The opening Traditional Hereford breed classes of the year were held at the Royal Welsh Spring Festival where the sun shone on the line-up, attracting exhibitors from far and wide.

Albany Lindy from L Cook

Standing in the overall breed championship spot was maiden heifer Albany Lindy, bred and exhibited by the Cook family, Cambridgeshire. Sired by Willow Grange Louis, a son of MMB bull Summerpole Norseman bred by J Duggan in 1972, this heifer also represents the prolific L family at Albany which originates from the famous Wigmore Grange tribe bred by AP Turner at The Leen, Herefordshire.

Albany Model 2nd from L Cook

The reserve championship went to another from both the same home and the same maiden heifer class, Albany Model 2nd also sired by Willow Grange Louis. Judge Alun Thomas of Premier poll Herefords, Carmarthenshire described the contest between the two heifers as very close, and had deliberated for some time about his decision, settling on the winner for its length and style.

Carpenters Monarchist from H MacLeod

In the male section, it was the two-year-old Carpenters Monarchist, another from Helen MacLeod which won the class for bulls of any age. A full brother to last year’s male champion at the event, this bull is sired by Shefford Monarch, bred by Mr P Carter.

Alun Thomas ended his day’s judging by thanking all the exhibitors in the cattle section and those behind the scenes for their hard work towards the event, and the staff and stewards at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society for their fantastic hospitality and organisation. Alun and his wife Anwen, are involved in running the Welsh Multibreed Pedigree Calf Show at Carmarthen Livestock Market, which sported a strong Hereford section in 2022.

Results

Breed champion and female champion, Albany Lindy, L Cook

Reserve breed champion and reserve female champion, Albany Model 2nd, L Cook

Male champion Carpenters Monarchist, H MacLeod

Bull, any age, 1st, Carpenters Monarchist, H MacLeod

Cow or heifer with calf at-foot, 1st, Carpenters Laura, H MacLeod

Heifer in-calf, 1st, Albany Prettymaid 30th, L Cook; 2nd, Gavelock Sarah, P and E Lynn; 3rd, Caebach Unity Amorous, N and R Johnson

Maiden heifer, 1st, Albany Lindy, L Cook; 2nd, Albany Model 2nd, L Cook; 3rd, Hockerwood Caroline, P and E Lynn; 4th, Rhydri Heidi Laura, G Crow

Calf under 12 months of age, 1st Albany Leona, Mr L Cook; 2nd, Lower Eaton Io Sylvia 54th, M Horton

Solpoll 1 Pansy T17 from FJ Wood

First time exhibitors FJ Wood and sons, Morleigh, Devon went all the way on home soil at Devon County Show, picking up the supreme championship and reserve as well as both the champion male and reserve titles.

Tapped out as breed champion by Northamptonshire’s Martin Coates was Solpoll 1 Pansy T17, bred by John and William McMordie, Ballygowan, Co Down shown with its Fabb 1 Top Prize sired heifer calf at-foot. Born in April 2020, it is by Danish-bred Moeskaer Mentos. Purchased in-calf at the 2022 spring show and sale at 6,200gns, it has a pedigree full of success, with its dam a full sister to Solpoll 1 Lawman. What’s more, its grand dam is a full sister to Solpoll 1 Gilbert, the three times UK sire of the year, having also sired five females of the year.

Standing in the reserve supreme and female champion spot was February 2021-born Lanscombe 1 Cilla from regular Devon County winners, RA Mitchell, Dorchester. By Lanscombe 1 Wizard, it is out of Lanscombe 1 Winkie, a daughter of Brangwyn 1 Emperor, bred by the Roderick family, Gower, Swansea.

The Wood family dominated the male championships, with Dendor 1 Triple H taking the reserve supreme and male champion titles. Bred by DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys, this April 2020-born bull also goes back to Brangwyn 1 Emperor on its paternal side, being a Dendor 1 Nairobi son. Last year, Triple H stood reserve male champion at Shropshire County and a second place card in its National Poll Show class.

It was the turn of February 2022-born Rempstone 1 Wasabi to take the reserve male championship, again from the Wood family. Another Nairobi son, it is out Rempstone 1 Anna Mary N506, which stood reserve supreme and female champion at the 2022 National Poll Show while under ownership of the exhibitors.

Once again the summer show season kicked off with Northern Ireland’s Balmoral Show. Ballygowan’s John and William McMordie marched into the male and supreme champion positions with Solpoll 1 Wolf on its show ring debut. December 2021-born, it is an ET son of New Zealand-bred sire Otapawa Dr Jekyl 25 and being an ET brother to the 2022 NIHBA calf show champion Solpoll 1 Wolfman, it is out of Solpoll 1 Duchess N19, bred from the Duchess line at Dorepoll. It also took the red ticket in the intermediate bull class.

Solpoll 1 Wolf from J and W McMordie

With the McMordies taking the double, female and reserve supreme championships were secured by Shancorpoll 1 Oll1 Uakea bred by Brian Duignan, Cavan, Ireland having been purchased as a surprise 70th birthday present for John. Born in April 2021, it is a daughter of Fabb 1 Northen Star and also won the January to June 2021 heifer class.

Shancorpoll 1 Oll1 Uakea from J and W McMordie

Having crossed the Irish Sea from its South Wales breeders, Porton House 1 Poppy 2nd also took the reserve female position. Show by Ciara Fitzpatrick, it was bred by Paul and Vicky Moyle, Gwent and purchased at 2,800gns from the autumn show and sale at Shrewsbury in 2022.

Porton House 1 Poppy 2nd from C Fitzpatrick

The junior and reserve male championships were won by Glenside Trillick from R and S Pogue, Benburb, Co Tyrone. By Corlismore Commander, it the first calf out of Trillick Tamara and was shown at 15 months of age, having also led the junior bull class.

Glenside Trillick from R and S Pogue

Reserve to this young bull in the junior championship was another from the McMordies’ stable – this time, March 2022-born Solpoll 1 Amber W14. Sired by the 2021 Balmoral reserve male champion Solpoll 1 Real Good, it is out of a home-bred Moeskaer Upgrade daughter. The heifer was also native and reserve interbreed beef performance champion.

Richmount 1 Ruby Royale from J Graham

Elsewhere in the classes, Richmount 1 Ruby Royale from James Graham, Portadown, Co Armagh, led the senior female class at five and a half years old with its calf at-foot. An AI daughter of Irish sire Grousehallpoll 1 Premier, it is out of a home-bred Richmount 1 King Kong daughter.

Annaghbeg Georgina 957 from Mark and Lawrence Moore

The July to December 2021 born heifer class saw success for Annaghbeg Georgina 957 from Mark and Lawrence Moore, Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone having stood senior and female champion at the NIHBA calf show in November 2022. Born in December 2021 this heifer has a pedigree stacked with home-bred genetics being sired by Annaghbeg Gladiator and out of the first calver, Annaghbeg Georgina.

Dorepoll 1 639 Perfection from the Haire family

Ivan Haire and family were winners of the senior bull class with the six year old stock bull Dorepoll 1 639 Perfection, which carries a pedigree full of home breeding being a son of Manhatten and out of Tessa 545E, a previous Balmoral reserve female champion. Perfection’s first calf, Dorepoll 1 Sally 679, was also last year’s champion.

The progeny pair was won by John and William McMordie with Wolf and Wildfire, both sired by Otapawa Dr Jekyl. These two bulls along were part of the winning group of three from John and William McMordie.

Herberry 1 Humberto and Shancorpoll 1 Uakea stood native interbreed pairs champion

During the week’s interbreed classes, Herberry 1 Humberto and Shancorpoll 1 Uakea stood native interbreed pairs champion. The same pair plus Porton House1 Poppy 2nd took reserve in the group of three. The last class of the week was the native team of five competition, represented by the same animals from the group of three along with Richmount 1 Ruby Royale and Dorepoll 1 Sally 679 from JE, RI and W Haire and took another reserve for the breed.

Team of five

The interbreed stock judging was won by the team of Trevor Andrews, Henry Richmond, Bradley Graham and Holly Taggart with Henry Richmond placing highest individual.

Holmefold 1 Rocco from Maddy Scott, Tower View, Lancashire strode into the supreme champion position at the Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association Christmas Calf Show held at Shrewsbury Auction Centre.

At 25 years of age, Maddy has just six cows including Rocco’s dam Hoghton View 1 Chico 1^st bred by S and E Walker from the Chico line at Baldinnie Herefords. Born in March 2022, it is by Hoghton View 1 Kid Rock, which is a Dendor 1 Kohinoor son.

Holmefold 1 Rocco

Judging the line-ups was Limousin and commercial cattle man, Colin Phillips, Sarnesfield, Herefordshire. Colin praised his champion saying it had ‘serious power’ and a ‘lovely front’.

Occupying the reserve position was Spartan 1 Woodsman from SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. September 2021-born it is by current UK sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection, which itself is a son of the renowned Panmure 1 Henry. Also winning senior male champion, it is out of Bounds 1 Madalaine, a daughter of Romany 1 Juggernaut.

Spartan 1 Woodsman

Reserve to the supreme champion in the junior male championship was nine month old Rempstone 1 Worldwide N649 from M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire. Out of Danish-bred Rosenkaer Miss World, it is another by a Dendor bull, this time the 2018 National Poll Show champion, Nairobi.

Rempstone 1 Worldwide N649

Taking the reserve senior male title was October 2021-born Kinglee 1 Wizzbang from Pete Cobley, Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire. By Cleland 1 Nelson which was purchased by the breeder at the 2018 autumn show and sale for 3,100gns, it is out of Kinglee 1 Star 371, a Leos Pride 1 Ellis daughter.

Kinglee 1 Wizzbang

Adding another title to its name was Coley 1 Duchess 609 from Heather Whittaker, Halifax with Maddie Clark once again on the steering end and tapped out as senior female champion. Standing supreme at Agri Expo in October and reserve grand female at the National Poll Show, this September 2021-born Solbakkens Patrik daughter is out of the 5,900gns Gouldingopll 1 Duchess 916.

Coley 1 Duchess 609

Next to Duchess as reserve senior female champion was Studdolph 1 Vogue 839 from Non Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. At 12 months old, this female is by AI sire Fabb 1 Northern Star while the Vogue line at Studdolph goes back to Dendor’s Greta family.

Studdolph 1 Vogue 839

Junior female champion was selected as January 2022-born Bowendu 1 Ruby 2^nd from L and L Bowen, Nelson, Glamorgan. By Solpoll 1 Trailblazer which was purchased for £10,000, it is out of Dendor 1 Ruby 23^rd, one of the Bowen’s original female purchases.

Bowendu 1 Ruby 2nd

Moralee 1 Pippa BS265 from Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland was named as reserve junior female champion. A daughter of the Canadian-bred Auckvale Barnstormer, its dam was one of the breeders’ foundation females and 2017 Royal Highland Show supreme champion, Coley 1 Pippa 356.

Moralee 1 Pippa BS265

Elsewhere in the classes, Hoghton View 1 Jack Hammer from S and E Walker, Hoghton, Lancashire took the red ticket in the January/February 2022 bull class. A son of the 2021 National Poll Show senior male champion, Hoghton View 1 Jackaroo, it is out Gouldingpoll 1 Pebbles 846 which the breeders purchased for 3,400gns from the 2019 Goulding Opportunity sale.

Hoghton View 1 Jack Hammer

Glenvale 1 Galway Guy from TG, El and EN Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire won the most junior bull class at just eight months old. It is by Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman semen and out of the Glenvale Polly line which consistently produces for this herd.

Glenvale 1 Galway Guy

Leading the line-up of March 2022-born heifers was Dendor 1 Anna Mary 44th from DE, ED and AL Jones, Caersws, Powys. By Romany 1 Distiller son Dendor 1 Trigger, its female line is layered with generations of Dendor breeding.

Dendor 1 Anna Mary 44th

Rempstone 1 Bonny N655 from M Ludgate headed up the April 2022 heifer class. Another by Dendor 1 Nairobi, its home-bred dam is by Solpoll 1 Hollywood which also bred the mother of Rempstone 1 Vegan N621 which sold for 4,800gns at the 2022 autumn show and sale.

Rempstone 1 Bonny N655

The pair of bull calves was won by the Kingsland herd of Vaughan Farms, Kingsland, Herefordshire.

Bull calf pair

The pair of heifers class was won by FJ Wood and sons, Moreleigh, Devon and their Allwood herd.

Heifer calf pair

Finlay Soutter, 17, won the champion young handler title having already led the intermediate class on the day and follows winning the interbreed championship at the English Winter Fair last month. From Bowendu Herefords, 21 year old, Ethan Brook won the senior class and the reserve champion award. First time exhibitor Ashley Hughes won the junior class at 11 years old and was also named as winning the future champion award.

Finlay Soutter won champion young handler with Ethan Brook in reserve

Winning the male championship at the NIHBA calf show and taking home a special gold rosette to commemorate 50 years of the Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders Association was David Wilson, Magheraveely with Lisrace Lackey Boy 22^nd, among a record entry of 57 calves.

Junior and overall male champion Lisrace Lackey Boy 22nd from David Wilson, Maggeraveely

A January-born son of Glaslough Unique 2 and out of the home-bred Lisrace bridge Girl 19^th, this bull calf was the winner of the largest class of the day with nine forward and also took the junior male championship.

It was encouraging to have a good gallery of spectators at the event with a number travelling from across the border to watch judge Robert Jones of Keenagh Herefords, Co. Longford. The event was also live streamed for the first time thanks to the Shaw Family at Agri Images enabling breeders across the country to watch the day’s proceedings.

Solpoll 1 Wildfire, reserve junior male champion from John and William McMordie, Ballygowan

The reserve junior male champion came from the same class for John and William McMordie, Ballygowan with Solpoll 1 Wildfire. A son of Otapawa Dr Jekyl, its dam was Balmoral Show champion in 2018.

Solpoll 1 Wolfman from John and William McMordie, Ballygowan was senior and reserve male champion

The senior and reserve male champion also came from the same home and was another son of Dr Jekyl, the December 2021-born Solpoll 1 Wolfman while its dam had stood junior female champion at the 2016 calf show. Wolfman was also part of the wining pair of calves alongside herd mate Warrior.

Dorepoll 1 Westminster from the Haire family

The reserve senior male championship was secured by Dundrod-based breeder Ivan Haire with the Dorepoll 1 Nationwide son, Dorepoll 1 Westminster. Born in September 2021 it is full brother to one of the leading cows in the Dorepoll herd. Not ending the success for the Haire family also took the junior and reserve female championship with the January-born Dorepoll 1 Classic Kim 687. Sired by Dorepoll 1 Chinook, its dam is by Dorepoll 1 Patriot.

Senior and overall female champion, Annaghbeg Georgina 957

Annaghbeg Georgina 957 gave Mark and Lawrence Moore, Aughnacloy their first calf show championship win placing first, senior then overall female champion. Born in December 2021 this heifer has a pedigree stacked with home-bred genetics being sired by Annaghbeg Gladiator and out the first calving heifer Annaghbeg Georgina.

Reserve junior female champion Annaghbeg Georgia 965 from Mark and Lawrence Moore

Not finished there, the Moore family also lifted the reserve junior female award with their April-born Annaghbeg Georgia 656, the first daughter of Cill Cormaic Nevada born into the herd. An April-born Nevada son also won the March/April bull calf class with Annaghbeg 1 Kingsman taking the red rosette.

Reserve senior female championship, Mountview 1 Loyalty

Trevor Andrews, Larne took the reserve senior female championship with Mountview 1 Loyalty. A daughter of stock bull Dorepoll 1 579 Legacy, it had earlier won the September/October class.

The baby heifer class was won by the June-born Nancy Vicky, sired by Laxfield Victory it was part of the herds competitions winning herd from Glenn and Tracey Morton, Armagh.

The baby bull class was won again by David Wilson with the recently purchased Mullaghdoo Winston, a May-born son of Balleen Wayfair.

The always competitive young handlers classes seen wins for Holly Taggart, Keziah Shaw and Ciara Fitlzpatrick, with Ciara winning the overall followed by Keziah in reserve.

The Northern Ireland Hereford Breeders Association would like to thank United Feeds for the continued support in sponsoring the event, the Wylie Family at Dungannon Mart, judge Robert Jones and all exhibitors for ensuring that the event was a huge success.

Panmure heifers commanded the senior section of the Stars of the Future Calf Show, hosted by United Auctions, Stirling. Senior champion at Stars of the Future calf show was heifer Panmure 1 Plum W1 from JM Cant and partners, Arbirlot, Angus, as chosen by judge Sophie Harvey, Balfron, Glasgow. December 2021 born, it is by Romany 1 Distiller A84 D53 and out of Panmure 1 Plum P10, a Dendor 1 Leota daughter.

Panmure 1 Plum W1 from JM Cant and partnersFollowing its stable mate through into the reserve senior champion position was December 2021-born heifer Panmure 1 Plum W4, following hot on the heels of its class win at Borderway’s Agri Expo. By Romany 1 Thor, a son of Fabb 1 Rocco, it is out of a Romany 1 Distiller sired home-bred female.

Panmure 1 Plum W4 from JM Cant and partners

Junior champion was Craigdhu 1 Will-It-Do from M Galbraith, Sandilands and was another animal which performed at Agri Expo where it was reserve junior male champion. Another by Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman, it is out of home-bred female Craigdhu 1 Morag, which was selected as reserve female champion in the 2020 Scottish Hereford Breeders Association virtual show.

Craigdhu 1 Will-It-Do from M Galbraith

Reserve in the junior section was Moralee 1 Pippa BS265 from T and D Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland. January 2022-born, it is by Auckvale 1 Barnstormer, which was imported by its breeders as an embryo from Canada. It is out of Coley 1 Pippa 356 which stood breed champion at the Royal Highland in 2017, a daughter of Australian sire, Days Calibre G74 daughter.

Moralee 1 Pippa BS 265 from T and D Harrison

These Northumberland-based breeders were also responsible for the reserve junior male champion, Moralee 1 Waxahachie KS269. By the 2019 UK sire of the year SMH King Size 87K, it is out of Moralee 1 Kylie, which was bred from the Romany Ishbel line.

Moralee 1 Waxahachie KS 269 from T and D Harrison

Reserve junior female champion was Fellowhills 1 Talisman Echo from J Hodge, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Born in March 2022, it is by Gouldingpoll 1 Gold spice son Fellowhills 1 Talisman and out of Rockness 1 Echo, bred from Greenyards’ Echo family.

Fellowhills 1 Talisman from J Hodge

On their first time entering, TG and FM Hart, Monmouth, won the champion carcase accolade at the English Winter Fair, as judged by D Morland, Tebay, Cumbria.

Scott Coates, a familiar face within the society who is associated with the Monmouthshire-based business, decided to enter the carcase competition after being shut down with TB and therefore unable to show the March 2021-born animal in the live classes.

By Danish-bred sire Moeskaer Upgrade, the steer weighted 630kg at home before making its way to HP Westwoods of Cannock, the designated slaughterhouse for the show, before hanging up at 347kg on the hook, grading at an R4H. During Sunday afternoon sale, the carcase sold back to the slaughterhouse at £4.70/kg.

In the Hereford classes of the pedigree primestock section, Tom and Di Harrison, Mickley, Northumberland led the judging with steer, Moralee 1 Venture RK V23. A Rebel Kicks son, weighing in at 625kg, the March 2021-born steer won its class before being promoted to Hereford champion, by judge Tecwyn Jones, Llantrisant, Anglesey. The steer was led through the sale ring at £2.85/kg.

Leading the heifer class was Normanton 1 Jurana 22^nd V398 from TD and WT Livesey, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. April 2021-born, it is a Laertes daughter, and out of a home-bred Alvian 1 Emperor daughter. It sold for £3.30p/kg and weighed 525kg.

There was also more success for the Herefords at the show when the Moralee and Normanton herds teamed up to win reserve champions in the Duke of Norfolk group of three interbreed competition. The team consisted of Normanton 1 Jurana 22^nd V398, Normanton 1 Victor and Moralee 1 Venture RK V23.

In the non-pedigree section, Porkie, a home-bred Vexour 1 Phantom sired steer from Dorset’s RA and VA Mitchell won the Tim Bickford Trophy for the champion Hereford cross animal sired by a Hereford bull.

Porkie from RA and VA Mitchell

Reserve in the cross-bred Hereford championship was Ruby from Steven and Helen O’Kane, Adfa, Powys. Sired by Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks, the heifer weighed 605kg and sold at £3/kg.

Within the National Pedigree Calf Show which is hosted at the Winter Fair, Normanton 1 Winter Wonderland W372 stood second place in the any other native senior calf class, having already stood reserve senior male champion at Agri Expo. By the 4,000gns Panmure 1 Pudding it was purchased at the 2018 autumn show and sired Normanton 1 Fistulina 35th V569 which sold for 4,800gns.

Staying within the any other native breed classes, judge Charlie MacLean, Eastleigh, Hampshire of Mortimers Charolais directed Newtoncroft 1 Whole Lot-of-Fun into the first place position, ahead of other competing breeds. Born in January 2022, it is by Hawkesbury 1 Swift and out of Dendor 1 Honeysuckle.

SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire led the senior heifer class with Spartan 1 Oyster Gem SP166. Born in October 2021, it is by sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection and won its class at Agri Expo.

An all-Hereford junior heifer class saw Tom and Di Harrison come to the fore with Moralee 1 Kylie OR263. By Scottish-bred Baldinnie 1 Orient, it is out of a home-bred Spurstow 1 Recruit 1^st daughter.

Making it a hat-trick of Agri Expo supreme championship wins for Halifax-based Heather Whittaker, Coley 1 Duchess 609 was selected by Northern Ireland’s William McMordie as champion at the Scottish and North of England Hereford Breeders Associations calf show. The current reserve poll female of the year, this September 2021-born heifer has already stood reserve grand female and overall junior champion at the National Poll Show and won its junior heifer class at the Great Yorkshire this year. Having started the 2022 show season at the foot of its mother Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 916, the outfit took the reserve supreme title at this summer’s Royal Highland Show.

Coley 1 Duchess 609 from H Whittaker

Speaking of his champion, William described Duchess as a ‘big well grown’ heifer and said it was ‘good and wide all down her back through her rib and loin while still being very feminine’.

Porton House 1 Amethyst 2nd from Paul and Vicky Moyle

Having followed the champion all the way through from its heifer class and then the female and supreme championship was Porton House 1 Amethyst 2nd from Paul and Vicky Moyle, Newport, Gwent which stood reserve supreme champion. By former stock bull Panmure 1 Nugget, it is out of Ashley Moor 1 Amethyst 33rd, making it a maternal sister to the Moyles’ 2021 Designer Genes offering which sold for 3,600gns.

William explained this Porton House heifer stood ‘very close to the champion’, stating it was ‘probably more powerful but just not as sweet’.
There was further success for Heather Whittaker in the junior female championship as January 2022-born Coley 1 Mink 634 came out on top. A daughter of Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman, it is out of Frenchstone P. 1 Eve which was sired by Solpoll 1 Dynamite.

Dendor 1 Anna Mary 44th from DE, ED and AL Jones

Reserve to the Coley heifer was Dendor 1 Anna Mary 44th, another from DE, ED and AL Jones. March 2022 born, this heifer is out of a Maxstoke 1 Yeoman daughter and by Dendor 1 Trigger, a Romany 1 Distiller son.

Harverybros 1 Willy-The-Womanizer from G and S Harvey

In the bulls, the male championship was handed to March 2022-born Harveybros 1 Willy-The-Womanizer from Glasgow-based George and Sophie Harvey. By Australian-bred AI sire Wirruna Matty M288, it is out of a Venture Night Time 7055 daughter from the Harvey’s famed Crocus line. This young bull was also named junior male champion.

Dendor 1 Wilson from DE, ED and AL Jones

Having made the trip north from Caersws, Powys, DE, ED and AL Jones occupied the reserve male champion position with Dendor 1 Wilson, a September 2021-born bull. By 2018 Royal Welsh Show champion Gouldingpoll 1 Moonshine, it is out of Dendor 1 Wattle 6th which is by Solpoll 1 Gilbert, the three times UK sire of the year.

Craigdhu 1 Will-It-Do from M Galbraith

Reserve junior male champion went to first-time exhibitor and Scottish Hereford Breeders Association secretary, Margaret Galbraith, Sandilands, Lanarkshire with Craigdhu Will-It-Do. Another by Gouldingpoll 1 Stockman, it is out of home-bred female Craigdhu 1 Morag, a Laertes daughter, with Romany breeding on its female side which was selected as reserve female champion in the 2020 Scottish Hereford Breeders Association virtual show.

Normanton 1 Winterwonderland from TD and WT Livesey

TD and WT Livesey, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire were responsible for the reserve senior male with Normanton 1 Winterwonderland W372. It is by Panmure 1 Pudding which was purchased at the 2018 autumn show and sale for 4,000gns and has performed well for the herd while employed as stock bull, including siring the 4,800gns Normanton 1 Fistulina 35th V569.

Panmure 1 Plum W4 from JM Cant and partners

Elsewhere in the classes, Panmure 1 Plum W4 from JM Cant and partners, Arbirlot, Angus took the red ticket in the November to December 2021 heifer class. By Romany 1 Thor, a son of Fabb 1 Rocco, it is out of a Romany 1 Distiller sired home-bred female.

Spartan 1 Oyster Gem SP166 from SC and GL Hartwright

SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, the operators of the current show herd of the year, saw success continue in winning the October 2021 heifer class with Spartan 1 Oyster Gem SP166. By the UK sire of the year Solpoll 1 Perfection, it is out of Cleland 1 Oyster Gem 50th.

JM Cant and partners also led the November to December bull class with Panmure 1 Womble. Another by Romany 1 Thor, it is out of a home-bred Dendor 1 Leota sired female. Headed by Audrey Anderson, these breeders won both the pairs and the group of three classes.

The winning pair from JM Cant and partners

The young handlers classes were once again well supported. In the junior section, 14 year old Maisie Beresford, associated with Moralee Herefords, won the class. Will Awan, 21 year old owner of Midford Herefords near Bath, took the red ticket in the senior section.

Maisie Beresford won the junior young handlers class

Will Awan won the senior young handlers class

After a very active and successful summer show circuit, visiting shows from the Royal Highland to the Royal Norfolk, Simon and Gemma Hartwright’s Spartan herd was a volume award winner at the Hereford Cattle Society’s annual awards dinner, taking an assortment of silverware back home to Oxfordshire.

Bull of the year was among the herd’s victories, with Spartan 1 Typhoon named as the winner, with points accumulated throughout the year’s show calendar.

Bull of the year – Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright

The Hartwrights’ triumph in the show ring have increased in recent times, having won a string of breed championships this summer with Typhoon the most successful animal to come from the Spartan stable to date. Born in February 2020, Typhoon is a son of Solpoll 1 Perfection, and out of Panmure 1 Plum K19.

Poll bull of the year – Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright

Spartan 1 Typhoon was also named poll bull of the year on the night. This bull’s successes include supreme champion at the National Poll Show, the Great Yorkshire, the Royal Highland, Bucks County, Shropshire County, Burwarton and Royal Norfolk.

Sire of the year – Solpoll 1 Perfection from SC and GL Hartwright

It was Typhoon’s sire, Solpoll 1 Perfection, which took the much anticipated sire of the year title. Bred by Northern Irish breeders John and William McMordie, the Hartwrights made its purchase at the 2019 society spring show and sale for 8,000gns. It is a son of the renowned Panmure 1 Henry which has really produced for the Northern Irish breeders.

Female of the year – Spartan 1 Duchess T95 from SC and GL Hartwright

From the same stable, Spartan 1 Duchess T95 was announced as female of the year. This February 2020-born heifer is out of Ruckmans 1 Orange 1332 and by the now current UK sire of the year, Solpoll 1 Perfection.

Poll female of the year – Spartan 1 Duchess T95 from SC and GL Hartwright

The trophy for poll female of the year was also presented to the Hartwrights for Spartan 1 Duchess. Duchess has had an active show season, and was tapped out as female champion at the Great Yorkshire, reserve supreme and female champion at the Royal Norfolk and won its class at the Highland, reserve female champion at Shropshire County.

Show herd of the year – Spartan Herefords, SC and GL Hartwright

It therefore came as no surprise that SC and GL Hartwright also headed to the front of the room to receive the show herd of the year accolade. With stockman Luke Murphy at the helm, the Spartan herd has enjoyed one success after the other this year, making it its most fruitful year to date.

Horned bull of the year – Free Town Versatile from RA Bradstock and partners

In the horned Hereford awards, the horned bull of the year was received by Tony Bradstock of RA Bradstock and partners, Tarrington, Herefordshire for their success with November 2020-born Free Town Versatile. A Moyclare Quinlan son, this bull is out of Free Town Penchant, which carries generations of Bradstock breeding on its dam side and stood reserve grand male champion at the National Hereford Show, Shropshire County and the Royal Three Counties.

Horned female of the year – Pulham Pansy 26th from J and E Lake

Horned female of the year was named as September 2020-born Pulham Pansy 26th from James and Ellen Lake, Froxfield, Hampshire, a first-time exhibitor at the National Hereford Show, where it stood reserve supreme and grand female champion. Hereford Cattle Society members since 2019, Pansy was purchased from Philip and Laura Vincent from their Norfolk-based herd as a calf at-foot to its mother Clipston Pansy T3.

Horned herd of the year – Free Town Herefords, RA Bradstock and partners

Returning to RA Bradstock and partners was the horned herd of the year title which was also won by the breeders in 2019 when the awards were last held, having had success at the National Hereford Show, Shropshire County and Royal Three Counties.

Following on from a successful summer show circuit, Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire was tapped out as supreme, grand male and senior male champion by judge Ian Shaw at the National Poll Show, once again staged at Moreton in Marsh Show.

Spartan 1 Typhoon from SC and GL Hartwright

The Hartwrights’ triumph in the show ring have increased in recent times, having won a string of breed championships this summer with Typhoon the most successful animal to come from the Spartan stable to date. Born in February 2020, Typhoon is a son of Solpoll 1 Perfection, bred by Northern Irish breeders John and William McMordie and is a son of the renowned Panmure 1 Henry. Purchased at the 2019 society spring show and sale for 8,000gns, it is out of Panmure 1 Plum K19, a line which has consistently delivered for Scottish breeders JM Cant and partners.

Rempstone 1 Anna Mary N506 from FJ Wood and sons 

Taking the reserve supreme, grand female and senior female titles was Rempstone 1 Anna Mary N506 from FJ Wood and sons having travelled up from Moreleigh, Devon. March 2018-born, it is by Solpoll 1 Nobility, another McMordie bred bull. Out of Dendor 1 Anna Mary 14th, a daughter of Hawkesbury 1 Prosper, the female line goes back to the well-known Jennefer line at Dendor.

Kinglee 1 Verlou from P Cobley

Reserve grand male and intermediate male champion was Kinglee 1 Verlou, bred and exhibited by Pete Cobley, Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire on its first show outing. By Cleland 1 Nelson which Pete purchased for 3,100gns at the 2018 autumn sale from breeders Nesbitt Farms, it is out of Kinglee 1 Nicole 462.

Coley 1 Duchess 609 from H Whittaker

Coley 1 Duchess 609 from Heather Whittaker, Halifax, Yorkshire was selected as reserve grand female and overall junior champion and was shown at the foot of its mother Gouldingpoll 1 Duchess 916 as it took the reserve supreme title at this summer’s Royal Highland Show. By Danish-bred sire Solbakkens Patrik, it then went on to win its junior heifer class at the Great Yorkshire.

Studdolph 1 Goldfinger from TG, EI and EN Thorne

The junior male championship was selected as Studdolph 1 Goldfinger from TG, EI and EN Thorne, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. By stock bull Vexour 1 Palmer which is having a big impact across the poll herds of the Thornes, it is out of Studdolph 1 Precious 501, which was bred from the Greta line at Dendor.

Moralee 1 Wynne SO270 from T and D Harrison

Ian Shaw found his reserve junior male champion in the form of Moralee 1 Wynne SO270. Born in February 2022, it is by Auckvale 1 Standout 1891S and out of Moralee 1 Pippa KS S11 which has had its own share of show success over time.

Spartan 1 Voyager SP V138 from SC and GL Hartwright

Another from the Hartwrights was Spartan 1 Voyager SP V138, which was chosen as reserve intermediate male champion. Born in March 2021, it is another by Solpoll 1 Perfection which has done so well for the breeders, it is out of Panmure 1 Plum K19, a daughter of Hawkesbury 1 Volcano.

Buckenhil 1 Trans Am from M Gray and L Crowther

The reserve senior male championship went to Buckenhill 1 Trans Am from Matthew Gray and Louise Crowther, Bromyard, Herefordshire. Having had an active summer of showing, this senior bull was also reserve champion at the Royal Bath and West, senior male champion at the Royal Three Counties and male champion at the Royal Welsh.

Rempstone 1 Curly N604 from M Ludgate

Having stood supreme champion at Agri Expo in 2021, Rempstone 1 Curly N604 from M Ludgate, Thame, Oxfordshire took the intermediate female championship. It also won its class at the 2021 Christmas Calf Show at Shrewsbury. Another by Solpoll 1 Nobility, the Curly line at Rempstone goes back to Badlingham breeding.

Buckenhill 1 Brownie V329 from M Gray and L Crowther

Success continued for Matthew and Louise who saw success in the intermediate female championship, taking the reserve title with Buckenhill 1 Brownie V329 which stood reserve female champion at the Royal Bath and West earlier this year. Born in November 2020, it is out of Bosa 1 Brownie 1034 and by Buckenhil 1 Samsonite, a Greenyards 1 Nostradamus son.

Pepperstock 1 Leslie V706 from FJ Wood and sons

The reserve senior female championship was another won by FJ Wood and sons, this time with Pepperstock 1 Leslie V706 which stood third in its class at the show the previous year and second in its class at the 2021 Midlands and East Anglia Hereford Breeders Association herds competition while still under ownership of Jim Speirs.

Porton House 1 Amethyst 2nd from P and V Moyle

One year old heifer Porton House 1 Amethyst 2nd from Paul and Vicky Moyle, Newport, Gwent went home with the reserve junior female championship. By Panmure 1 Nugget, a full brother to Panmure 1 Henry and the 2019 reserve grand male champion at the 2019 Royal Welsh Show, it is out of Ashley Moor 1 Amethyst 33rd.

Both group of three classes were led by a trio from SC and GL Hartwright, with the progeny group all sired by Solpoll 1 Nobility. Meanwhile, the pairs class saw M Ludgate move to the fore.

For the second consecutive year Luke Murphy of Spartan Herefords received the Ted Hewitson Trophy for the stockman in charge of the most successful herd and follows an extremely successful year for both Luke and the herd.

Friday night’s young handlers competition was judged by Richard Edwards who presented the Dendor show stick to Grace Denning who after winning the 13-17 year old class, won the championship. The junior class was led by Tia Moyle of Porton House Herefords and the senior class by Isla Soutter.

The complete young handler competition held alongside the main show on Saturday was judged by Andrew Owen and Sharon Morgan-Jones. The junior class was won by Mia Shaw and follows her recent success at the National Hereford Show, while the intermediate class was led by Robbie Dickin and the senior class saw Isla Soutter once again be successful.