Working dog tops 4,800gns at Skipton winter sale

The leading price on the day of 4,800gns was achieved by John Bell, Parks Farm Howden, Selby for his two-year-old black and white bitch Nell.  She was bought by Scottish Highlands breeder Jock Sutherland, of Keoldale Farm, Sangormore, Durness.

Nell is by Caithness-based MA Cook’s Spot, himself a well-bred son of Scottish parentage, being by D McDonald’s Dave, out of Michael Shearer’s Bess. Nell was emulating her dam Dot, who is by Welshman Kevin Evans’ 2008 International Supreme champion Mirk, and headed the prices for Mr Bell at Skipton two years ago.

She will be used for work, trials and breeding by her new owner, who farms North Country Cheviots in the most north westerly village on mainland Britain and was a member of the Scottish trials team in 2007.

Mr Sutherland said:  “I will have her ready for the 2012 nurseries.”

The next leading price on the day was 4,200gns for a 13-month-old black and white bitch from Shaun Richards, of Watson Laith, Hapton, Burnley.  Fan, is a daughter of Rossendale breeder Alf Kyme’s Moss, out of Mr Richards’ own Meg.

She found a new home in Suffolk with Eddie Thornalley, of Mildenhall, shepherd for Andrew Foulds at Elveden.

Meanwhile Ireland’s Michael Gallagher from Armoy, County Antrim, achieved 3,000gns for his September 2010 born black and white and mottled bitch Fly.  She is by his father Aiden Gallagher’s Jimmy, out of the vendor’s own Lyn.