Houbens

In the fall of 2004, I started my search for birds that I felt were built more for the tough races. In my studying, I came across several strains and lofts that claim their birds are built to withstand the hard races. I'm sure many of these claims are well founded, but it is hard to dispute the claims of one loft in particular, David Clausing.

In the early 1990's David purchased some birds directly from the Houben Family Loft in Belgium. That is when things began to change for the Clausings .(See David Clausing Story) Realizing there was something special about the new birds he had, David started putting all his energy into these birds. His original top breeder was Ziko, who sired two other top breeders, King David and Dana. King David paired to Queen Anna, also a direct Houben, produced the 1994 National Champion, Anna Marie. From this point, things just continued to get better for the Clausings. King David was a phenomenal breeder, but Dana is where the Clausings struck gold. The total winnings of birds bred from Dana's children that David has raced exceeds $350,000. This does not include winnings from those that have purchased Clausing birds. That sum exceeds $1 million.

David does not spend a lot of time claiming that his birds are the best in the world. He lets the birds do the talking for him. David Clausing has set himself up as "King of the Hill" for the moment, winning more one loft races then any other loft in the world. His results in one loft races across the world have done all the talking for him and David's results in the South Africa Million Dollar Race have done most of that "talking."

The Sun City South Africa Million Dollar Race is the largest and most prestigious One Loft Race in the world. Because of its exposure, all the large lofts throughout the world send their birds to this race. This race leaves all excuses behind. All birds are trained together, fed together, and sleep together. They are all released from the same point, and fly through the same hot heat of the African desert to the same location.

In 1997 David partnered with the Houbens and sent birds to the Sun City Million Dollar Race for the first time. They placed 2nd in the race and split the winnings of $100,000. The next year, 1998, David Clausing had the 1st Ace Pigeon of the Million Dollar Race series. The last 4 years, the Million Dollar race has belonged to David Clausing and his Houben birds.

Clausing standings in the South Africa Million Dollar race the last four years:

2002   3rd , 36th
2003   1st , 26th
2004   24th , 26th , 90th
2005   4th

In addition to winning 2nd place with David Clausing in 1997, the Houbens placed 5th in 2000. David Clausing has been in the top 10 winning positions several years. No other loft in the world can claim this great accomplishment. There are approximately 6,000 pigeons sent to the Million Dollar race each year. To come out on top time after time in a 393 mile race with tough conditions speaks volumes as to the quality of Clausing birds.

Dana sired a son, Clausing #410 '00 that has become the focal point to Clausings breeding. In studying the pedigrees of Clausings top winning birds, #410 plays a big role.

2002 Million Dollar Race

3rd place winner is Valentin, #274 '01 (from #410 x #217)
36th place winner is Woven Crown, #295 '01 (from #410 x #217)

2003 Million Dollar Race

1st place winner is Never Say Die, #300 '02 (from #248, a full sister to #410)
26th place winner is Moon Ingraver, #356 '02 (half brother to #410)

2004 Million Dollar Race

24th place winner is Water Nymph, #262 '03 ( from #07, a half sister to #410)

26th place winner is #262 '03 (from #248, a full sister to #410 and dam to 2003 winner)

2005 Million Dollar Race

4th place winner is Heidi, #269 '04 ( from #410 x #186)