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R5m for a pigeon: SA duo ruffles China's feathers

Cape Town - South African pigeon fanciers brought home a world famous racing pigeon auctioned for a world record-breaking price tag of €360 000 (about R5m).

Mark Kitchenbrand and Samuel Mbiza purchased the bird called Golden Prince over the weekend, according to online racing pigeon auction site PIPA. It noted that the Gino Clicque auction was one of the most anticipated pigeon auctions yet, with Golden Prince one of the best long distance pigeons ever up for grabs.

"A group of 405 pigeons were offered for sale over the past two weeks.... The overall revenue amounted to €2 145 375 for 405 pigeons, or an average of €5 297 per pigeon."

The following were the five most expensive pigeons at the Gino Clicque auction:

1. Golden Prince – €360 000 – South Africa
2. Devil Prince – €126 000 – China
3. Super Gaby (sire Devil Prince) – €81 000 – China
4. Robertina (dam Devil Prince) – €71 000 – China
5. Prince Rudy – €64 000 – China

The South African duo were set on owning the male pigeon and travelled all the way to Belgium, where they celebrated after facing stiff competition from Chinese bidders.

Watch the moment unfold:

The auction attracted bidders from Poland, Canada, Malaysia, Germany, Morocco, France and India, to name a few.

"We are very pleased to see our pigeons travel to every part of the world. Yet a substantial number of pigeons will not be leaving Belgium, which we are very happy about as well," said Clicque.

Kitchenbrand, the owner at SAPIR LOFT and Kitchenbrand’s Loft, is a passionate pigeon racer and fancier. Samuel Mbiza is the owner of Samuel Lofts in Walkerville.

The Kitchenbrands described themselves as the oldest known active racing pigeon family in the history of the South African pigeon racing fraternity. The family has won over 500 races.

Mark and his wife Naomie have been buying super class pigeons the world over.

Kitchenbrand is also closely involved with the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race every year.

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