Smithfield off and running in good heart

Well, this year’s Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair is off and running with the first championship of the week decided in the suckled calves.

Picking up the overall ticket here was the steer champion, Thunderthighs, from perrenial Smithfield exhibitiors Ewen MachPherson and Sons, Oban. This one won the heavy steer class before going on to take the steer championship and then overall. Thunderthighs is a three quarter Limousin and was bred by George MacArthur, Inverness.

Standing reserve to the MacPherson crew were Mike and Melanie Alford with their heifer leader, Miss Money Penny. This one is a British Blue cross bred and was also bred by the MacArthur family, making it a double for them.

Overall the show is lacking a bit of buzz, but no doubt that will pick up tomorrow. Having been here since early yesterday I’m happy to report that the sheep entry is possibly one of the best seen in recent years with all breeds putting on a strong show, particularly many of the native breeds which seem to be staging a comeback.

However, there is one vital element missing from the sheep lines, a certain infamous sheep dresser by the name of Willie Currie. I know Willie’s at home waiting for news via the blog, so this post is just for you Willie, wishing you were here to share a dram or two.

Among the cattle I’ve not yet seen anything to really catch my eye, but no doubt a closer look later will allow to pick my choice of the week, although if my predictions from Wales are anything to go by they’re not to be relied upon!