Beltex reach top of 1500gns at Penrith

Beltex sold to a high of 1500gns at the breed’s inaugural official sale at Penrith last week, with the top price taken by the reserve female champion, a ewe lamb by Luggsmill Lainey from Andrew and Becky Bishop, Eldersfield, Gloucester. She was bought by to Messrs Cropper, Lancashire.

The day’s second highest call of 1400gns was made for the male and overall champion, Artnagullion Phoenix, a shearling ram by Viagrow V/d DrieMusschen and bred and exhibited by Elizabeth McAllister, Kells, Ballymena. He was knocked down sold to Messrs Bindloss, Shap, who went on to secure the next lot in the ring at 1300gns from the same breeder, Artnagullion Pavarotti, by the 34,000gns Tullygarley Elite.

Elizabeth McAllister continued her success in the female ring with her shearling ewe, Artnagullion Persis, by the 5000gns Headlind Lackey making 1000gns to Robert Hudson, Nottingham. Earlier on, Persis had secured both the female and overall reserve titles.

A Luggsmill Nye sired entry from the Bishops headed the ram lamb section at 950gns to Messrs Cummings, Carnforth

Two shearling rams secured a 900gns bid. First to go was Drumrash Phil, a Brickrow Jaguar son from D and J Cruikshank, Castle Douglas to Messrs Simpson, Bolton-by-Bowland. Later on, Dooley Popeye, Clovis V/h Groentenhof from David Thornley, Swadlincote, Derby commanded the second 900gns bid from Messrs Robinson, Staindrop, Darlington.

Tiptop Ringmaster, a ram lamb by Woodies Pheunominal from Alastair Jackson, Cummertrees, Annan, attracted an 850gns bid from Messrs Wood, Workington.

Next among the shearling rams at 800gns was the Newton Leo sired Buckles Pacemaker from Kevin Buckle, Barras, Kirkby Stephen. This one was knocked down to Messrs Dodd, Temple Sowerby, Penrith.

Averages: 70 shearling rams £508.50; 13 ram lambs £590.83; 32 shearling gimmers £412.34; 16 ewe lambs £754.67 (Penrith and District Farmers Mart).