A Belgian racing pigeon called Armando has sold at auction for nearly $2 million.

Yes, nearly $2 million.

It followed a bidding war between two Chinese fanciers.

Glen Mathews, President of the Geelong Racing Pigeon Association, told Tom Elliott the sport had really taken off in the Asian nation.

“It brings a lot of money with betting,” he explained.

He said pigeons raced as far away as 900 kilometres.

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