Bumper reports from Society sales at Lanark, Welshpool, Worcester and Ballymena

First Choice is the pick of Lanark at 160,000gns

Three sales at 100,000gns or more, as well as a further 16 bids at 10,000gns or more saw the Neogen sponsored Scottish National Texel Sale, Lanark, record a best ever average of £4831.02 for 267 sold at an 83% clearance rate.

Myfyr Evans’ Rhaeadr flock was the one to leave the biggest footprint on the breed’s flagship sale when his much fancied ram lamb, Rhaeadr

First Choice, lived up to his name when making 160,000gns.

In addition, sons of last year’s 24,000gns Lanark sale, Rhaeadr Entrepreneur, were in strong demand, underlining the Rhaeadr flock’s influence on proceedings.

Unshown in the pre-sale show due to Mr Evans being on judging duties, the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice is by Sportsmans Dare Devil, himself a son of Garngour Craftsman, and is out of a dam by the former Lanark topper Teiglum Younggun.

After a short, but fierce bidding battle this lamb went away in the three-way split to Charlie Boden, Sportsmans, Stuart Barclay, Harestone and James Theyer Clanfield. Giving Mr Evans a flock best sale, topping his previous leader, the 125,000gns Rhaeadr Best of the Best and a belting average of £44,205 for five sold, with others at 26,000gns, 12,000gns and 9000gns.

Leading ram lamb averages

Flock Number sold Average

Rhaeadr Five £44,205 Haymount Seven £34,875 Glenside Five £22,522.50 Midlock Four £14,043.75

Hexel Four

£11,550 Auldhouseburn Five £9408 Garngour Seven £9090 Knockem Four £8898.75 Plasucha Four £7875

Knap Four £6352.50

And Rhaeadr breeding was behind the second best price of the sale, when a son of Rhaeadr Entrepreneur sold at 130,000gns for Jack Arnott’s Haymount flock. This was Haymount Fan Dabi Dozi which marked a new flock best for Mr Arnott.

This lamb is out of a Clinterty Yuga Khan daughter which is also dam of lambs at 22,000gns and 12,000gns, and was another shared three ways with Mr Boden again taking a share, along with John Forsyth, Glenside and Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn.

John Forsyth recorded a best ever sale at 100,000gns for Glenside Forever, a son of the 7000gns Seaforde Empire King out of a dam by Usk Vale Captain Billy. Another sold in a shared deal, shares in this one were taken by Paul Rowlands and Willy Davis, Usk Vale, James Vaughan, Kingspark, Alan Powell, Monnow Hill and Nick Legge, Thornbury, with a share retained.

Selling at 70,000gns was another Haymount lamb by Entrepreneur, Haymount First Class. He’s bred from an Usk Vale Crackerjack-sired dam and is from the same family as 32,000gns Haymount Divine King. This one sold to the Robin and Caroline Orr, Halbeath and Danny Hair, Drumbreddan.

Alan Clark and family, Garngour, took 52,000gns for their pen leader, Garngour First Class. This son of Claybury Dunkirk is out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba which is a full sister to the 30,000gns Teiglum Dancing Brave and sold to the Teward family, New View, with an index in the top 1% of the breed. Making 42,000gns was the Wight family’s best from their Midlock pen. This was the Knock Eastwood son Midlock Foo Fighter. He’s out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and sold to a consortium made up of James Wilkinson, Ballygroogan, Adrian Liggett, Corbo, Andrew Kennedy, Maineview and N Myles, Ballyshannon, Eire.

The first of two to make 26,000gns was Myfyr Evans’ second best, Rhaeadr Field Marshall. Sired by Sportsmans Dare Devil and out of a dam by the noted Kelso Pavarotti, this one headed to Shropshire with Matthew Ellis for the Cressage flock.

Taking a 32,000gns call was Donald MacPherson and family’s best of the day, Hexel Four Square. This one is another by the 24,000gns Rhaeadr Entrepreneur and is out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba. He sold to Procters Farm, Lancashire, for the Procters flock.

Selling for 25,000gns was Sportsmans First Class from Charlie Boden, with this being a son of the 80,000gns Procters El Presidente and out of a ewe lamb by Castlecairn Doodlebug. Sold with an index in the top 1% of the breed he found a new home with Rob Evans, Hope Valley, Shropshire. Second at 26,000gns was Knockem Ferocious from young breeders Charlotte and James Nicolson. A son of Procters Eye Catcher he had stood third in his class in the pre-sale show and is out of a dam by Midlock Ali Baa Baa. Buying this one were Jemma Green, Corskie, Robbie Wilson, Milnbank and the Knox family, Haddo.

At 24,000gns early in the sale was Tophill Freestyle from David Houghton. This Garngour Ewe Nailer son is out of a dam by Arkle Captain and sold to Peter Woof for the Stainton flock, Cumbria Robert Pierce for the Oldford flock, Cheshire, The Riby family, Stonehills, East Yorkshire and Spiros Spyrou, Gib Farm, West Yorkshire, with a share retained. The reserve champion from the pre-sale show, Robert Bennett’s Plasucha Fireball, sold for 22,000gns. He’s by Sportsmans Express and out of a dam by Teiglum Braveheart and sold with a top 1% index. Buying him were Jack Arnott, Haymount, Jim Innes, Strathbogie, Messrs MacGregor, Allanfauld and Kenny Pratt, Hilltop.

A 20,000gns bid secured Auldhouseburn Fandabidozi from Hugh and Alan Blackwood. He’s by Seaforde Empire King and is out of a dam by the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond and headed to Northern Ireland with Mark Paterson, Alderview, W and J Herdman, Templepark, John Trimble, Curley and Stephen McNeilly, Drumadowney.

A 15,000gns sale saw Jack Arnott back among the money taking this call for Haymount Fancy That. Another by the 24,000gns Rhaeadr Entrepreneur, he is out of an Usk Vale Crackerjack daughter and sold to Alastair Gault, Forkins, Johnny Cubbitt, Long Mountain, John Greene, Eire and R McClaughlin, also Eire.

And Paul Rowlands and Willy Davis took 13,000gns for Usk Vale Fandango, a Knock Eagle son out of an Annan dam by Teiglum Younggun. He sold to Patrick Donnelly, Donrho, John McKillop, Lowtown and Danny McKay, Rohan. Selling for 16,000gns was the pre-sale champion from Robert Cockburn, Knap, in the form of Knap Fred Flintstone. This son of New View Electrifying is out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball which had stood champion at the National Show in 2021 and sold to the judge Myfyr Evans for the Rhaeadr flock.

Averages; 267 ram lambs £4831.02 (+£1012.82) (Lawrie and Symington).

First of two at 11,000gns was the first five figure lamb of the day, Uppermill Fury from David McKerrow and family. He’s by Ettrick Earthquake and out of a dam by Knock Yankee and had stood second earlier in the summer at Great Yorkshire Show. This one headed to Douglas Webster, Lower Reiss and Jane Chisholm, Wester Moy, with a share retained.

Taking a 12,000gns bid was Myfyr Evans’ last in his pen, Rhaeadr Flashy Boy, with this one also heading across to Northern Ireland with Mark Priestley for the Seaforde flock. He’s by Garngour Envoy II and out of an Auldhouseburn-bred dam by the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond.

The other at 11,000gns was Stuart Barclay’s best, Harestone Fast N Furious. He’s by the 80,000gns Procters El Presidente and out of a Sportsmans dam by Garngour Alabama and was shared by Charlie Harkin, Loughash, David Morrison, Dalwynne and Martin McAteer, Straid.

Corbo gimmer leads Lanark at 9000gns

Northern Irish breeder Adrian Liggett topped the gimmer sale at the Neogen sponsored Scottish National Texel Sale, Lanark, for the second year in a row when his female champion from the pre-sale show led the trade at 9000gns.

Sale topper, LIG2100618, is by Tullagh Dragon and is out of a Farmhill-bred dam by Strathbogie Best Bet which had been champion at Omagh Show in 2019 as a ewe lamb. She was knocked down to Hugh and Alan Blackwood for the Auldhouseburn flock, Muirkirk, Ayshire.

Second best at 6000gns was one from Welshpool-based Robert Bennett, Plasucha, BFE2111026. She’s by Midlock Dynamo and out of a dam by the homebred Plasucha Boss Man and was first prize at Shropshire Show earlier in the year. Buying this one was Stewart Craft, Fife.

Close behind that at 5800gns was a gimmer from the Holylee flock of David Preacher, Scottish Borders. This Sportsmans Cannon Ball daughter is out of a dam by Auldhouseburn Billy The Kid and went home with Bruce Renwick, Castlecairn, Kelso.

Then making 5000gns was Gary Beacom’s best from Lakeview, LKV2108281. She’s by Castlecairn Doodlebug and is out of a Plasucha dam by Teiglum Braveheart. She sold to Graham Morrison for the Deveronvale flock, Aberdeenshire. Following her at 4000gns was another from the Plasucha pen of Robert Bennett, BFE2111095. Sired by Auldhouseburn Dash Of Class and out of a dam by Brackenridge Young Gun this one headed away across the Irish Sea with Owen and Liam Donohoe, Derryvore, Co Fermanagh.

And making 3000gns was Selkirk-based Gordon Gray’s first in from Ettrick, GGH2111197. This one had been reserve female champion in the pre-sale show and is by Douganhill Desperado and out of a dam by Midcombe Brigadier. She had

Topping female trade at 9000gns was Adrian Liggett’s Corbo gimmer.

been fifth at Great Yorkshire earlier in the year and heads to Monmouthshire with the Powell family, Monnow Hill.

A trio then made 2000gns apiece, with the first of these being from Gary Beacom in the form of LKV2108190. Sired by Castlecairn Doodlebug and out of a Teiglum Braveheart daughter she went home with Gary Scott, Bryn Y Coed, Denbighshire.

Next at this money was Jonathan Rees’ Pant Ida gimmer, RFY2100239. She’s by Millars Drive and out of a dam by Mullan Awesome. She heads to the Knap flock of Robert Cockburn, Perthshire.

And the final 2000gns call came for another Ettrick gimmer from Gordon Gray. This was for GGH2111192, a full ET sister to the 3000gns Ettrick gimmer. She was the pick of Robin Creighton, Chelmsford.

Second top was this Plasucha gimmer at 6000gns.

Averages; 37 gimmers £1755.77 (+108.27) (Lawrie and Symington).

Emperor reigns at Welshpool

The pre-sale champion led the trade at the Kiwikit Roxan sponsored Welsh National Texel Sale, when shearling ram Caereinion Emperor sold at 4400gns.

This sale topping performance was backed up by a £50 lift in the gimmer average and a £38 jump in the shearling ram average as well as an 89% clearance in the ram lambs and a 78% clearance in the gimmers.

Sale leader at 4400gns, Emperor, from local breeder Cefin Pryce and family, had led the shearling ram class under judge Rosie Boden before being tapped out as male and overall champion. He is by Sportsmans V8 and out of a dam by Cambwell Trademark. He sold with an index in the top 25% of the breed and was taken home by A Rees and Son, Llanfair Caereinion.

Second best among the shearlings was a 4000gns for Corras Escobar from the Watkins family, Kentchurch. This son of Artnagullion Corras is out of a dam by Hollyford Venus and had stood male champion at the Royal Welsh Show in July. He found a new home with the Creer family, Ballaglonney, Isle of Man.

Then making 2000gns was another from the same home, Corras Empire. He’s by the homebred Corras Cupids Hill and is out of another Hollyford Venus daughter. Buying this one was Paul Delves, Craven Arms. Close behind at 1900gns was Whitehart Eagle Eye from father and daughter team Jim and Nicola Hartwright. Sired by Humeston River Dance, he is out of a dam by the homebred Whitehart Yeoman and was knocked down to Phil Martyn-Uglow and family, Launceston.

Two then sold at 1500gns, with both coming from Bryn Robinson and family’s Preenbank pen. First at this money was Preenbank Elwyn, a Cambwell Distinctive son out of a dam by Talcoed Wildfire. He was bought by previous buyer Paul Delves.

And Mr Delves then paid the same price for another from this pen, Preenbank Eric. He’s by Roxburgh Colossus and is out of a dam by Cambwell Yaris.

Ram Lambs

Topping the ram lambs at 2400gns was Rhaeadr First Refusal from Myfyr Evans. This Sportsmans Dare Devil son is out of a dam by Brackenridge Crown Royal and sold to Peter and James Vaughan, for the Kingspark flock, Kingsland. Next in line here at 2000gns was Gordon Gray’s Ettrick Frank The Tank. This son of Claybury Dunkirk is out of a dam by Midcombe Brigadier and had stood second in the texelplus class in the pre-sale show.

He sold with a top 5% index when bought by R E and C J Davies, Yockleton.

Myfyr Evans then took 1700gns for Rhaeadr Fearless, a Sportsmans Dare Devil son out of another dam by Crown Royal. Buying this one was T K Contracting, Norwich.

And two then took bids of 1400gns, with the first of these being Robert Cockburn’s Knap F B I. Sired by New View Electrifying and out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball he had stood reserve male champion earlier in the day and was knocked down to the Jones family, Tynbryn Farms, Tregynon.

The other at this level was Clanfield Fastrac from James Theyer. Sired by the 100,000gns Auldhouseburn Expression, he is out of a dam by Knock Banker and sold carrying a top 10% index. Buying him was T E Morgan, Haughmond.

And the same vendor then sold Clanfield Fantastic at 1300gns. He’s another by Expression and is out of a dam by Plasucha All Star and has an index in the top 25% of the breed. This one found a new home with H Cobbledick, Jacobstowe.

Gimmers

Leading the female trade was Robert Bennett at 1800gns with one from his Plasucha entry. This was BFE2111184 a daughter of Plasucha Boss Man out of a dam by Teiglum Braveheart. She was taken by Esmor Evans, Mold, for the Maerdy flock. Then making the same money was the best of the sale from Procters Farm, PFD2104582. Sired by the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond, she is out of a dam by Knap Alligator and has a top 1% index. This one sold to M and H Owens, Pont Sian, Ceredigion.

Third in line here was the female champion from Ben Vernon, VCB2104379, a Sportsmans Cannon Ball daughter out of a dam by Knock Travis. She sold to Gary Scott, Denbighshire.

And following her at 1400gns was one from Robert Cockburn, CKP2105705. She’s another by Cannon Ball and is out of a dam by Procters Yankee. She found a new home with Brian Joseph, Hope Bowdler.

Average; 43 shearling ewes £713.76 (+£50), 26 shearling rams £1276.56 (+£38), 50 ram lambs £654.78 (-£165.86) (Welshpool Livestock Sales).

Leading trade at 4400gns was champion Caereinion Empire

Corras Escobar sold at 4000gns

Top priced lamb wat 2400gns was Rhaeadr First Refusal

Top ram lamb averages Leading shearling ram averages

Flock Number sold Average

Rhaeadr Three £1767.50 Clanfield Three £1225 Knap Four £748.12 Coach House Two £682.50 Plasucha Seven £664.50

Flock Number sold Average

Caereinion Two £3045 Corras Three £2520 Preenbank Four £1286.25 Whitehart Four £1312.50 Clun Two £1155

At 1900gns was Whitehart Eagle Eye

Making 2000gns was Corras Empire Plasucha’s gimmer made 1800gns

Joint top female price was this Procters gimmer

Selling for 1400gns was Clanfield Fastrac

Ben Vernon’s female champion made 1400gns

Robert Cockburn’s Knap FBI sold at 1400gns

Everest proves insurmountable at Worcester

A £2492 average for 45 sold on a 74% clearance saw shearling ram vendors leave the KiwiKit Roxan sponsored English National Sale, Worcester, in buoyant mood.

Topping trade at 12,000gns was Cressage Everest from Matthew Ellis. Sired by Walston Carlos and out of a dam by Fordafourie Amalert, this one had stood fourth in the pre-sale show and had been interbreed champion at Shropshire County earlier in the season. He sold to Esmor Evans, Mold, for the Maerdy flock.

Two sold at 5500gns, with the first of these being John Elliot’s Roxburgh Emperor. This son of Walston Clansman is out of a dam by Haymount Arnott and sold to join the Lawrence family’s Coton flock, Market Bosworth. Second at 5500gns was Hornacott Electric from Phil and Lesley Martyn-Uglow. He’s a son of Beautry Achilles and is out of a dam by Whiteheart Unleashed. Buying this one was Andrew Reed for the Scolton flock, Haverfordwest.

Selling at 4500gns was one from Bryn Robinson and family’s Preenbank pen in the form of Preenbank Emrys. Sired by Roxburgh Colossus and out of a dam by Cambwell Yaris, he found a new home with the Westgate flock of Messrs Furness and Taylor, Buxton, Derbyshire.

Caron Express from the Williams family, Lampeter, sold at 4200gns. This one is by Mellor Vale Duke and is out of a dam by Fachell Bobs Worth. He’d stood second in the pre-sale show and also at the Royal Welsh and sold to Phil Weaver for the Empire flock, Newark. Four then sold at 4000gns, with the first of these being Roxburgh Elysium from John Elliot. He’s by Canllefaes Bright Spark and out of a Meinspride Usain daughter and was the pick of Ryan Thomas, Haverfordwest for the Maeyfield flock.

Loosebeare Echo was the first of three 4000gns sales for the Quick family’s Loosebeare flock. Sired by Whitehart Class Act and out of a dam by Strawfrank Activator, he sold to Caroline Harriott, Horsham, for the Shiprods flock.

The second from Loosebeare at 4000gns was Loosbeare Eclipse, the reserve champion from the presale show. He’s by Strawfrank Wild Thing and out of a dam by Loosebeare Voomer and sold to Giles Pyman and family, for the Thacka flock, Penrith.

The last from the Quicks at 4000gns was Loosebeare Electric, a son of Loosebeare Voomer out of a dam by Kimbolton Arrow and shared in a two-way split by Steve and Helen Smith, Pen Parc and Nigel Gibbs and family, Betonfield. Following on at 3400gns was the best of the day from father and daughter team Jim and Nicola Hartwright, Whitehart Evolution. This one is by Teiglum Cosmic and out of a dam by Strawfrank Wild Thing. He found a new home with Messrs Gilbert’s Aelmund flock, Cheltenham. Close behind at 3200gns was Bryndu Elite from William and Emma Gittoes. He’d been third in the pre-sale show and is by Teiglum Crackerjack and out of a dam by Blaencar Bandit. This one headed home with J Forbes, Wick, Caithness.

Then selling at 3000gns was Preenbank Ever-Ready from Bryn Robinson and family. This is another son of Roxburgh Colussus and is out of a Canllefaes Young At Heart daughter and joined the Forrester family’s Doonguile flock, Whitchurch. Also at this price was Hornacott Emperor from Phil and Lesley Martyn-Uglow, with this being another Beautry Achilles son out of a dam by Badharlick Walter. This one heads to Spalding with the Grundy family.

Average; 45 shearling rams £2492 (-£60.29) (McCartneys).

Top shearling rams averages

Flock Number sold Average

Roxburgh Four £3780 Caron Two £3675 Hornacott Three £3675 Loosebeare Five £3465 Preenbank Three £3045 Bryndu Two £2205 Whitehart Five £2142

Fame and Fortune makes the headlines at 18,000gns

An 18,000gns call for ram lamb Spellbound Fame and Fortune from first time vendor Emma Carr was the headline sale of the ram lambs at the KiwiKit Roxan sponsored English National Sale, Worcester, which saw 120 rams level at £1350.65 with a 79% clearance.

The 18,000gns top seller, Spellbound Fame and Fortune, is by Hexel Born To Be Wild and out of a Eden Valley-bred ewe by Auldhouseburn Bolt. After a spirited bidding battle he was knocked down to a pair of Northern Irish breeders, Gary Beacom, Lakeview and Andrew Kennedy, Maineview.

Top ram lamb averages

Flock Number sold Average

Maineview Three £3430 Clanfield Three £3080 Loosebeare Two £2940 Teiglum Three £2870 Rhaeadr Two £2388.75 Auldhouseburn Four £1706.25 Procters Five £1596 Ettrick Four £1522.50

Andrew Kennedy earned 8500gns when selling the second best of the lambs in the shape of Maineview Four Square. He’s by Castlecairn Doodlebug and out of a dam by Knock Bantastic. Taking him home were Messrs Furness and Taylor, Buxton, for the Westgate flock.

The pre-sale champion, Clanfield Freaky Freaky Fresh, from James Theyer made 6500gns. This one is by the 100,000gns Auldhouseburn Expression and out of a dam by Millhouse Crossbow. He sold with a top 5% index and was taken by Thomas Ayrton for the Ayrtons flock, Lancaster.

Making 5500gns was Teiglum Fightstar from Andrew Clark. Sired by Knock Eastwood and out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba, he has an index in the top 10% and was the choice of the Williams family for their Clun flock, Craven Arms. A 4000gns bid secured Carl Bellis’ Cosyn Texels Formula One. This son of Rhaeadr Explorer is out of a dam by Procters Candycrush and sold to join Andrew Clark’s Teiglum flock and Gordon Gray’s Ettrick flock.

Sandy Hunter’s Wedderburn First Class made 3500gns. He’s by Knap El Diablo and out of a Teiglum dam by Knock Yardsman. He found a new home with the Bennett family for the Plasucha flock, Welshpool.

Trading at 3200gns was Rhaeadr Forceful from Myfyr Evans, with this one being by Seaforde Empire King and out of an Auldhouseburn-bred dam by Auldhouseburn Corky. Buying him was Ifan Andrew, Meifod, Welshpool, for the Brynygroes flock. Three ram lambs netted bids of 2800gns, with the first one being Loosebeare Fab from the Quick family. This son of the £10,000 Loosebeare Chief is out of a dam by Loosebeare Voomer and sold to Llion Jones for the Pant flock, Tywyn. And the exact same vendor, buyer and breeding combination then came together for the next 2800gns sale, with this being Loosebeare First Choice, a full ET brother to Fab.

The final 2800gns call came for Tatham Hall First Class from Procters Farm. He’s by Scrogtonhead Class Act and out of a dam by Sportsmans Batman and sold with a top 10% index when bought by C A Smale, South Molton, for the Upcott flock. Close behind him at 2600gns was another from the same vendor, Procters Firecracker. Again by Class Act, he is also out of a dam by Batman. This top 1% index lamb was knocked down to the Lawnt flock of the Watkins family, Oswestry. Coming in next at 2500gns was Ettrick Fat Boy Slim from Gordon Gray. This one is a son of Holtridge El Primo out of a dam by the homebred Ettrick Cockney Rebel and sold to John Owens and family, Leominster.

Robert Laird then took 2400gns for his best of the day, Cambwell Fargo. Sired by Cambwell Exocet he is out of a dam by Langford Adder Again and sold with a top 25% index to the Hengrave flock of T E Duggan and Son, Leominster.

Rhaeadr gimmer hits 5000gns

Myfyr Evans’ Rhaeadr flock continued its storming form at this year’s National Sales when topping the gimmer trade at the KiwiKit Roxan sponsored English National Sale, Worcester.

Leading the prices on a trade which yielded an 83% clearance rate was a 5000gns sale for ENM2102447, the third prize gimmer from the pre-sale show. Sired by Sportsmans

Dare Devil she is out of a Kelso Pavarotti daughter and sold to Peter and James

Vaughan for the Kingsland flock,

Herefordshire. Second best at 4000gns was the female champion from the pre-sale show from Robert Cockburn’s Knap flock, CKP2105704. She’s by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and out of a dam by Procters Yankee and sold to C A Smale, South Molton, Devon.

Following her at 3000gns came one from Keith, Alan and Roy Campbell’s Cowal flock, CKC2113544. This one is by the

Top priced gimmer was this one from Myfyr Evans, Rhaeadr 65,000gns Hexel Django and out of a dam by Knap Alligator. Sold with an index in the top 1% she found a new home with Paul Rowlands and Willy Davis, Usk Vale.

And making 2200gns was the second prize gimmer and reserve female champion from Ben Vernon’s Charben flock. This was VBC210440, an Usk Vale Dingo daughter out of a dam by Hexel Beast From The East. Buying her was D Creighton, Henley In Arden.

Close behind at 2000gns was Alan Blackwood’s Auldhouseburn gimmer, BYZ2129012. She is a daughter of the 350,000gns Sportsmans Double Diamond out of a dam by Sportsmans A Star and was the pick of George Oare, Holywell. Then trading at 1800gns was Gordon Gray’s best from Ettrick, GGH2111087. This Claybury Dunkirk daughter is out of a dam by Garngour Awesome and, selling with an index in the top 5% of the breed, headed home with Geoff Stubbs, Sible Hedingham. Also at this money was Robert Bennett’s Plasucha gimmer, BFE2111115. She’s by Auldhouseburn Corky and is out of a dam by Eden Valley Wiz Kid and sold to C Doherty, Malton.

Second best at 4000gns was Robert Cockburn’s gimmer

And making 1500gns was Nick Legge’s sole entry in the gimmer from the Thornbury flock, LEN2101236. She’s sired by Rhaeadr Drum Major and out of a dam by Strathbogie Ya Belter and was taken by previous buyer Geoff Stubbs.

Average; 50 gimmers £1077.72 (-£104.64) (McCartneys).

The Campbell family’s Cowal gimmer made 3000gns Selling at 2200gns was Ben Vernon’s reserve female champion

Fergie Time stops the clock at 15,000gns

This year’s KiwiKit Roxan sponsored Northern Irish National sale topped at 15,000gns, with a record breaking 91% clearance in the ram lambs and a second highest ever average when 203 ram lambs levelled at £1139.22, with 24 more sold than in 2021.

Leading trade was Mark Priestley’s Seaforde Fergie Time, a Sportsmans Canon Ball son out of an Auldhouseburnbred dam by Auldhouseburn Corky. He caught the eye of a number of breeders before being knocked down at 15,000gns to Mark Breen, Augher, Co Tyrone, for the Ballygreenan flock.

Darryl Branagan then took 6000gns for the reserve champion from the pre-sale show, Tullynasoo Funtime. This one is a Castlecairn Doodlebug son out of a Sportsmans dam by Garngour Craftsman and had been gifted to the Branagan family as an embryo as thanks for the family providing livery for the Boden family’s gimmers for last year’s in-lamb sales. He was also shared by Stuart Barclay and Andrew Clark.

Second best at 7500gns was Alastair Gault’s ram lamb Forkins Fancy, a Sportsmans Dare Devil son from a Cherryvale dam by Clarks Bolt which is in turn out of a ewe which was reserve interbreed champion at Balmoral. He sold to Stuart Barclay, Harestone, Aberdeenshire and Andrew Clark, Teiglum, Lanarkshire.

Another 6000gns call secured Brian Hanthorn’s lead lamb from the Mullan flock, Mullan Forever. He’s by Garngour Craftsman and out of a Templepark dam by Haddo Ringleader which has bred sons to 42,000gns. Selling with an index in the top 1% of the breed he found a new home with Patrick Blee, Dunamanagh, for the Dunelm flock and Philip Bradley, Kilrea, for the Drunagarner flock.

Then making 5200gns was the best of the day from Cahir McAuley, Larkhill Frank. This son of Alderview Eldorado is out of a dam by Mullan Captian Jack and was the pick of James Cleland, Hannahstown, buying for the Rose Hall flock. At 4800gns was Alistair Breen’s Drumderg Five Star. Sired by Mullan Eureka and out of a dam by Midlock Yorkie he sold early in the day to head south to Eire to join James Dunn, Co Cavan.

Northern Irish National Ram Lambs

Flock Number sold Average

Seaforde Two £9450 Largy Three £3430 Forkins Seven £2692.50 Mullan Five £2320.50 Carnew Three £2135 Ballygroogan Eight £1627.50 Fairywater Six 1522.50 Maineview Five £1407

Alastair Gault was back in the money, taking 4400gns for Forkins Finn McColl, a full brother to the 7500gns Fancy. He was knocked down to David and James Boyd, Crawfordslands, Ballyclare.

Also at 4400gns was another from the Branagan family, this time from Eugene’s Largy flock in the form of Largy Fanucci. He has stood male champion at Balmoral back in May and sold to Richard Henderson, Ballynahone.

Selling at 4000gns was James Wilkinson’s Ballygroogan Fairboy. This one is by the 20,000gns Alderview Explosive and is out of a dam by Deveronvale Aftershock. He had been part of the second prize group in the pre-sale show and sold to Gary Rankin for his Garvetagh Hill flock, Co Tyrone. Making 3600gns was another from James Wilkinson, Ballygroogan First Class. Again by Explosive, he is out of a Knock Bantastic daughter and was taken by Martin and Cyril Millar for the Millars flock, having stood fifth in the show.

Cynthia Aiken and family’s Carnew Falcon took a 3400gns call. He’s by Procters El Jeffe and out of a dam by Garngour Alabama. This one was the choice of local breeder Adrian McCartney for the Gruig flock. Another to make 3000gns came from Eugene Branagan in the form of Largy Frank The Tank. This is another by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and out of a dam by Knap Abracadabra and sold to Messrs Simpson and Calvin, Ballyhivistock, Ballymoney and Stephen Etherson, Killans.

Selling for 3000gns was another from sale topper Mark Priestley, Seaforde Foo Fighter. He’s by Teiglum Braveheart and out of a dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and was taken by Messrs McPolin. Average; 203 ram lambs £1139.22 (-£161.55) (Ballymena Livestock Market).

Bids prove anything but Elusive at Ballymena

Shearling ram trade at the Kiwikit Roxan sponsored Northern Irish National Sale, Ballymena, saw demand strong once again, with 51 selling on an 86% clearance to level at £1061.32, a rise of £161 on the year for one more sold.

Leading trade were Fraser and Helen Tweed with their Lower Reiss Dynamite son Ballycoose Elusive. He’s out of a dam by Cambwell Boris and sold carrying a top 25% index. Buying him was Bernard Venney,

Downpatrick.

Next in line at 1800gns was another from the same home, Ballycoose Exclusive. He’s by Duvarren Cantona and out of a dam by Claybury Toronto and sold with a top 10% index to Gerard McCullagh, Draperstown.

Then making 1600gns was Alastair Gault’s Forkins Enormous. This one is by Procters Cocktail and out of a dam by Tophill Union Jack and sold to T Hynes, Rathfriland.

Two then traded at 1500gns, with the first being Hillhead Erik from M and J Watson. He’s by Kiltariff Bastareaud and out of a dam by Duvarren Whats The Craic and was taken by R J Mowbray, Newtonstewart, Co Tyrone.

Second at this level was another from the Tweeds, Ballycloose Erudite. This one is by Duvarren Cantona and out of a dam by Claybury Toronto and has a top 25% index. He went home with previous buyer Gerard McCullagh.

And then at 1450gns was Adrian Liggett’s Drumadowney Electric. Sired by Plasucha DNA, he’s out of a dam by Milnbank Anderlecht and was the pick of Shaws Hill Farm, Kells.

Close behind at 1400gns was Sean McCloskey’s Glenroe Extra Special, a Habistown Daryll son out of a dam by Brackenridge Transformer. He sold to C Ferris, South Millisle.

Trading at the same price was Gary Rankin’s Garvetagh Hill Enterprise. This one is by Tamnamoney Double Barrel and out of a Cherryvale dam by Garngour Vintage. Buying this one was previous buyer Shaws Hill Farm.

Average; 51 shearling rams £1061.32 (+£161.89) (Ballymena Livestock Market).

Ballymena gimmers hit 4000gns high

Gimmer prices reached a high of 4000gns at the KiwiKit Roxan sponsored Northern Irish National Sale, Ballymena, when Alastair Gault sold his female champion from the Forkins flock.

Sale topper was GAF2103104, a Procters Deacon daughter out of a dam by Tophill Yankee Boy. She sold to William Taylor, Macosquin, Co Londonderry.

Then at 2200gns was one from John Trimble’s Curley flock, TYC2101119. She’s by Rhaeadr Best of the Best and out of a dam by Garngour Alabama and sold to Owen Donohoe, Derryvore, Enniskillen. Next in line at 1400gns was Martin and Cyril Millar’s VMG2102473 from the Millars flock. Sired by Hexel Diamond she is out of a dam by Auldhouseburn Bobby and was taken by Ashley Dickson, Drumquin.

Then at 1100gns was Gary Beacom’s best from Lakeview, LKV2108164. She’s by Castlecairn Doodlebug and out of a dam by Arkle Awesome and sold to P J Varley, The Neale, Mayo.

Hitting 4000gns and leading the gimmer trade was Alastair Gault’s GAF2103104, a Procters Deacon daughter. And at 1000gns was Andrew Fyffe’s Fairywater gimmer, FAO2101510. Sired by the homebred Fairywater Columbo she’s out of a dam by Milnbank Womaniser and was taken by A Follis, Lisbellaw.

Average; 23 gimmers £931.30 (+£59.80) (Ballymena Livestock Market).

Midlock Express delivers £52,000 top at Kelso

Texels remained the most numerous breed sold at Kelso Ram Sales, achieving most of the top prices and a shearling ram average of £1486 for 621, an increase of £74 per head on the year.

Topping the trade at £52,000 was Midlock Express, a son of the 34,000gns Claybury Dunkirk, from the Wight family, Midlock, Crawford. This one’s dam, a Mullan Amigo daughter, has previously bred sons to 13,000gns. A second prize winner at the Royal Highland Show, he sold to the Dunlops at Elmscleugh, Dunbar and Steven Renwick’s Craig Douglas flock at Peebles. Second top of the sale at £40,000 was the reserve male champion from the Royal Highland Show, Douganhill Extra Special, brought out by Brian and David MacTaggart. Sired by Claybury Dazzler, a full brother to Claybury Dunkirk, and out of a ewe by Glenside King II, he was knocked down to the Ingram family at Logie Durno, Pitcaple, Inverurie. The Ingrams had a successful day themselves, selling pedigree Texels for the first time at Kelso, with their consignment peaking at £32,000. That was for a son of the homebred Logie Durno Braveheart which they had used at home before selling at Builth Wells for £6000.

Top call at £52,000 was Midlock Express from the Wight family.

Out of a ewe by Granite Untouchable this one went to Alex and Russell Gray,

Second best was Douganhill Extra Special at £40,000.

A £32,000 bid secured Logie Durno’s leader.

Ettrick’s topper sold at £17,000 for Gordon and David Gray. Leading flock averages: Shearlings

Flock Number sold Average

Midlock 12 £6662 Logie Durno 9 £6567 Douganhill 8 £6350 Ettrick 14 £4350 Greenall 10 £2990 Loosebeare 9 £2833 Burnhead 7 £2764 Townhead 13 £2185 Kingledores 3 £1900 Scrogtonhead 28 £1825 Knap 6 £1500

Langside, Lanark, buying along with father and daughter duo Robin and Caroline Orr for their Halbeath flock at Dunfermline. Gordon and David Gray were last in ring nine, but it was worth the wait with shearlings from their Ettrick consignment selling up to £17,000. Male champion at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, he is a son of the 10,000gns Douganhill Desperado out of a ewe by Usk Vale Albatross. He sold in a four-way split to Angus Kennedy, Mitchellhill, Biggar; Andrew Renwick, Blackhouse, Yarrow; Ian Hunter, Dalchirla, Crieff and David McKerrow and family at Uppermill, Tarves.

Achieving his best price to-date Dougie Fleming, Burnhead, Coulter, sold a shearling by Tatham Hall Class Act out of a ewe by Campsie Van Gough at £14,000 to James Whiteford, Tercrosset, Brampton.

From the same pen as the sale topper, Midlock shepherd Brian Gilchrist sold a shearling from his own Dundas flock at £10,000. This was a son of Mitchellhill Actionman out of a ewe by Midlock Yohann and went home with Robert Cockburn, Hill of Errol, Perthshire.

Second best from Gordon and David Gray at £10,000 was one by Claybury Dunkirk, which the Grays bought along with Midlock and Allanfauld two years ago. Out of a daughter of Foyle View Superstar, this second prize winner from Biggar Show sold to N C and C G Hedges, Cinderbank, Staplecross.

The other five-figure seller was one from the Quick family’s Loosebeare flock, Devon. He is a Teiglum Cosmic son out of a ewe by the homebred Loosebeare Saviour and sold at £10,000 to Russell and Gill Watkins, Upper Cwm, Hereford.

Ettrick’s first prize winner from Biggar Show, also by Claybury Dunkirk and out of a gimmer sold at the Select Seven sale for 8000gns, made £9000, to Neil Harvey, Blackadder, Meikle Jackson, Wolfclyde, and Tom Cockburn, Kingside.

Peter and Lynne Gray enjoyed a steady trade for their Scrogtonhead pen of shearlings, topping at £8000 for one by Scrogtonhead Class Act, out of a Clinterty Yuga Khan daughter. He sold to the McArthurs at Nunnerie, Biggar.

Two from John Green’s Greenall flock, from Melrose, hit the £6500 mark. First up was a son of Garngour Awesome, out of a ewe by Strathbogie Wildboy, which sold to Gary and Meinir Howells for the Shadog flock, Llandysul. The other, a Knap Dark Destroyer son, out of a Pant Wolf daughter, sold to crossbred ram breeder Paul Slater, Dandy Farm, Macclesfield. The Ingrams sold others from Logie Durno, by Logie Durno Braveheart, at £6500, to Norman and David Douglas, Catslackburn, Yarrow, and £5500, to R Thornton and Sons, Cornhills, Kirk Whelpington.

Best for Iain Minto’s Townhead consignment from Dolphinton was a £6000 bid for a shearling son of Blackadder Albertz. He sold to Thomas Illingworth, Howgillside, Eaglesfield. From the same pen another by Albertz sold at £5500 to the McMasters at Springfield, Arran. Selling at £5000 earlier in the sale was a Douganhill Desperado son from Malcolm Coubrough, Hartside, Lamington, which went to J Kerr, Denty, Castle Douglas.

Topping the lamb trade at £3800, was one from the Knox family’s Haddo flock at Turriff. A Harestone Eldorado son, out of a ewe by Tophill Wallstreet, he sold to the Davies family for the Canllefaes flock, Penparc.

Second best in the lambs, £3200, was a Seaforde Egyptian Warrior son from Andrew Clark’s Teiglum flock, at Blackhill, Crossford. That one sold to Lewis Forster, West Nubbock, Hexham.

Averages; 621 registered Texel shearling rams, £1486.78 (+£74.06); 101 registered Texel ram lambs, £740 (-£16.70).

Selling at £14,000 was Douglie Fleming’s best from Burnhead.

Second best from Ettrick was this £11,000 shearling.

Brian Gilchrist’s Dundas shealing made £10,000 The Quicks sold this Teiglum Cosmic son at £10,000

Fireball lights up Carlisle

Mike Turner’s Okehall flock lit up the trade at the Solway and Tyne Club Sale, Carlisle, when selling Okehall Fireball at 50,000gns.

This son of Haymount Earth Wind and Fire is out of a homebred dam by Charben Babe Magnet and sold in a four-way split to John Forsyth, Glenside, Alan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn, Robert Bennett, Plasucha and Charlie Boden, Sportsmans. Second best at 32,000gns was one from Donald MacPherson and family, Hexel Fan Club, a Coniston Equinox son out of a dam by Haymount Crackerjack. He heads to Northern Ireland with Gary Beacom, Lakeview.

Then came a 28,000gns call for Haymount Foremost from Jack Arnott. Sired by Rhaeadr Entrepreneur and out of a dam by Plasucha Boss Man he was shared three ways by Keith and Andrew Campbell, Overburns, Bruce Renwick, Castlecairn and Charlotte and James Nicholson, Knockem.

At the same money was Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants from Alan Blackwood. This son of Seaforde Empire King is out of a Sportsmans Double Diamond daughter and sold to Kenny Pratt, Hilltop.

Robbie Wilson then took 25,000gns for Milnbank Freddie, a Harestone Eldorado son out of a dam by Cowal Bucking Bronco. He sold to Keith, Alan and Roy Campbell for the Cowal flock. Following him at 15,000gns was Midcombe Fireball from Adam Mawson, he’s by Sportsmans Dare Devil and out of a dam by Sportsmans A Star and was bought by Messrs Seed, Auchry, Allan Campbell, Strawfrank and Alan Clark, Garngour.

Close behind at 14,000gns was Hexel Freaky Blinder from Donald MacPherson. This one is another by Rhaeadr Entrepreneur and is out of another Haymount Crackerjack daughter. Buying him were Jack Arnott, Haymount and James Porter, Saltcotes.

The at 11,000gns was Stephen Teward’s Streatlam Fire Cracker, an Ettrick Earthquake son out of a dam by Sportsmans Double Diamond. This one sold to Myfyr Evans, Rhaeadr.

Also making 11,000gns was Allanfauld Flaming Star from Archie and John MacGregor. This is a Seaforde Egyptian Warrior son out of a dam by Knock Bantastic and carrying a top 25% index. He was taken by the Knox family, Haddo, Alan Clark, Garngour, Allan Campbell, Strawfrank and Messrs Hamilton, Crewburn.

Two then sold at 10,000gns, with the first being Castlecairn Five-Star from Bruce

Mike Turner’s Okehall Fireball topped at 50,000gns. Renwick. He’s by Bradleys Eubank and is out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba and sold to John Lea, Blore View.

Second at this price was Teiglum Fivestar from Andrew Clark. He’s by Seaforde Egyptian Warrior and is out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba and sold to Graham Morrison, Deveronvale.

Shearling rams

Topping the shearling trade at 12,000gns was Halbeath Emperor from Robin and Caroline Orr. Sired by Teiglum Crackerjack and out of a Loosebeare Voomer daughter he sold in a two-way split to Messrs Williams, Caron and Messrs Williams, Dragon.

Then at 9000gns was Gordon Gray’s Ettrick Enforcer, a Hope Valley Dazzler son out of a dam by Castlecairn Vital Spark. He sold to Messrs Pawson, Yellow Hill.

The Chave family then took 6000gns for Peacehay Ewe Donkey, a Peacehay Untouchable son out of a dam by Scolton Panther, with this one heading away with Messrs Rottenbury, Somerset.

At 5500gns was Brijon Explosion from Jonathan Watson. He’s by Craig Douglas Crackerjack and out of a dam by Pant Wolf and was shared by Messrs Mallon, County Durham and Messrs Kelsall, Lancashire.

Then selling for 5200gns was Brijon Emperor from the same pen. This Pant Wolf son is out of a dam by Grey Peel Rambo and was bought by Messrs Smith, Hawick.

Whitehart Entertainer from Jim and Nicola Hartwright then took a 4800gns call, with this one being by Loosebeare Chopper and out of a dam by Langside The Gaffer. He was bought by Angela Nairey, Meinspride.

Gimmers

Best of the female trade at 5500gns was a Garngour gimmer from Alan Clark. This was CJN2107644, a Procters Chumba Wumba daughter out of a dam by Knock Yardsman and with a top 25% index. She was the pick of the Davies family for the Teilo flock. Then making 4500gns was Robert Cockburn’s Knap gimmer, CKP2105713. She’s by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and out of a dam by Mullan Amigo and sold to Craig Campbell, Highfield. A 4000gns call followed that for one from Gary Beacom’s Lakeview pen, LKV2108140. This Castlecairn Doodlebug daughter is out of a Plasucha All Star dam and sold to Stewart Craft, Fife.

The Riby family then sold one from Stonehills at the same money, with this being RKS2101752. Sired by Craig Douglas Dancer she’s out of a dam by Glanllyn Wallis and was taken by Messrs Raine and Son, Barnard Castle.

Averages; one aged ram £1680, 185 shearling rams £1353.48, 298 ram lambs £1914.63, 39 gimmers £1240.61, 10 ewe lambs £624.75, 29 Courthill females £919.65, nine Galloway and Clantibuies females £511, 42 Crailloch females £691 (Harrison and Hetherington).

Selling at 32,000gns was Hexel Fanclub.

The Arnott family took 28,000gns for Haymount Foremost.

Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants sold at 28,000gns too.

Leading the shearlings at 12,000gns was Halbeath Emperor.

At 25,000gns was Milnbank Freddie from Robbie Wilson.