Borovere crowned champions!

While cattle numbers were lower than in previous years, the determination and passion of the breeders who attended this year’s National Hereford Show was unwavering. Stock was turned out to a high standard, with exhibitors proudly showcasing the quality and depth of their herds. Making the journey from Bishop Auckland, Durham was judge Mr John Kemp of the Auckvale herd.

The day began strongly with the group of three and pairs classes. The Pulham herd from PRJ & LR Vincent took top honours in the Group of Three, while Borovere Herefords from J & E Lake claimed first place in the Pairs.

Borovere Herefords quickly added to their tally with a standout performance from their October 2023-born heifer, Borovere Tiara 3rd. Sired by Pulham Va Va Voom and out of Pulham Tiara 5th, this stylish young female impressed the judge from the outset. She topped her class, then went on to claim both the intermediate female and overall female champion titles. Judge Mr John Kemp commented that Tiara 3rd’s ‘power, balanced by femininity, made her the standout animal on the day.’

His decision was clear as he tapped her out as the overall grand supreme champion of the show. This was not her first outing and has been the female champion at Norfolk Show clearly demonstrating she is a female with style that has caught numerous judges’ attention.

Over in the male division proceedings started in style with the senior bull class (bulls born on or before 31st December). Securing first place was the impressive Bawnlea Fighter Fury, exhibited by T & D Harrison. A standout in the ring, this eye-catching young bull is no stranger to success, having already collected accolades including male champion and reserve breed champion at Northumberland County Show. Sired by Pulham Powerhouse and out of Bonlea Beyonce, Fighter Fury was born on 10th August 2023 and combines style with a strong pedigree.

His success didn’t stop at the class level. Fighter Fury went on to take home a trio of top titles, being named senior male champion, overall male champion and reserve supreme champion consecutively. He was recently purchased from Peter and Alannah Cooke from Bawnlea Herefords in Ireland, further strengthening the Moralee herd with his exceptional breeding and show ring presence.

Standing just behind the overall champion but making a remarkable impression of her own was Pulham Pansy 35th, exhibited by PRJ & LR Vincent, who claimed both the junior female champion and reserve grand female champion titles. Born in September 2024, she was the second youngest animal present on the day, but her youthful age did not hinder her impact in the ring. Sired by Gageboro Alfred and out of the homebred Pulham Pansy 23rd, this young heifer displayed exceptional balance, style, and breed character.

Her success added to an already strong showing from the Pulham herd, underlining the depth of breeding and consistency in their females. A clear favourite with the judge, Pulham Pansy 35th’s promising future was evident from the moment she stepped into the ring.

Claiming the title of senior female champion was Haven Splendour 51st, exhibited by the renowned and long-established breeders E L Lewis & Son. One of three cows forward in the senior female class, she was the middle-aged entry, born in October 2022, and presented with a lovely male calf at foot. A beautifully balanced and mature female, her strong maternal qualities and calm presence were noted by the judge. Sired by Yarram Unique P160 and out of Haven Splendour 42nd, this cow brought depth of pedigree and performance to the ring.

There was a strong entry of six forward in the heifer born 1st March to 31st August 2024 class, making it one of the most competitive sections of the day. Taking top honours was Borovere Pansy 3rd, exhibited by J & E Lake. This March-born heifer immediately caught the judge’s eye as she paraded around the ring with elegance and style.

Sired by Pulham Va Va Voom and out of Pulham Pansy 26th, she is yet another example of the strength and consistency coming through the Borovere herd and a testament to how well Va Va Voom complements their breeding programme. Her class win added to an already impressive day for the Lakes, who earlier secured the overall female and grand supreme titles with Borovere Tiara 3rd.

Taking the title of reserve junior female champion was Haven Dowager 209th, another strong entry from E L Lewis & Son. Born in September 2024, she stood alongside the eventual junior champion, Pulham Pansy 35th, helping to make the junior female class one of the most exceptional of the day. Sired by Haven Archie and out of Haven Dowager 191st, she carries forward a long line of consistent and proven breeding from the well-known Haven herd. Balanced, feminine, and full of potential, she was a worthy reserve in a high-quality lineup.

The reserve grand male champion and junior male champion titles were awarded to Pulham Commander, exhibited by PRJ & LR Vincent, continuing a highly successful day for the husband-and-wife team. This smart young bull, making his show ring debut, impressed from the outset with his presence and style. He is sired by Gageboro Alfred, the same sire as their junior female champion Pulham Pansy 35th, and is out of Pulham Blossom 29th, further showcasing the strength and consistency of the Pulham breeding programme. Pulham Commander held his own in a strong junior section, confirming his future potential and rounding off a memorable day for the Vincents.

There was more success for the Borovere herd as Borovere Crafty One claimed the reserve junior male champion title for J & E Lake. Born in October 2024, this young bull was up against two other promising entries in a competitive junior class. Sired by Haven Amazon and out of Haven Lady Lynda 64th, Crafty One combines style and structure with the depth of pedigree drawn from the prestigious Haven bloodlines. His result further cemented a remarkable day for the Borovere herd, demonstrating strength and consistency across both male and female lines.

In the senior male section, HighHouse Azzuri from JR & HM Whitlow was awarded the reserve senior male champion title. This powerful February 2023-born two-year-old impressed both in his class and in the championship lineup, standing strong among a field of top-quality bulls. Sired by HighHouse Tommy and out of Drumatee Amy 523, Azzuri displayed depth, presence, and sound conformation. His ability to hold his own in a highly competitive senior section earned well-deserved recognition for the Whitlows.

Capping off a remarkable day, Pulham Blaze from PRJ & LR Vincent added to his growing list of titles this summer including reserve overall champion and reserve male champion, by securing the coveted interbreed male champion title. This flashy March 2024-born bull made an immediate impression in the ring. Stylish and full of presence, he is sired by the homebred Pulham Ranger and out of Clipston Diadem M12, bringing together two well-established bloodlines within the breed.

Not to miss out on a top spot, Free Town Broadside from RA Bradstock & Partners secured the title of Reserve Intermediate Male Champion. Born in October 2023, this smart young bull is sired by Boycefield Stormzy and out of the homebred cow Free Town Deft. With excellent length, growth, and ring presence, Broadside represented the proven consistency of the Free Town herd, adding yet another accolade to their reputation for producing quality stock.

A special mention must go to the Hasemore family of the Millennium herd, who were awarded the Doris M Dancer Cup, presented to the exhibitor with the best animal from a herd of fewer than 12 cows. Their success is a testament to the quality and dedication behind this smaller-scale herd. They were ably assisted by young stockwoman Sophie Hasemore, whose enthusiasm and hands-on involvement surely contributed to securing this well-deserved recognition.

Over in the young handler ring, competition was strong, with several enthusiastic and capable young breeders taking part. The section was judged by husband-and-wife team Mr Tom and Mrs Catherine Kemp, who assessed participants thoroughly on their handling ability, animal presentation, and overall turnout.

The judges took time to observe each young person’s confidence, control, and connection with their animal, as well as their own presentation in the ring. The standard was high across the board, reflecting the time and effort each young handler had clearly invested.

It was heartening to see such committed and confident young members coming through the ranks, a promising sign for the future of the breed and the wider livestock showing community.

Full results

Overall grand supreme intermediate and overall female champion –   Borovere Tiara 3rd – J & E Lake

Reserve overall grand supreme, senior and overall male champion  – Bawnlea Fighter Fury- T & D Harrison

Reserve grand and junior female champion – Pulham Pansy 35th PRJ & LR Vincent 

Senior female champion – Haven Splendour 51st – E L Lewis & Son

Reserve intermediate female – Borovere Pansy 3rd – J & E Lake 

Reserve junior female champion – Haven Dowager 209th – E L Lewis & Son

Reserve grand and junior male champion – Pulham Commander- PRJ & LR Vincent

Reserve junior male champion – Borovere Crafty One – J & E Lake

Reserve senior male champion- Highhouse Azzuri – JR & HM Whitlow

Intermediate male champion – Pulham Blaze – PRJ & LR Vincent 

Reserve intermediate male champion – Free Town Broadside – RA Bradstock & Partners

Doris M Dancer Cup – best animal from a herd of less than 12 cows – K Hasemore – Millennium Herd

Group of three animals

1st – PRJ & LR Vincent – Pulham Herefords

2nd- F W Cook & Son – Albany Herefords

Exhibitor bred pairs

1st – J & E Lake – Borovere Herefords

2nd – PRJ & LR Vincent – Pulham Herefords

3rd – RP & NH Birchall – Deanery Herefords

Cow/heifer in calf or in lactation with her own calf at foot, born on or before 31st August 

1st – Haven Splendour 51st – E L Lewis & Son

2nd – Millennium Bonny Showgirl – K Hasemore

3rd – Millennium Bonny 4th – K Hasemore

Heifer born on or between 1st September 2023 & 28th February 2024 

1st – Borovere Tiara 3rd – J & E Lake

2nd – Highhouse Oyster Gem B8 – J R & H M Whitlow

3rd – Haven Dowager 204th – E L Lewis & Son

Heifer born on or between 1st March 2024 & 31st August 2024 

1st – Borovere Pansy 3rd – J & E Lake

2nd – Old West Carol Singer B8 – Mrs K Froud

3rd – Albany Lovage – F W Cook & Son

Heifer born in September 2024 – 

1st – Pulham Pansy 35th – PRJ & LR Vincent

2nd – Haven Dowager 209th – E L Lewis & Son

3rd – Borovere Tiara 4th – J & E Lake

Junior Female Champion – Pulham Pansy 35th – PRJ & LR Vincent 

Reserve Junior Female Champion- Haven Dowager 209th – E L Lewis & Son

Reserve Grand Female Champion – Pulham Pansy 35th PRJ & LR Vincent 

Bull born on or before 31st August

1st – Bawnlea Fighter Fury – T & D Harrison

2nd – HighHouse Azzuri – J R & H M Whitlow

3rd – Tullaha Graceful – E L Lewis & son

Senior Male Champion – Bawnlea Fighter Fury – T & D Harrison 

Reserve Senior Male Champion- Highhouse Azzuri – JR & HM Whitlow 

Bull born on or between 1st September 2023 & 28th February 2024 

1st – Free Town Broadside – RA Bradstock & Ptrs

2nd – Deanery Flowrider – RP & NH Birchall

Bull born on or between 1st March 2024 & 31st August 2024 – 

1st – Pulham Blaze – PRJ & LR Vincent

2nd – Boycefield Banksy – J W Lewis

3rd – Severnvale Robin – E G Mills

Bull calf born in September 2024 

1st – Pulham Commander – PRJ & LR Vincent

2nd – Free Town Chinook – RA Bradstock & Ptrs

3rd – Adzor Curiosity – DJ Makin

Bull calf born on or after 1st October 2023

1st – Borovere Crafty One – J & E Lake

2nd – Moralee Convoy GR385 – T & D Harrison

3rd – Free Town Cognac – RA Bradstock & Ptrs

Doris M Dancer Cup – best animal from a herd of less than 12 cows – K Hasemore – Millennium Herd

Young handler Results 

Under 14’s

1st – Sophie Hasemore

2nd – Charlie Lake

14 – 18 yrs 

1st – Maddie Sanderson

2nd – George Williams

19 – 26 yrs 

1st – Harriet Froud

2nd – Cerys Mai Jenkins

3rd – Richard Birchall

Overall Champion – Maddie Sanderson