As winter’s chill blanketed the rugged landscapes of Scotland, Excelsior Stud made its way north to meet a truly exceptional pigeon and the remarkable partnership behind him. Nestled in the heart of this wintry scene was Barclay McCrindle, his father, and the ever-passionate HBW lads, Stef and Chris—breeders who gifted the racing world with a genuine champion: “KING WILLIAM”
This majestic bird is no ordinary competitor. Bred by the HBW Partnership and raced under the keen eyes of B McCrindle and son, “KING WILLIAM” boasts a pedigree dripping with National Ace champions. Yet, it’s not just his lineage that commands attention; his racing record shines equally bright. Crowned 1st British Isles Pinnacle Young Bird Ace 2025, and honoured with the Special Recognition of Excellence Award, “KING WILLIAM” swiftly carved out his place among the elite.
Despite only taking to the skies in four official races, “KING WILLIAM” made a striking impression. His debut was somewhat uncharacteristic—he lingered at the trap, reluctant to enter the loft. But what followed was nothing short of spectacular. In his next three races, he soared to first place each time, triumphing over fields ranging from 1,300 up to an impressive 1,835 birds on two occasions. Such consistent dominance speaks not merely to talent but to a rare, unyielding spirit.
At Excelsior Stud, where quality is never compromised, the pursuit is simple: acquire the very best pigeons across the UK and Europe. The foundation is laid on National Ace pigeons, world-renowned champions, and distinguished KBDB lines. Recently, the stud has broadened its horizons by integrating top-tier pigeons from leading UK fanciers, forging collaborations that embody the philosophy of putting winner to winner. Breed or strain matters little here; excellence drives every decision.
“KING WILLIAM” instantly stood out—not just for his remarkable accolades, but for his sheer potential. His Ace Award wasn’t confined to a local or regional scale; it spanned the entire British Isles, a testament to his extraordinary capability. The consensus was unanimous: this bird was a wonder pigeon, one whose future victories could have been boundless if risk were not a factor. With careful consideration and conversation with Barclay and his father, Excelsior Stud is proud to unveil a long-term partnership with the B McCrindle family, welcoming “KING WILLIAM” into their esteemed ranks.
The excitement doesn’t end here. “KING WILLIAM” is set to be paired with some of Excelsior's finest hens to amplify and elevate the celebrated DVD Bulck x P Boeckx bloodline. This line has already been enriched by numerous Sagan and original Bulck pigeons, creating a fertile ground for future champions. Two notable hens stand ready to couple with this king: the Leideman hen affectionately named “EXCELSIOR KAI-MOOK” and “KING ARTHUR’S DREAM,” a full sister to the legendary DVD Bulck’s 1st National Ace pigeon, “KING WILLIAM”. Together, these pairings promise to weave a tapestry of golden genetics destined for greatness.
This collaboration extends beyond mere breeding. Barclay and his father will continue to race pigeons bearing these golden bloodlines, working hand-in-hand with Excelsior Stud to strengthen and refine their shared genetic legacy. This co-breeding approach mirrors the successful Belgian model—a synergy sadly rare in the UK pigeon racing scene but one that holds immense promise for the future.
What struck us profoundly about “KING WILLIAM” was not only his performance and immediate promise but also the depth of his pedigree. An inbred grandchild of “STRIK,” his lineage is steeped in excellence.
“STRIK” tends to operate under the radar but deserves far more acclaim—a super pigeon and breeder responsible for passing down unmatched qualities to his descendants. Notably, the nest mate to “STRIK,” known by the ring number 300, is the mother of none other than “OLYMPIC ROSITA.”
“OLYMPIC ROSITA” herself is a queen in pigeon racing folklore—the crown jewel of the Van Den Bulck dynasty and the founding hen of the famed “KITTEL” lineage. Her value speaks volumes, having fetched over €205,000 at nearly nine years old, a record that resonates throughout the pigeon racing world.
With this heritage coursing through “KING WILLIAM,” Excelsior Stud is not just acquiring a champion bird but inheriting a legacy of greatness. This acquisition represents the merging of dreams, bloodlines, and ambitions—a new chapter that promises to elevate breeding and racing standards alike.
Despite his short track record, “KING WILLIAM’s” achievements are nothing short of phenomenal. Raced by the famed B McCrindle and son and bred by HBW Lofts, this cock soared to victory in his section on three separate occasions out of fields up to and exceeding 1,800 birds:
- 1st place against 1,810 birds
- 1st place against 1,835 birds
- 1st place against 1,324 birds
- 1st British Isles Pinnacle Ace Youngsters 2025
- Special Recognition of Excellence Award 2025
Such consistent top performances demonstrate not only raw speed but also exceptional racing intelligence and endurance—qualities that mark the cream of the crop in the world of pigeon sport.
The Golden Bloodlines
What makes “KING WILLIAM” s story truly fascinating is his illustrious lineage. He is an inbred grandson of "STRIK" (B10-6271299), a pigeon widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and influential breeders of the last decade. “STRIK” himself is a direct son of arguably the most potent mating ever achieved by Van Den Bulck—the pairing of “BROER GOEDE RODE” and “GOLDEN LEO 40000.”
“GOLDEN LEO 40000” is the full sister to “GOLDEN LEO 976,” a matriarch behind a staggering seven 1st National Ace KBDB Champions, showcasing unmatched champion breeding power. STRIK is also the nest-brother to the dam of “OLYMPIC ROSITA,” a hen sold for over €205,000 at nearly nine years old and revered for producing champions including “KITTEL,” “GREIPEL,” “NEW KITTEL,” “GOLD DUST,” and “ANGELINA.” This family tree reads like a who’s who of pigeon racing legends.
By being inbred to “BROER GOEDE RODE” through “STRIK”, “KING WILLIAM” carries the legacy of supreme Van Den Bulck bloodlines. “BROER GOEDE RODE” alone has produced untold numbers of winners, with his grand-progeny claiming major victories against thousands of competitors in Belgium alone during the 2021 season—a testament to the enduring strength and consistency of these golden lines.
These original pigeons, born of the iconic blend between DVD Bulck and P Boeckx strains, have yielded numerous 1st National Ace pigeons across generations. “KING WILLIAM” s recent British Isles Ace victories reaffirm the power of putting the best to the best. His pedigree is not just a beautiful tapestry of champion genes but a living, breathing roadmap to continued success at the highest level.
Working with “KING WILLIAM “means tapping into this extraordinary reservoir of champion bloodlines. His DNA carries the promise of repeating—and even surpassing—the feats of his titanic ancestors. For fanciers seeking to elevate their lofts to new heights, “KING WILLIAM” stands as a shining beacon of hope and excellence.
At Excelsior Stud, we believe in nurturing champions from the ground up, respecting pedigree, and pushing boundaries through careful breeding. We’re thrilled to present “KING WILLIAM” as a flagship bird that embodies these values.
His stunning combination of natural talent, solid racing performances, and unbeatable genetic heritage sets him apart as a truly outstanding winner poised to make waves for years to come. Whether you are an avid competitor, a breeder looking to enhance your bloodline portfolio, or simply a fan of the sport, “KING WILLIAM”s story is one to follow closely.
As the frost settles on Scottish moors and Excelsior Stud’s new king stretches his wings in fresh lofts, one thing is clear: the reign of “KING WILLIAM” has begun, and the future of pigeon racing looks brighter than ever.