Oxford Downs break records at Worcester

Saturday’s sale of Oxford Downs at Worcester saw the 23 year old breed record smashed by the pre-sale champion, a shearling ram from James Hook. This ram, which had been reserve breed champion at Three Counties Show and reserve male champion at the Royal Welsh was described by pre-sale show judge James Eustice as the best Oxford he’d seen for some time and it took determination on his part to see off a challenge from new breeder B W Heal, Devon, to secure him at 1000gns.

But Mr Heal wasn’t to be deterred from finding himself a new stock ram and at 620gns he bought the next tup through the ring, again from Mr Hook. This was a first prize winner from the Bath and West and Royal shows.

Among the females on offer it was another from Mr Hook which took the top call, a 520gns bid. This ewe lamb was bought by Tudur Jones, Anglesey, for his flock. And at 440gns was the top priced shearling ewe of the day which had been AOB champion at both Rutland and Lincolnshire Shows for Geoff Watson and Carol Grain. She also sold to Mr Heal.

Averages; eight flock ewes £301.88, nine shearling ewes £365.75, 12 ewe lambs £330.75, eight shearling rams £394.41, eight ram lambs £231.88 (McCartneys).