Häkkinen (N.L14-1753569): The Undisputed Legend of Dutch Pigeon Racing
In the world of Dutch pigeon racing, few breeders have left a legacy as powerful and enduring as NL14-1753569 "Häkkinen", the foundation breeder of Team Wilpstra Groningen. Bred by Hans Hak and brought to prominence by Appie Dunnink, this exceptional cock has produced generations of champions and transformed the competitive landscape in the Netherlands and beyond. With every racing season, his legend only grows.
Origins: From Maurik to Staphorst
In 2017, Appie Dunnink acquired Häkkinen from a listing on Duivenmarktplaats. Bred by Hans Hak from his legendary super pair "De Vechter" x "De Stamduivin," Häkkinen brought with him elite bloodlines that had already proven their worth in top competitions across various distances.
While Häkkinen himself never saw a race basket, his true power emerged in the breeding loft. Within a single season of pairing, he began producing standout offspring that would become champions across departments and even on the international stage.
Team Wilpstra: A Brotherhood Forged in Sport
Feike Wilpstra and Wim Rasker, in partnership with Appie Dunnink, formed Team Wilpstra. With a history dating back to a 2003 bon from Appie to Feike, their collaboration reignited in 2017 when Feike returned to the sport. Since then, their focus on elite genetics and friendship-driven teamwork has yielded extraordinary success. What sets this team apart is not only their commitment to results, but their shared passion and trust, visible in the strong family bonds that characterize their Saturdays around the loft.
Progeny of Häkkinen: The Champions Speak
Olympic Monique (NL18-1503242)
- 1st Ace Pigeon Overall, Afdeling 10 (2020)
- 2nd Olympiad Pigeon Grow Up, Oradea Romania
- Grandmother of "Max"
- Multiple top 10 placements in large competitions, showing consistency and speed
Lady Samantha (NL20-1126516)
- 1st Ace Pigeon Overall, Afdeling 10 (2021)
- 1st Ace Pigeon Daylong Distance Rayon 1
- 2nd Ace Pigeon Natour Rayon 1
- Known for her reliability over diverse distances and conditions
Max (NL22-8083114)
- 1st Ace Pigeon Overall, Afdeling 10 (2023)
- 5th Best National Ace NPO/WHZB/TBOTB
- Grandson of Häkkinen, raced by Jong & v.d. Veer
- Demonstrated outstanding form in all major releases
Anita 407 (NL22-8114407)
- 1st Ace Pigeon Overall, Afdeling 10 (2024)
- 1st National Ace Pigeon Senior (2024)
- Best Midfond Pigeon Netherlands (2024)
- Known for her speed, endurance and incredible consistency week after week
Each of these birds demonstrates Häkkinen’s power to breed consistent top-tier performers over multiple generations.
How about a parade of feathered superstars!
Legacy of the Super Pair
Häkkinen is a direct son of Hans Hak's golden pair, "De Vechter" x "De Stamduivin." Their offspring have claimed over 75 top-10 NPO results and at least 24 large-regional victories. This pair is considered one of the most productive and versatile in modern Dutch pigeon breeding. Other descendants of the super pair include:
- Olympic Golden Girl (NL21-2148800): Olympiad Winner, 2nd Nat. Issoudun (15,631 d.), 1st NU Gray (9,999 d.)
- Miss Issoudun (NL19-1289005): 1st Nat. Issoudun Sec.4, 1st Midfond Ace Rayon 1
- Olympic Miss Marissie (NL21-1550908): 3rd National Midfond Ace 2022, 5th Olympiad Middle Distance 22-23
- Feike 010 (NL19-1289010): 1st National Young Bird Vitesse Champion 2019
- Lady Suprice (NL22-8114555): 1st Weert (10,292 d.), sister to Marissie & Feike 010
These examples underscore the incredible reach of the "De Vechter" bloodline, proving it to be a true golden thread in European pigeon racing.
Science and Selection: The LDHA Gene
One of the key tools in Team Wilpstra’s breeding strategy is genetic testing for the LDHA gene. Pigeons with the rare AA genotype are known to better manage lactate levels, improving performance on heavy races. Appie and his team selectively breed using this marker, contributing to their consistent success. This gene, researched extensively at Ghent University, is still uncommon but has been a reliable indicator of elite race performance when paired with sound physical traits and mental toughness.
Not Just Häkkinen: Other Top Birds
While Häkkinen is the crown jewel, Team Wilpstra has other standouts like Lady Perfect (NL18-1466675), who boasts:
- 10x 1st prizes in Rayon
- 1st Midfond Ace Afdeling 10 (2022)
- 2nd Olympiad Sportklasse, Oradea (2022)
- 3rd Best Midfond Pigeon Worldwide (FCI 2022)
- Consistent performances across tough weather conditions and long distances
A Dynasty of Dominance
Thanks to strategic breeding, cutting-edge selection, and a unique partnership, Team Wilpstra has rapidly accumulated national titles:
- 1st National Loft Champion Midfond 2021
- 2nd National Loft Champion Midfond 2020
- 3rd National Loft Champion Midfond 2022
Their recent results include full podium sweeps and top 10 streaks in massive regional races. In competitions with over 10,000 birds, they regularly place multiple pigeons in the top ten, showcasing both depth and breadth in their team.
Conclusion
With Häkkinen as their foundation sire, Team Wilpstra has not only bred champions — they’ve built a legacy. Their meticulous approach to genetics, friendship, and performance has elevated them to the elite of Dutch pigeon racing. The story of Häkkinen is one of vision, trust, and the rare alchemy of a truly world-class breeder.
Let the offspring of this once-in-a-lifetime cock continue to dominate the skies!