The history of Team Neyrinck–Seynaeve from Gullegem dates back to the late 1960s. In 1969, Jacques Seynaeve married Lena, the daughter of Achiel Neyrinck and Agnes Dumoulein from Ledegem. Both families were deeply rooted in pigeon racing, meaning that the passion for the sport was already firmly embedded in the family. It was therefore almost inevitable that this passion would be passed on to the next generation.
In 1972 the partnership Neyrinck–Seynaeve was formed. Within this collaboration, Jacques Seynaeve gradually learned the finer points of pigeon racing. Achiel Neyrinck played an important role as mentor, bringing experience, vision and a strong family of pigeons. After Achiel passed away in 1978, a new loft was built in Gullegem. The partnership continued there as well. During this period, Andy Seynaeve grew up among the pigeons, developing a strong passion for the sport from an early age. For many years the pigeons were raced under the name Seynaeve Jacques & Andy.
In 2015, Andy Seynaeve fully took over the management of the loft. Due to a change in the racing programme — with races moving from Sunday to Saturday — active participation in racing had to come to an end. The focus therefore shifted to breeding. During this period, the colony was further strengthened with quality pigeons from Gino Clicque (Wevelgem), Eric Vermander (Oekene), Eric Denijs (Beveren-Leie) and especially from neighbour and good friend Freddy Neyrinck from Gullegem.
The influence of Freddy Neyrinck on the current colony is very significant. His pigeons now form the majority of the loft. Freddy has been striving for the absolute top level for many years and achieved this with outstanding performances. The absolute flagship is “John”, winner of 1st National Périgueux. “John” is a son of the top breeder “Spartacus”, himself a grandson of the legendary “Contador” from Joël Verschoot. Other descendants of “Spartacus” have also proven their class. The 411/21 achieved 1st Provincial and 4th National Argenton, alongside strong results from Libourne (10th provincial) and Limoges (12th provincial). The 604/23, also a son of “Spartacus”, won 2nd National and 1st Provincial Limoges. In addition, a son of “John” already achieved 1st Provincial Libourne, while a 5th National Brive also appears on the record.
Many pedigrees also contain “Dietje”, the famous breeder and 1st National Souillac from Eric Denijs. Furthermore, the bloodlines of “Armando” and “Nopri” from Joël Verschoot are present, as well as the strong SeroSero line from Anthony Maes. All these influences together form a strong, versatile and performance-oriented pigeon family.
With the introduction of the PAS system, the opportunity arose to participate in races again. After careful consideration and with respect for the past — Jacques Seynaeve passed away in 2019 — the decision was made to return to the family history. Thus Team Neyrinck–Seynaeve Gullegem was born. The sprint and middle-distance races are basketed in the Gullegem Pigeon Club, while the national races are basketed in Rekkem.
In 2024, a number of young pigeons from the third and fourth rounds were bred and carefully trained. In 2025, they were entered in the races with very promising results. The yearlings made an immediate impression with a strong result from Orléans, where 21 prizes from 28 pigeons per three were won, including 4th place among the yearlings and 8 per ten against 532 pigeons. Among the old pigeons the season started with a 6th place, 7 per ten and 21 prizes per three against 1087 pigeons. The young pigeons also showed clear progress, including a 1st prize and an outstanding performance from Orléans, winning 42 prizes from 68 pigeons against 1149 pigeons.
With these positive developments, Team Neyrinck–Seynaeve looks confidently towards the 2026 season. For medical guidance, check-ups and support, the colony is followed by Niels, Lander and Emiel from Degudap in Izegem, who ensure optimal supervision.
