M. Renier Gurnay
Founder of the "World's Greatest Winning Strain of Racing Pigeons"
The Gurnay strain was founded and raced over a period of 50 years between 1886 and 1936. Going back in time we note that the young Gurnay lived in the same town (Verviers) as the pigeon master Alexandre Hansenne who had founded his strain of birds mainly Bronzes, Blues and whites of the Dedoyard, Guilisson and Bonjean families. Gurnay soon became Hansennes runner. Before the advent of Pigeon Clocks and rubber rings the bird after arrival from a race would have to be run in to the clubs head quarters before a prize could be alloted. On one famous race Hansenne told Gurnay if he were to win 1st Prize then he could keep the bird. Gurnay was jubilant when the bird won the race, he took the Blue Hen home and added it to his growing collection of Racing Pigeons. After Hansennes death, (It was debatable at this time who had the Purest Strain of the Original Hansenne) Gurnay acquired the best of his Old Masters birds. These birds formed the strain that would dominate the pigeon world for decades to come. Not only were this strain superb racers but they showed a great outside beauty that is still preserved to this day. I have included on this Web site several pictures of the Original Gurnays with their modern day equivilants.
Dan-y-graig Lofts