A Belgian racing pigeon called Armando has sold at auction for nearly $2 million, more than three times the world record, after a bidding war between two Chinese fanciers.

Key points: Previous auction record for a racing pigeon was 376,000 euros, but Armando's sale has more than trebled this

Previous auction record for a racing pigeon was 376,000 euros, but Armando's sale has more than trebled this Described as the 'Lewis Hamilton of racing pigeons', Armando is considered the best long-distance pigeon of all time

Described as the 'Lewis Hamilton of racing pigeons', Armando is considered the best long-distance pigeon of all time It is expected Armando's progeny will be sold and raced to recoup the new owner's huge outlay

"Nobody expected this. No one," said Jorge Ferrari from the Pigeon Paradise auction site.

Chinese enthusiasm for the long-distance racing of homing pigeons has driven prices up sharply, with birds from the traditional heartland of the sport in Belgium being particularly prized.

However, until the furious bidding that lasted throughout Sunday evening, the record price stood at 376,000 euros ($600,236).

Armando, a record-breaking long-distance racing champion owned by Joel Verschoot, was eventually sold to an anonymous buyer in China for 1,252,000 euros ($1.99 million).

In an indication of how the buyer may hope to recoup the investment, not only can race prize money in China reach seven figures, but seven of Armando's offspring were also auctioned for an average price of 21,500 euros each.

The five-year-old Flemish flier may have highly profitable breeding years ahead of him, and he has been described by a pigeon aficionado as "the Lewis Hamilton of racing pigeons".

Armando's pigeon factfile. ( Pigeon Paradise )

It was expected that Armando's new owners would breed him and race his offspring, with pigeons able to have chicks until the age of 10, with a lifespan of 20 years.

"Armando is considered to be the 'best long-distance pigeon of all time', and the best long-distance pigeon ever in the history of pigeon racing in Belgium," Pigeon Paradise reported.

"This is a magnificent bird with exceptional strength … Words fail to describe this fantastic pigeon."

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ABC/Reuters