Amman Valley Pigeon Club’s Ken Bryan scooped an impressive one-two-three at the June 14 race from Newbury, but the biggest surprise of the day came as The Guardian was pipped at the post by just four seconds by a loft-mate.

Bryan’s The Guardian had previously collect three back-to-back red winners cards, but the latest race proved just too much.

The winning time for the 120-mile race was two hours and 36 seconds.

Results: 1st K Bryan; 2nd K Bryan; 3rd K Bryan; 4th DG Davies and son.

Four days later the birds set off on one of the toughest races of the season as the pigeons faced an exhausting 400-mile test from Rosemont, Belgium, in blistering conditions.

Again, Bryan’s birds proved too hot to handle as the again claimed a one-two-three finish, with the first bird making it home nine hours and 20 minutes.

Results: 1st K Bryan; 2nd K Bryan; 3rd K Bryan; 4th DG Davies and son.

All races were sponsored by G Davies and Son Plumbing Services.