The “Lewis Hamilton” of racing pigeons has set a new world record fee after Chinese bidders went head-to-head in an online auction for the bird. The victorious pigeon fancier, whose identity is a secret, spent more than $1.8 to land Armando, a Belgian bird considered to be the “best long-distance pigeon of all time”. Pigeon racing is big business in China, with millionaire enthusiasts striving to outdo each other with extravagant coops and outlandish bets laid on the outcome of races. Racing pigeons are taken hundreds of miles from their home lofts and released. The Chinese pigeon racing scene is increasingly cut-throat.

Source: National Post March 19, 2019 17:03 UTC