One of the first pedigree cattle sales of 2010 will be the British Blue sale at Carlisle next week and its an interesting move by the society to hold a sale in January, here's hoping the weather improves a little by then to allow a good company of vendors and buyers to reach Borderway Mart.
Looking through the catalogue a few lots have caught my eye, although as ever there's bound to something you've marked which I haven't, so feel free to add a comment later.
The first I've spotted is the fifth lot, Clonmore Ben from Oliver McGuinness. This Baron son has an impressive show record having been breed champion at Balmoral last year and also the winner of the bull derby at Castlewellan show. He should be of interest to a few breeders.
Then lot eight, Bringlee Christo, out of the famous show cow Binglee Sandy and by Flash D'Izier is offered. Sandy is one of the most sought after female lines in the breed, so this ET bred son may well attract the bids.
And then I've spotted what look's like the best on offer from Michelle Wilde, Ridge Dean Dynamo. This Empire son is out of the good breeding cow Ridge Dean Navette and has a carcass value of +22.
ET bred exactly the same way is Ridge Dean Delta. He's has an even more impressive carcass value of + 24 and must rank well in Michelle's eyes as she's used him on heifers at home.
Combining some of the best blood available is Snowy Ridge Dynamite. This is by Ballygrnage Alex, Danny and Jane Wyllie's impressive stock bull which was champion at last year's Royal, and out of Ridge Dean Wondering Gem, a Ridge Dean Jessie daughter.
And speaking of Alex, the next lot in is a maternal brother to him. This is Ballygrange Dudley, a Twyning Ash Vaughan son out of Ballygrange Roxy.
Andrew Craig has an interesting run of ET bred bulls on offer, the pick for me being Woodview D Best, an ET bred son of Empire out of Woodview Alice. He carries a carcass value of +25. Full ET brother Woodview Dojo has a carcass value of +21.
Personally i`m looking forward to seeing Ballygrange Alex sons. These are the first marketed so i hope there good, He was my pick as a raw young bull the day he was sold.!! So a look will be required next week before deciding to use him or not!! Like the look of the breeding of Lot 25 Snowy Ridge Dynamite Jim.! Will have to wait and see!!
TB - Alex working well on quite a few different types of females - muscular and growthy. Great bull with length and very clean looking with a good set of legs. I know the reserve champ from the Royal Wilodge Cover Girl has been flushed to him and so has her full sister Wilodge Cilla - something to look out for in the future!
http://www.bedgeburyblues.com/html/shows___sales.html