Champion tops British Blue sale at 9,000gns

The Border British Blue Club annual autumn show and sale at Carlisle, realised a strong trade for animals with a high of 9,000gns.

Leading trade was the sought after male and supreme champion from Messrs Whiteley and Courts, Thirsk, North Yorkshire with their January 2012 black son of the Empire D’Ochain (IS) and Ridge Dean Alice ET flush, Franks Hugger Mugger.

Hugger Mugger was knocked down to the judge Jim Innes, who stood by his decision. He boasts EBV figures in the top 5% of the breed for Growth and Carcass Profitability Index.

Also hitting the high spots on 6,500gns was the fourth prize winning bull from Wyn Jones, Henfache, Oswestry. Tanat Herbie ET, a stylish 18 month old son, with Eye Muscle Area figures in the top 10% of the breed. Sired by Imperial De L’Ecluse and out of Faughanvale Cindy ET he was successfully purchased by Messrs Huck, Church Farm, Skipton, North Yorkshire.

Martin Bros, Newtownards, Co Down, Northern Ireland sold their first prize winning bull for 5,500gns, Springhill Geronimo. He is from the Gitan Du P’Tit and Springhill Country Girl flush and shows EBV figures in the top 5% for growth. This September 2011 bull was successfully purchased by JW Kay and Co, Maybole, Ayrshire.

Next in the price ratings was the third prize winning bull Stonebyres Garrison from Border Club enthusiasts Blair and Shona Comrie, Lanark. The November 2011 son of Norbreck Black Beauty and out of White Farm Dune was bid to 4,700gns and knocked down to Messrs WT McMiken, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. Garrison has EBV figures in the top 10% for Calving Ease and top 1% for Pedigree Breeding Index.

The female champion and winner of the Wilodge Perpetual Shield for the Best Animal Opposite Sex to the Champion went to Mel and Diane Lucas, Antrim, Northern Ireland with Lukeroyal Giggle, a 28 month old daughter of Empire D’Ochain and Lukeroyal Wee Beauty ET flush. This stylish black and white heifer was sold to DT Williams, Anglesey for 2,600gns.

Kevin Watret, 25 Northfield Park, Annan sold his British Blue cross recipient with her ET heifer calf at foot for 3,900gns. Solway View India ET from the Gitan Du P’Tit Mayeur and Annanwater Wispa ET flush was knocked down to a telephone bid from Pry Holdings, Swindon, Wiltshire.

(Harrison and Hetherington)