The prestigious WPF Cup was run today in conjunction with the second Murray Bridge liberation point, 580 km, and honours go to Cachia, Holwell & Cini, a loft that has been consistent all year but just missing out on a win until now. After their glorious 2024 season with eight federation wins, they finally broke through in 2025 with a win in style. Their winning pigeon was a yearling late-bred cock, bred by Steve Cini from his Herman Van Lint line. The bird arrived just 15 seconds ahead of John Saggers, our WPF President, in what was one of the closest finishes in recent memory [1].
With the WPF Cup now run under a format where fanciers nominate and breed only five birds from top pigeons, this marks the fourth year of the format, and the second consecutive win for Cachia, Holwell & Cini. An incredible achievement, further backed up by their second pigeon placing sixth, making them the only flyer to clock two birds in the prize money [1].
Prize money was awarded to the top five birds only, and breeders plate rings have now been issued for the 2026 series.
📊 Top 10 Federation Results – WPF Cup (580 km)
| Position | Winner | Section | Birds | Velocity (m/min) | Prize Money | Ring (Year) | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cachia, Holwell & Cini | West | 5 | 1498.633 | $400 | WPFC-24-316 | Yearling Mealy Cock, bred by Cini |
| 2 | Saggers Brothers (John) | Metro 3 | 5 | 1497.699 | $300 | WPFC-24-247 | Just 15 seconds behind |
| 3 | No.5 Loft (N. Santoso) | Metro 3 | 5 | 1477.757 | $150 | WPFC-24-455 | Strong showing from A/City |
| 4 | Justin Tenaglia | North West | 5 | 1469.905 | $100 | WPFC-24-491 | Consistent performer |
| 5 | M & N Ciancio | Metro 2 | 5 | 1469.666 | $50 | WPFC-24-89 | Solid result from Y/Ville |
| 6 | Cachia, Holwell & Cini | West | 5 | 1467.888 | BP Ring | WPFC-24-317 | Only flyer with 2 birds in top 10 |
| 7 | Alex Diaz | South West | 5 | 1467.451 | BP Ring | WPFC-24-307 | Always competitive |
| 8 | Saggers Lofts (Mark) | South West | 5 | 1466.645 | BP Ring | WPFC-24-36 | Strong section depth |
| 9 | Alex Diaz | South West | 5 | 1457.164 | BP Ring | WPFC-24-309 | Second bird in top 10 |
| 10 | J & M Portelli (Michael) | Metro 3 | 5 | 1444.839 | BP Ring | WPFC-24-573 | Solid federation presence |
🥇 1st Place – Cachia, Holwell & Cini (Will/Newport)
Velocity: 1498.633 m/min
Arrival Time: 14:31:30
Bird: Mealy Cock, Ring No. WPFC-24-316
Prize Money: $400
This yearling was bred by Steve Cini from his Herman X Van Lint line, known for its long-distance stamina and consistency. After a year of near misses, this win marks a triumphant return to the top for Cachia, Holwell & Cini, who were dominant in 2024 but winless until now. Their bird flew with precision and power, clocking in just seconds ahead of the runner-up [1].
🥈 2nd Place – Saggers Brothers (John) – Yarraville
Velocity: 1497.699 m/min
Arrival Time: 14:29:25
Bird: Blue Chequer Pied Hen, Ring No. WPFC-24-247
Prize Money: $300
John Saggers, the WPF President, nearly clinched the Cup with his top hen, arriving just 15 seconds before the winning bird but flying a slightly shorter distance. The velocity difference was razor-thin, less than 1 m/min, highlighting the intensity of the competition [1].
🕊️ Double Honour for Cachia, Holwell & Cini
Not only did they win the Cup, but they also placed 6th with a second pigeon, making them the only flyer to clock two birds in the prize money [1].
🎯 Congratulations to all flyers
📅 Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, this Sunday will feature the Western Pigeon Federation Breeders Plate, where breeders from across Australia will submit birds to compete in one of the richest pigeon races in the country.
With strong northwest winds forecast and $20,000 on offer for first place, it’s shaping up to be a wide-open contest. Will your loft rise to the occasion? Stay tuned!