PIGEON racing officials will decide what action to take against reigning champion Eamon Kelly who reportedly cheated to win the top competition. 

The 52-year-old from Steventon was crowned winner of the 580-mile Tarbes National race, described as the 'Grand National' for birds, at the weekend. 

But it has been reported that Mr Kelly's winning pigeon didn't actually leave his loft despite him being awarded prize money and a new car. 

Mr Kelly reportedly used his race controller status to register 14 birds from his home then immediately stashed them in his pigeon loft.

He then sent a second set out to France where they officially started the race with thousands of others, according to The Sun. 

As the extra birds were making their way back to England Mr Kelly is accused of guessing a winning time and claimed victory for one of the pigeons that had been hidden in his loft the whole time.

When officials discovered that those flying at 39mph were still completing the race they confronted the top fancier, who owns 350 birds, and he reportedly confessed to foul play.

Mr Kelly reportedly said in a statement: “I, Eamon Kelly, sincerely apologise to all my friends and fanciers over my stupid actions relating to the recent Tarbes race.

“I was tempted and fell, a decision I will regret for the rest of my life. A sport that I love so much, that has given me untold pleasure and above all friendship I have thrown all away.”

National Flying Club chairman Phil Curtis said: “This is a very disappointing episode for the sport.”

Spokesman for the Club Drew Callan told the Oxford Mail this morning that the management committee would invite Mr Kelly to a meeting in which they would decide what action to take.

He said Mr Kelly had been a member for 40 years and added: "It's a shock to everyone. Until we have the meeting I don't konw how or when the original concern was raised but we found out on Sunday.

"We'll have to decide what action to take next; he could face an explusion from the sport and club although we can't legally do anything." 

Back in 2012 Mr Kelly went home triumphant with two fine specimens, donated by Her Majesty the Queen, won at a charity auction at the Headington Royal British Legion club in Edgecombe Road.

As chairman of the Wantage and District Pigeon Club in 2013 he also defended a Cowley Road church's bid to put spikes on the roof to deter pigeons, saying it was "not cruel" and the birds would "find somewhere else to perch."