Best bid of 21,000gns for Carlisle newcomers

Northern Ireland Charolais breeders Brian and William McAllister made their first trip to Carlisle last weekend with their bull Hollymount Vagabond and collected 21,000gns to top the breed society’s spring fixture.


The two-year-old son of Indurain is out of a cow by the good producer Doonally New.


He stood reserve champion under Banffshire judge Michael Durno.


The father-and-son McAllister team farm in Co Antrim and bought Vagabond in a private deal last summer from Mayo breeder Thomas Jennings.


“We saw him a year ago and he impressed us with his scale, bone, length and great presence,” said William.


Vagabond was chased hard by fellow Northern Ireland herd owner Victor Chestnutt but was finally knocked down to Ouston Farms, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham.


The championship went to Gwenog Vindicator (beef value 29) from John and Peter Howells of Llanybydder.


He is another good son of their 18,000gns investment Derryharney Outstanding. Vindicator, out of a Reddivallen dam, realised 10,000gns to Alwyn Williams of Pwllheli.


The day’s second highest bid of 14,000gns came for Sackville Adonis, one of the youngest bulls in the sale-yard.


This 15-month-old son of Roundhill Rocky was consigned by East Sussex breeders A & P Heath and had a beef value of 45. Joint buyers were Bob and Drew Adam (Glamis) and Bill Bruce (Meigle).


Mr Bruce saw a 12,000gns call for his Balmyle Addition (beef value 39).


He is by Dingle Hofmeister and out of a cow by Maerdy Othello.


Averages: 131 bulls ÂŁ3097.


(Harrison & Hetherington)


jh@jeremyhuntassociates.com