A WHITEBRED Shorthorn bull proved the star attraction at the rescheduled sale of Shorthorns and Galloway cattle at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, selling for the lead price of 5000gns.

The event, which was due to be staged at the beginning of March, was postponed following the snow, and saw the first lot in the catalogue top the sale. Selling at this price was the pre-sale champion, Hottbank Shamrock, a two-year-old son of Blackburn Marshall from JRF Pattinson and Son, Bardon Mill, Hexham. The sole Shorthorn sold, this entry bred from the High Creoch Elite-sired Hottbank Lucinda 6, was knocked down to Robert McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry, Castle Douglas.

Mr McTurk also sold the top priced Whitebred female and the lead priced Galloway, at 2600gns.

His lead Whitebred was Barlaes Royal Heather 15, a similarly aged heifer by Blackburn Thumper, that stood reserve overall champion at the pre-sale show. She headed home with Emma Gray, Fallowlees, Ewesley, Morpeth, at 850gns.

Topping the Galloway section was Barlaes Katie 77, a two-year-old bulling heifer by Barlaes Magic, bred from a previous home-bred Katie by Barack Obama of Fingland. Female champion, this youngster was purchased by Troloss Farms, Elvanfoot.

Just behind on 2400gns, the second prize buller from Kilnstown Farms, was bought by Derbyshire breeder, RP Evans, Dale Cottage Farm, Wessington. Edna 67 of Kilnstown, an April 2016-born Galloway heifer by Coldplay of Fingland is bred from the Ben of Kilnstown daughter, Edna 61 of Kilnstown.

Mr Evans was back in business to buy the lead priced calved heifer at 1100gns, from R Paterson, Low Three Mark, Stoneykirk, Stranraer. Laura 4 of Low Three Mark, is by Barquhill Charlie and sold with calf at foot by Invincible of Balgray.

Only one pedigree Galloway bull was cashed, Troloss Lancelot, a rising two-year-old by Blackcraig Dec, from Troloss Farms, was knocked down to TA Byers, Ellen Bank, Boltongate, Wigton, for 2000gns after standing male champion.

Unregistered Galloways hit a top of £1000 twice for bulling heifers from RH and JR Little, Park Nook, Bewcastle, purchased by RN Waugh and Sons, The Row, Roadhead, Carlisle.

Averages: Galloways – Pedigree – Three heifers in milk and or in calf, £1047.50 (-£317.50 for one less); 14 bulling heifers, £1122.75 (+£22.46 for five fewer). Unregistered – 20 bulling heifers, £788.50 (-£91.50 for 14 more).

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.