position | Winner | Section | Birds Sent | Velocity (m/min) | Prize Money ($) | Ring (Year) | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | J & M Portelli | VHA | 30 | 1212.67 | 1053.52 | VHA-24-2697 | Triple Fed Hen – 400, 500, 600 wins! |
| 2 | Cachia, Holwell & Cini | VRPU | 13 | 1199.66 | 648.32 | VRPU-24-4120 | Triple Fed Hen – 200, 500, 600 wins! |
| 3 | Huang & Zheng | WPFC | 15 | 1196.06 | 445.72 | WPFC-24-425 | Strong finish, top 3 again |
| 4 | Pierre Anastasi | WPF | 41 | 1139.66 | 364.68 | WPF-24-3473 | Yearling hen, great velocity |
| 5 | John Forti | WPF | 19 | 1119.28 | 324.16 | WPF-24-1071 | Solid long-distance performer |
| 6 | C. Bonnici | WPF | 38 | 1080.46 | 243.12 | WPF-24-5137 | Reliable loft, consistent |
| 7 | Vella Family | VRPU | 40 | 1079.22 | 202.60 | VRPU-22-4778 | Two-year-old hen, strong |
| 8 | Saggers Lofts | MLTV | 19 | 1077.78 | 202.60 | MLTV-24-5137 | Yearling hen, great effort |
| 9 | Tenaglia Bros DR | WPF | 34 | 1019.50 | 162.08 | WPF-24-15034 | Cock bird, solid result |
| 10 | S & M Mifsud | WPFC | 40 | 987.08 | 162.08 | WPFC-24-44 | Hen, consistent flyer |
🏆 Portelli’s Triple Crown – A Modern Racing Milestone
Michael Portelli has officially etched his name into the history books. With his win in the Blinman 600 Mile, he completed an unheard-of treble — winning the 400, 500, and 600 mile Federation events in a single season. This feat is unmatched in modern pigeon racing history.
His winning hen, a 2024 blue bar, not only dominated the long-distance series but also would have placed 6th Fed at 500 miles and 8th Fed nationally at 400 miles. With five Federation wins in 2025, Michael is the most consistent flyer of the year taking out the Overall Consistency Averages – a new measure introduced by the Board in 2025 to recognise the most consistent flyer across the season. This system awards 1 point for 1st, 2 for 2nd, and so on, a different approach from our traditional overall point score averages.
It’s a performance that speaks volumes about his breeding program, race preparation, and loft management. Congratulations Michael, we look forward to showcasing your birds and results online.
⚡️ Averages Showdown – A Repeat of 2024 Drama!
The 2025 Federation Point Score came down to the wire, just three points separated first and second in what was another exhilarating finish.
It was a repeat of the 2024 season, where Cachia, Holwell & Cini led the averages for most of the year, only to be chased down by Matt Ciancio, who was just four points behind going into the final race. That year, Matt was tipped to win given his strong distance form, and sure enough, he did win the race. But Chris Cachia clocked second 600 Mile Federation, securing the averages by the narrowest of margins.
Fast forward to 2025, and the same storyline unfolded. The formidable team of Cachia, Holwell & Cini again led the averages for most of the year, and this time it was Michael Portelli, the well-known champion, tipped to take the title thanks to his dominant long-distance performances.
Michael did exactly that, winning the 600 mile Federation event with his triple Fed hen, claiming victories at 400, 500, and 600 miles. But once again, Chris Cachia, with the help of his partners Trevor Holwell and Steve Cini, ensured their birds were at peak form. They clocked second 600 mile Federation, securing the overall averages with an impressive 455 points.
That late-night toss worked, Trevor…Thanks!
It was a thrilling finish, a true battle of champions, and a testament to elite loft management, breeding, and teamwork.
📊 Christopher Cachia’s Season of Strength
- 🥇 Long Distance Averages
- 🥇 Long Distance Averages for the Second Bird
- 🥇 Short Distance Averages
- 🏆 Overall Distance Averages – Prestigious Points Title for 2025
🐦 The Partnership Behind the Birds
Success at this level doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with quality pigeons in the loft, and ours have been sourced from Steve Cini, who has spared no expense in acquiring what we believe are some of the best pigeons in Australia, if not the world.
My racing partner Trevor Holwell, a tireless worker for the Williamstown Pigeon Club and the Western Pigeon Federation, has been instrumental in our success. With my financial planning business keeping me busy, Trevor’s help with day-to-day loft management, late-night tosses, and keeping everything running smoothly has been invaluable.
📸 Here we are in the photo, Chris (on the left) proudly holding our second Fed 600 mile blue bar hen, a triple Fed hen who placed equal 8th Fed at 500 miles and equal 3rd Federation Kaniva. She’s versatile, putting up quality results at 300 km and 900 km. Trevor in the middle is holding 8th Fed 500 miles & equal 10th Fed Kaniva, whilst Steve on the right is holding an impressive quadruple Fed hen, having placed and/or equalled in four major Federation races this season. Chris is now keen to see what she can do next year.
This BBH is bred directly from Steve’s imported 2017 cock from the famous Belgian strain Desmet-Matthijs a line founded by Valère Desmet and Jules Matthijs. On the dam line, she carries Desmet-Matthijs crossed with Joe Denaro’s Aussie Blood, making her a true blend of international class and local Denaro strength. These pigeons never cease to amaze us.
3rd Overall Pointscore Winner – Pierre Anastasi
A true gentleman of the sport, Pierre consistently goes above and beyond, turning up early on basketing nights as room steward to ensure everything runs smoothly. Organizing logistics for 85 fanciers is no small feat, and the WPF board truly appreciates your commitment.
This season was tough and highly competitive, yet Pierre achieved an impressive third overall in point score averages with 392 points, just shy of the elite 400 mark that only two fanciers cracked this year. He also clocked from the marathon 600-mile event at 6:46 AM, an incredible achievement and a moment of excitement for Pierre to record so early in the day.
With 20 federation positions, a section win by a clear margin of 596 points, and finishing 1½ races ahead with a 45-point lead, Pierre has had a stellar year. Well done on more than just first in the averages—you’ve set a benchmark for excellence!
💬 National Result Commentary
A consolidated national result wasn’t possible due to each federation running under its own rules, especially around hours of darkness. But we must acknowledge the outstanding performance from L & C Gatt, who clocked a pigeon at 1:01 AM Sunday morning, flying through the night while others rested. That’s courage and confidence in both bird and loft.
Also worth noting is Van Beers & Barlow from the SE club, clocking in at 5:43 AM doing 1265 mpm from his team of fifty birds. These are the kinds of performances that define long-distance racing.
🎉 End of Year Awards Night – Book Now!
We now look forward to celebrating the 2025 season with the Victorian Racing Pigeon Union End of Year Awards Night, held at Meadows Racing Track on Wednesday 10th December. There will also be a greyhound racing event, it’s going to be a fantastic night.
Please book your tickets online early, seating is limited and this event always sells out. It’s a chance to catch up, share stories, and honour the champions of the year.
🙌 Thank You
A massive thank you to the WPF Board for making this season seamless and smooth. Everything ran like clockwork. To our truck drivers, conveyors, and the liberation committee — especially Daniel Tenaglia and Matt Cianco — your tireless work analysing weather and ensuring safe liberations is deeply appreciated.
You’ve made the 2025 racing season one to remember for all the right reasons.
🕊️ Final Word
Congratulations to all the winners and participants. This was a race to remember, full of courage, consistency, and class. From the liberation to the clocking, it was a team effort.
We’ll see you all at the awards night — and then it’s back to the lofts to prepare for 2026. 🕊️🚀