So much enjoyment in having racing pigeons are the friendships you establish. This past June, Lance and I, were fortunate to be able to spend an entire, long day visiting the FLORIDA DERBY RACING PIGEON COMPOUND. Which is masterfully organized and headed by Mr. Loris Brito.
There is nobody like him!
I have been in this blessed sport for some 70 years. And good heavens. It was about time. Someone as nice. Someone as smart. Someone as truly devoted. Someone as honest. Finally emerged to create a pigeon world keenly devoted to be---WITHOUT QUESTION---- the best one loft racing place in all of the United States. Located some 40 miles south west of Miami.
As soon as Lance and I emerged from our van, our jaws fell off to the ground. If there is a pigeon heaven. We were in it.
AMEN!
Loris Brito came to us with his huge smile and effervescant personality immediately treating us like family. And beside him, there was Mr. Kenny Chen. One of the best racing pigeon fanciers alive today. He informed me, he had missed his flight to go back to New York, so that he could spend the day with me.
There was something different about meeting these two men. A sincerity of friendship and understanding. Of all the pigeon places and pigeon people I have met in my long life with pigeons, I had never been treated with more honor, kindness and friendship. They wanted me to learn what was going on. At the same time they wanted to get to know who I am. Answering my constant questions and me answering theirs.
It was on a level in which professionals in any sport converse. Not having to discuss small matters, Taking for granted a life time of experiences. Both men complimented me on being one of the rare few fanciers which had the patience, skills and smarts to develop and maintain a family of racing pigeons. THE NO SWEAT SIONS. Both stating, they believed in families. They have been having much success with birds carefully related to each other.
There is nobody like him!
I have been in this blessed sport for some 70 years. And good heavens. It was about time. Someone as nice. Someone as smart. Someone as truly devoted. Someone as honest. Finally emerged to create a pigeon world keenly devoted to be---WITHOUT QUESTION---- the best one loft racing place in all of the United States. Located some 40 miles south west of Miami.
As soon as Lance and I emerged from our van, our jaws fell off to the ground. If there is a pigeon heaven. We were in it.
AMEN!
Loris Brito came to us with his huge smile and effervescant personality immediately treating us like family. And beside him, there was Mr. Kenny Chen. One of the best racing pigeon fanciers alive today. He informed me, he had missed his flight to go back to New York, so that he could spend the day with me.
There was something different about meeting these two men. A sincerity of friendship and understanding. Of all the pigeon places and pigeon people I have met in my long life with pigeons, I had never been treated with more honor, kindness and friendship. They wanted me to learn what was going on. At the same time they wanted to get to know who I am. Answering my constant questions and me answering theirs.
It was on a level in which professionals in any sport converse. Not having to discuss small matters, Taking for granted a life time of experiences. Both men complimented me on being one of the rare few fanciers which had the patience, skills and smarts to develop and maintain a family of racing pigeons. THE NO SWEAT SIONS. Both stating, they believed in families. They have been having much success with birds carefully related to each other.
We talked racing pigeons non-stop. Many times having wonderful laughs. Brito touring Lance and I all throughout his lofts, including an incredible. large area he created strictly to breed his distinct family of conures and parrots. So beautiful as to blind a person!
Around noon, Brito took the time to prepare a Cuban meal especially for the all of us. Everything we ate, he had grown himself, including the meat from the hogs he raises--- which have a diet of tropical fruits. Everything fresh and delicious. It was during our dinner conversations, in which I learned, Brito had been the best trumpet player in Cuba. I told him about my father's brother, uncle Lance, who had at times, played the trumpet for Billie Holiday, before World War 2.
Around noon, Brito took the time to prepare a Cuban meal especially for the all of us. Everything we ate, he had grown himself, including the meat from the hogs he raises--- which have a diet of tropical fruits. Everything fresh and delicious. It was during our dinner conversations, in which I learned, Brito had been the best trumpet player in Cuba. I told him about my father's brother, uncle Lance, who had at times, played the trumpet for Billie Holiday, before World War 2.
When you are the best at what you do , you don't have to tell everyone. They know it, already. This is why Brito simply advertises "the Florida Derby is one of the best one loft races." He is simply too modest to state that he is BY FAR----the NUMBER ONE pigeon race in the USA. That is the nice kind of person he happens to be. This year, he has had some 12,000 young birds shipped to him to race. More than double any of the other one loft races in the USA. I believe. It is simply because. Mr. Loris Brito knows how to treat people. It comes natural for him. And he knows how to treat racing pigeons. I will not be surprised to see THE FLORIDA DERBY pigeon race continue to grow.
T-H-I-S is exactly why I wanted to race my family of NO SWEAT SIONS in his program. Last year, I had two of my Sions fly through his entire race series and wind up doing very well. 42 times they were trained 50 miles or more. They flew in 7 different races, including a 350 and a 450. I was happy to get my two blue bars back from this. I now have them mated together. I named them "THE FLORIDA DERBY PAIR." In 2027, I will enter at least one baby from them in the race. RIGHT NOW, I have a new team of my Sion family racing in his 2026 series. Racing against the finest racers in the world today. My family of NO SWEAT SIONS are NOT---(I REPEAT) ARE NOT "PAPER TIGERS." They are not some advertised SIONS resting on some ancient pedigree where some pigeon merchant says "something did something." (Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.) The NO SWEAT SIONS are based on pure PAUL SIONS now dedicated to being both beautiful and current PERFORMANCE RACERS. Especially racing at their best on the longer distances.
T-H-I-S is exactly why I wanted to race my family of NO SWEAT SIONS in his program. Last year, I had two of my Sions fly through his entire race series and wind up doing very well. 42 times they were trained 50 miles or more. They flew in 7 different races, including a 350 and a 450. I was happy to get my two blue bars back from this. I now have them mated together. I named them "THE FLORIDA DERBY PAIR." In 2027, I will enter at least one baby from them in the race. RIGHT NOW, I have a new team of my Sion family racing in his 2026 series. Racing against the finest racers in the world today. My family of NO SWEAT SIONS are NOT---(I REPEAT) ARE NOT "PAPER TIGERS." They are not some advertised SIONS resting on some ancient pedigree where some pigeon merchant says "something did something." (Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.) The NO SWEAT SIONS are based on pure PAUL SIONS now dedicated to being both beautiful and current PERFORMANCE RACERS. Especially racing at their best on the longer distances.
Loris Brito enjoyed showing me several innovations he had created. One being in which they loaded the birds for transport. Our conversations roamed from birds to outside the birds-------- talking about our own origins, and other interests. We found a common interest in fishing, and he invited us to go fishing with him at any time.
It was so gratifying to be around Loris Brito and Kenny Chen. As they continuiosly bragged on my Sions. Asking me questions about them. Noting I was now in the HALL OF FAME. For me. It was "HAIL FROM CAESER." Several times, in Loris Brito's breeding facilities, I was handed a champion racer and asked to give my opinion. It was nice to have fanciers of their esteem sincerely listen to my evaluations. They sure made me feel appreciated----among the kind of fanciers you could not help but admire.
It was so gratifying to be around Loris Brito and Kenny Chen. As they continuiosly bragged on my Sions. Asking me questions about them. Noting I was now in the HALL OF FAME. For me. It was "HAIL FROM CAESER." Several times, in Loris Brito's breeding facilities, I was handed a champion racer and asked to give my opinion. It was nice to have fanciers of their esteem sincerely listen to my evaluations. They sure made me feel appreciated----among the kind of fanciers you could not help but admire.
I believe the strongest thing that Loris Brito and I shared in common. Was wanting to genuinely find. Who has the best racing pigeons in the world. He has set up an incredible racing facility. Sparing no expense. Considering every matter of the smallest detail. Especially health. Especially conditioning. There has been no other one loft manager who has begun to do all the things he does, which I have ever known. It's these reasons that other fanciers--- also noting the same-----which has placed THE FLORIDA DERBY PIGEON RACE as the premiere race in the USA. In fact, this year, this race will be the greatest YOUNG BIRD race in America's history!
When JW and I entered our entries there for the first time last year, I was dumbfounded at the competition. Birds racing at OVER 3,000 YARDS PER MINUTE! Birds being asked to race repeatedly over and over again as though racing was the same as mere breathing. What a ultimate experience in racing, all my heart said. THIS is the race for MY FAMILY OF NO SWEAT SIONS!. This is the race I want my Sions to be in! FORGET ALL THE JABBER OF ANY OTHER RACE! This is the Kentucky Derby of racing young birds!
When JW and I entered our entries there for the first time last year, I was dumbfounded at the competition. Birds racing at OVER 3,000 YARDS PER MINUTE! Birds being asked to race repeatedly over and over again as though racing was the same as mere breathing. What a ultimate experience in racing, all my heart said. THIS is the race for MY FAMILY OF NO SWEAT SIONS!. This is the race I want my Sions to be in! FORGET ALL THE JABBER OF ANY OTHER RACE! This is the Kentucky Derby of racing young birds!
A huge thing I loved about Loris Brito was his transparancy. His honesty. His willingness to happily explain the least matter. The Florida Pigeon Derby has no "secrets" as is so often sadly discovered among so many of the one loft races. Especially beyond the borders of the USA.
Brito goes to extra lengths, letting you know, everything he does can be examined "nine ways from sun down." When I ship entries to him, I know, whatever happens, good or bad, everything was done with care. Done as good as anyone could expect or hope for. I do not question what happens in THE FLORIDA PIGEON DERBY. I relax. Why should I? Simple. Because Loris Brito is in charge. I can say the same for my Sions. I never questioned Charles Heitzman about the basis of my Sions. I knew whatever Heitzman stated, was true.
Brito goes to extra lengths, letting you know, everything he does can be examined "nine ways from sun down." When I ship entries to him, I know, whatever happens, good or bad, everything was done with care. Done as good as anyone could expect or hope for. I do not question what happens in THE FLORIDA PIGEON DERBY. I relax. Why should I? Simple. Because Loris Brito is in charge. I can say the same for my Sions. I never questioned Charles Heitzman about the basis of my Sions. I knew whatever Heitzman stated, was true.
We walked and walked and then walked some more. Loris Brito always remaining in great spirits. Continuiously taking us on the best pigeon tour I have ever been on. We went to the grand gala bar area where fanciers had a spacious place to socialize. Brito giving us nice libations. We visited the wedding chappel. created for fanciers to be married in. We were astonished to go up the steps to his incredible "air traffic control" tower. In this structure a person can sit among large computer screens and observe out even larger windows in an a comfortable air conditioned room which over looks the main racing loft. Being able to clearly observe any bird which lands. It was as though we were in some pigeon paradise that no person could ever begin to imagine. All first class.
In April this past year, I received a phone call from a stranger. Introducing himself as, Mr. Michael Sullivan. He was most complimentary, regarding who I was. And he loved my family of beautiful Sions. Michael stated. "I have been studying and observing all kinds of advertisements and you-tube videos. I could have gone to any person. Money is no object. But it was you, No Sweat, that seemed to me. to be, the real thing, in the sport. That is why I chose you above all else."
Michael became a partner with JW and I in racing in the Florida Derby this year. I have never been a rich person. So Mike's call and help with the entry fees was welcomed. In May, my grandson shot a five hour long you tube video. Much of it devoted to my selecting which birds I was observing to send as our 2026 FLORIDA DERBY ENTRIES. Some of these young birds wound up going to Gobin Gopaul in Trinidad---- as he visited my lofts in May----and was such a gentleman, who desired those exact birds for himself. Which he now owns. I still felt. The team I sent was solid.
As I learned, Mike's story turned out to be remarkable. He had been found guilty on a first degree murder charge. After spending 27 years in the penitentuary, he was brought back into court and found absolutely innocent. As such, the court awarded him 13 million dollars.
Both JW and Mike have been nothing less than angels for the NO SWEAT SIONS. Simply, miracles. I now have my family of Sions set on a course to win. It may take me a few years to set my breedings straight. But I am confident these Sions can shine to show the world who they are. No old pure family like them, actually still races as these SIONS do. Against the best. Against the toughest---in the USA TODAY.
Michael became a partner with JW and I in racing in the Florida Derby this year. I have never been a rich person. So Mike's call and help with the entry fees was welcomed. In May, my grandson shot a five hour long you tube video. Much of it devoted to my selecting which birds I was observing to send as our 2026 FLORIDA DERBY ENTRIES. Some of these young birds wound up going to Gobin Gopaul in Trinidad---- as he visited my lofts in May----and was such a gentleman, who desired those exact birds for himself. Which he now owns. I still felt. The team I sent was solid.
As I learned, Mike's story turned out to be remarkable. He had been found guilty on a first degree murder charge. After spending 27 years in the penitentuary, he was brought back into court and found absolutely innocent. As such, the court awarded him 13 million dollars.
Both JW and Mike have been nothing less than angels for the NO SWEAT SIONS. Simply, miracles. I now have my family of Sions set on a course to win. It may take me a few years to set my breedings straight. But I am confident these Sions can shine to show the world who they are. No old pure family like them, actually still races as these SIONS do. Against the best. Against the toughest---in the USA TODAY.
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These three photos of the young blue bar cock shown above ------was one of the two outstanding NO SWEAT SIONS which flew the entire 2025 FLORIDA DERBY series. He is a PURE SION. This photo was taken of him immediately when I got him back from Florida. He has since matured into a very fine breeder. He was bred from my great blue bar cock, "THE MALTESE FALCON." And my famed blue bar hen, which flew 41rst in South Africa, "SUMMERTIME."
The blue bar young bird on the left is the NO SWEAT SION hen which flew the 2025 Florida Derby Race series. As you can see in this photo. I placed this hen with the blue bar cock you see to her right. He also flew the 2025 Florida Derby Pigeon Race, as mentioned, in the three photos above. I have this mating for 2027. I have named them "THE FLORIDA DERBY PAIR." Their sizes, bodies, eyes and all else, perfectly "weigh out" balance--matching each other. I am hoping their 2027 babies will wind up being better than they are. Both of these NO SWEAT SIONS line-breed back to---- possibly the most famous Sion ever imported from France into America. Lew Curtis imported a BBWFL cock from Paul Sion, named, "LE-ROI." (THE KING) Both of these blue bars are direct descendants of that LE-ROI. His blood turned out to be much the basis of Heitzman's best among all his Sions. The LE-ROI blood became famous across America for forty years-----primarily, for winning major long distance races.
NOTE. *** THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT THE NO SWEAT SION LOFTS IS VIA EMAIL:
[email protected]
NOTE. *** THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT THE NO SWEAT SION LOFTS IS VIA EMAIL:
[email protected]