Tony Hassan’s Triumph at the 2019 California Classic One Loft Race
The world of pigeon racing in North America saw a remarkable performance in 2019 when Tony Hassan, a dedicated racing pigeon enthusiast from Minnesota, took home top honors at the California Classic One Loft Race. This prestigious competition, renowned for testing the endurance, speed, and navigation skills of racing pigeons, drew entries from across the United States and Canada.
Meet the Champion: Cherami
Hassan’s standout bird, “Cherami” (AU19‑ARPU11411), demonstrated exceptional talent throughout the challenging multi-leg event. Representing Mesopotamia Loft, Cherami competed against hundreds of birds, showcasing not just speed but remarkable consistency over demanding distances and elevation changes.
Cherami’s impressive record in the three-leg series:
- Race 1 — Fortuna Hills (140 miles): 13th out of 723 pigeons
- Race 2 — Dateland (190 miles): 55th out of 714 pigeons
- Race 3 — Eloy (305 miles): 2nd out of 669 pigeons (tie)
By maintaining top positions in all three segments, Cherami earned the coveted 1st Ace Pigeon title, securing Hassan both prestige and a total prize pool exceeding $26,500, including a $10,000 bonus for Ace Pigeon honors.
The Journey of the California Classic
The California Classic is not just any pigeon race. Birds must traverse long distances under tough conditions — including desert heat, crosswinds, and significant altitude changes. Organizers like John Timmerman ensure that each leg challenges both the birds’ stamina and their navigation instincts, making any victory here a notable achievement.
Cherami’s performance highlights not only natural ability but also the careful preparation and training by Tony Hassan at Mesopotamia Loft, whose birds consistently excel in North American competitions.
Strong Bloodlines Behind the Win
Cherami’s pedigree played a vital role in her success. Her mother, “Honeydew” (NL17‑1819653), is a double granddaughter of the legendary European pigeon “Euro”, known for producing multiple top racers at the Eijerkamp lofts. This rich lineage helped Cherami inherit qualities like endurance, speed, and competitive drive — the key ingredients for dominating the California Classic.
Tony Hassan and Mesopotamia Loft
With seven birds entered in the 2019 California Classic, Hassan’s strategic training approach and knowledge of pigeon behavior set his loft apart. The impressive results of Cherami and the other birds cemented his reputation as a top competitor in North America’s One Loft Racing scene.
Conclusion
The 2019 California Classic OLR proved that preparation, genetics, and training come together to create champions. Tony Hassan’s Cherami exemplifies the perfect combination of European bloodlines and North American training excellence. For pigeon racing enthusiasts, this victory remains a benchmark for future competitors aiming for the top.
