Stirling Charolais: Full report and leading awards

This was an increase of £62 on the year for only three fewer sold thanks to a top price of 25,000gns and nine bulls hitting the five-figure bracket, with 82% of the bulls forward selling to new homes. 

This was a much more buoyant average and clearance rate than the sale in October, and gave outgoing chief executive, David Benson, one final hurrah to end his term.

“Bulls sold to a solid trade today although it was clear to see that a lot of commercial lads were bidding to a budget,” said David Benson, who will step down next month and be replaced by Peter Phythian. 

“Bulls with easy calving figures were in demand and anything with extreme negative figures wasn’t getting a bid. All the doom and gloom merchants who said the Charolais was getting too big for the market have had their myths dispelled,” he pointed out.

Andrew Hornall, society president, added: “The commercial men still have a huge amount of confidence in the breed with an extra £100 per head paid for store cattle of the same age as other breeds.”

                    Gretnahouse Lord

Living up to his name and selling for that top price of 25,000gns was Alasdair Houston’s Gretnahouse Lord, which followed the overall champion all the way from the senior championship to stand reserve supreme. This brought in a best show result at the Stirling sales for the 55-cow herd from near Gretna Green. Lord is among the first bulls to sell by the 18,000gns Balthayock Gladiator, whose daughters have been retained, while the dam is the Major-sired Gretnahouse Coll, herself from a female line that has bred bulls sold into pedigree herds for 18,000gns and 15,000gns. Paraded through the ring by stockman John Morton, Lord caught the eye of Brendan and Greg Feeney and heads across the water to Scurore, Enniscrone, County Sligo, to work in their Bostonia herd. 

With another four bulls selling to new homes, the Gretnahouse herd enjoyed a good trade and sold five bulls to average £10,290. 

                    Newhouse Lonestar

It was an unplaced bull that followed next in the trade stakes when Newhouse Lonestar from the Adams family – Bob and Kay together with sons Andrew and James – from Newhouse of Glamis, Forfar, sold to Carlisle breeder David Stobart, Gladsmuir, Broomfallen Road, Scotby, for 22,000gns. Matching the herd’s best price achieved on two occasions, Newhouse Lonestar is by the well-known AI sire Dingle Hofmeister, while the dam is Newhouse Flora, a heifer by the 18,000gns stock bull Sackville Claudius and a full sister to an 11,000gns bull sold through Carlisle. 

Newhouse was another herd to enjoy a good trade and sold three bulls to level at £11,375 – the best herd average of the day.

                    Balthayock Lineup

Just a few lots earlier and Major Walter’s Perth-based Balthayock herd brought in 16,000gns for Balthayock Lineup. Brought out by Davie and Tracey Nicol, he is bred from the Balthayock Vespian-sired Balthayock Fortune, a cow that won her class at the Highland as a youngster and is in turn out of the same home-bred cow that bred the 18,000gns Balthayock Gunner. This third prize intermediate is by the 8000gns Ugie Echo bought in partnership with Firhills that has sired bulls to 15,000gns, and was knocked down to RA and J Blyth for their Marwood herd at Middleton House, Elwick, Hartlepool. 

Another Ugie Echo son from the 100-cow pedigree herd was snapped up by Bruce Mackie and Son, Milton of Noth, Huntly, for 8500gns. This senior that stood second in his class, is a heifer’s calf out of Balthayock Emma, a Balthayock Aesop daughter. A total of eight Balthayock bulls changed hands to average £7166.25.

                    Woodpark Longbow

Making the journey across the Irish Sea worthwhile was Will Short, who sold his Woodpark Longbow to Jan Boomaars’ Vexour herd at Heathdown, The Ridge, Woldingham, for 16,000gns. Making this money for this herd at Beragh, Omagh, County Tyrone, was one of the second crop of calves by the privately purchased Deeside Gulliver, bred out of Woodpark Gina, a daughter of the 19,000gns stock bull, Corrie Alan. 

                    Inverlochy Landmark

Two bulls met a 12,000gns price tag, with the first of these being the red ticket holder, Inverlochy Landmark from father and son duo, John and Raymond Irvine, Tomintoul. Full of home breeding, Landmark is by the Maerdy Eryr-sired Inverlochy Hercules and bred from a line of show females, being out of Inverlochy Heiress, a Lochend Apache daughter. The Robbs, of Chalmerston, were the successful bidders and take him home to their Mauchline-based unit. 

                    Carwood Leo

Colin and Fiona Wight’s Carwood herd from near Biggar was behind the other 12,000gns transaction when Carwood Leo, shown by daughter Alison, was snapped up by J and W Kellas, Raws Farm, Dufftown, Keith. Another red ticket holder, Leo also stood senior male champion at the Stars of the Future Show on his only other outing. He is by the 15,000gns Ugie Goldcup and out of Carwood Dot, a Carwood Umbro daughter that has bred sons retained for use on the 40 pedigree and 220 commercial cow unit.

It was a great trip to the sales for Jemma and Sandy Forrest when they took the senior and overall titles as well as 11,000gns on what was only their second time exhibiting. Their show topper – brought out by Jemma and stockperson Jenny Divine – was Edenhurst Leader which sold to the Wissington herd down in Essex owned by John Rix, Wissington Grove, Colchester. Bought as a young calf on a surrogate cow at the Edenhurst dispersal, Leader is by the 17,000gns Sandelford Harrison and stood reserve at a number of shows on the summer circuit to another Edenhurst beast from the five-cow Ladygill herd at Hillend, Roberton, Bigger. He is out of Edenhurst Delight, a Doonally New daughter.

Another of the champions in the money was Battleford Laser from Bartley Finnegan and son, also Bartley, which made 11,000gns. Their intermediate champion, an ET bred from Blelack Usp, a Thrunton Socrates daughter that has bred bulls to 12,000gns, is by Lochend Apache. Forking out the cash for this bull were S and D Bothwell, who will use Laser on their Killadeas herd at St Angelo, Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh. 

The last to break the five-figure barrier at 10,000gns was Derryharney Lionheart from Harold Stubbs and grand-son Alan Burleigh, from Innisroosk Road, Crummy, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Selling down to Wales with OTW Chandler and Co, Skirrid, Llanvihangel, Abergavenny, this Blelack Digger son stood intermediate champion at Clogher Show and is bred from one of the best cows in the 20-strong herd being out of the Hillviewfarm Perfect-sired Derryharney Ace. 

Maintaining a steady trade, three sold for 9000gns apiece with the first at this price being Allanfauld Lord from father and son team Archie and John MacGregor’s Kilsyth-based herd. Sired by the 11,000gns stock bull Woodpark Elgin, which has also sired sons to 12,000gns, Lord is out of a home-bred Harestone Tyrol daughter and was snapped up by Andy Paton and Sons, Craig Farm, Straiton, Maybole, Ayrshire. 

The second to hit 9000gns when selling to Willie Dunlop and Sons at Elmscleugh, Innerwick, Dunbar, was Teiglum Legend from the Clark brothers, Alan, Andrew and Dye, of Clark Farms, Blackhill Farm, Crossford, Carluke. Reserve senior male at the Stars of the Future, this son of the 12,000gns Ugie Goldnuget is out of a home-bred Corrie Tweedledee daughter. 

The second last bull to sell was the last of the 9000gns sales, with this price paid for Goldies Leslie from Hamish Goldie, South Bowerhouses, Ruthwell, Dumfries. Another full of home breeding, he is by the Hofmeister-sired Goldies Formidable and out of a Goldies Banker daughter. He sells down to Wales with TA Jones and Son, Danychapel, Carmarthen. 

Two from the Milnes’ Elgin herd at Kennieshillock, Lhanbryde, Elgin, were also in the money when Elgin Lampard made 8500gns and Elgin Lightning realised 8000gns. First up was Lampard, the reserve intermediate champion which is sired by the 14,000gns Caylers Gladiator. Carlisle-based T Bell and Son, of Hallbankgate, Brampton, forked out the cash for this lad out of a home-bred Esgod Deano daughter. 

Selling to Alastair MacLean, Heylipol, Tiree, was Elgin Lightning. The breeding behind this transaction includes the 12,000gns Westcarse Houdini on to a Balmyle Bollinger daughter. 

The Goldies herd dominated the female section when it picked up the champion and reserve titles as well as the top price of 6800gns with another heifer. Making that price when chapped down to H and H Heron, Sunnyside, Newtonwards, Co Down, was the 20-month-old Goldies Leona, another backed by home breeding being by Goldies Elation and out of the Maerdy Naser-sired Goldies Veil, which is a full sister to Goldies Uppermost. 

Leona ran with the 7800gns Kersknowe Jambo prior to the sale, and heads to her new home in Northern Ireland along with the female champion and reserve – Goldies Lena at 4000gns and Goldies Lassie at 3000gns. Both of these are by Blelack Digger. 

Hitting 3600gns was Goldies Leah, a daughter of Gretnahouse Heman, which sold to N and S Caul, Balkello Woodland House, Kirkton of Auchterhouse, Angus, having also ran with Kersknowe Jambo.

                    Judge Chris Curry, of the Burradon herd

LEADING awards:

Bulls
Bulls born on or between March 6 and April 9, 2015 – 1, D Muirhead’s Firhills Leroy, by Maerdy Grenadier, 4500gns to Forthill Farming Partnership, Menmuir, Brechin; 2, RA and J Blyth’s Marwood Limerick, by Marwood Grandslam, 3500gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Orkney; 3, M McKeown’s Royaldowns Lightning, by Barnsford Ferny, 2500gns to D Isbister, Oldhall, Stromness, Orkney; 4, J Jeffrey’s Kersknowe Lord, by Harestone Glenlivet, 4400gns to DM Walker and Son, Laigh Alticane, Pinwherry, Girvan; 5, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Leander, by Dingle Hofmeister, 5200gns to D Cleland, Glebe Farm, Dinedor, Hereford. 

Bulls born on or between April 10 and 30, 2015 – 1, NF Massie’s Blelack Lincoln, by Caylers Hustler, 6000gns to Landale and Co, Dalswinton Estate, Dumfries; 2, MJ Massie’s Elrick Lucas, by Thrunton Fearless, unsold; 3, NF Massie’s Blelack Landlord, by Caylers Hustler, 6500gns to C Smith, Broomhill, Kinnernie, Westhill; 4, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Lancaster, by Thrunton Doubletop, unsold; 5, WP Bruce’s Balmyle Leopold, by Maerdy Hearthrob, 3200gns to GT and S Coghill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney. 

Bulls born on or between May 1 and 6, 2015 – 1, reserve senior and reserve supreme, AG Houston’s Gretnahouse Lord, by Balthayock Gladiator, 26,000gns to B Feeney, Scurore, Enniscrone, County Sligo, Ireland; 2, I and D Goldie’s Solwayfirth Landlord, by Solwayfirth Hannibal, 4500gns to T Howden and Son, Balleny, Balerno, Midlothian; 3, LA Richardson and Sons’ Aghinure Les, by Hillviewfarm Handsome, 5000gns to J and G Smith, Cauldhame, Stromness, Orkney; 4, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Lambert, by Thrunton Gladiator, 5000gns to Firm of J Murray, Taiglum, Old Cumnock; 5, Mrs JM Gilchrist’s Dundas Lyle, by Elgin Emperor, 3000gns to T Pottinger and Co, Toquoy, Westray, Orkney. 

Bulls born on or between May 7 and 20, 2015 – 1, senior champion and supreme champion, A and JJ Forrest’s Edenhurst Leader, by Sandelford Harrison, 11,000gns to J and J Rix, Wissington Grove, Nayland, Colchester, Essex; 2, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Lookout, by Ugie Echo, 8500gns to B Mackie and Son, Milton of Noth, Huntly; 3, NR Barclay’s Harestone Leeds, by Allanfauld Gambler, 5000gns to W and N Lawrence, Blackpots, Auchnagatt, Ellon; 4, A MacGregor’s Allanfauld Lochness, by Woodpark Elgin, 6500gns to PA Junor, Ballachraggan, c/o Ballagan, Torness; 5, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Langsyne, by Blelack Forester, 5200gns to CM Hanson, Fields Place, Dilwyn, Hereford. 

Bulls born on or between May 21 and 31, 2015 – 1, H Goldie’s Goldies Larry, by Alwent Goldbar, 6500gns to SS Williamson, 2 Hill View, Springholm, Castle Douglas; 2, Mr and Mrs CJ Wright’s Carwood Lucky, by Ugie Goldcup, 5200gns to HF Hamilton and Co, Glenmanna, Thornhill; 3, A MacGregor’s Allanfauld Lord, by Woodpark Elgin, 9000gns to A Paton and Co, Craig Farm, Straiton, Maybole; 4, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Lance, by Maerdy Grenadier, 5500gns to C and C Adam, Braeside, Leochel, Alford; 5, A MacGregor’s Allanfauld Lochnagar, by Woodpark Elgin, 5800gns to J Strawhorn and Son, Annefield, Anisfield, Dumfries. 

                    Ruth Davidson was on hand to dish out some prizes
Bulls born on or between June 1 and 6, 2015 – 1, J Irvine and Son’s Inverlochy Landmark, by Blelack Giggsey, 12,000gns to W and CS Robb, Chalmerston, Mauchline; 2, A MacGregor’s Allanfauld Lightning, by Goldies Elation, 5000gns to FT Walton, Flotterton, Thropton, Morpeth; 3, WP Bruce’s Balmyle Lancelot ET, by Balthayock Diplomat, 4200gns to W and M Wyllie, Easter Greenigoe, Kirkwall, Orkney; 4, Redhead and Watson’s Tweeddale Lawless, by Blelack Blackberet, 3000gns to D and J Peebles, South Baldutho, Arncroach, Fife; 5, H Goldie’s Goldies Lenny, by Blelack Digger, 5800gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Orkney. 

Bulls born on or between June 7 and 14, 2015 – 1, R and H McNee’s Benhar Levi, by Goldies Escort, 4000gns to Firm of JD Jack, Wester Newburn, Leven, Fife; 2, S and D Bothwell’s Killadeas Lion, by Gwenog Braveheart, 5000gns to D Isbister, Oldhall, Stromness, Orkney; 3, AR Lawson and Son’s Alsnow Lezard, by Puntabrava Frederico, 3800gns to GT and S Coghill, Muce, Birsay, Orkney; 4, Redhead and Watson’s Tweeddale Lester, by Blelack Blackberet, 3000gns to WSL Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Orkney; 5, WR Baillie’s Baillieston Lincoln, by Burradon Galaxy, unsold. 

Bulls born on or between June 15 and June 25, 2015 – 1 and reserve intermediate, RA Milne’s Elgin Lampard, by Caylers Gladiator, 8500gns to T Bell and Son, Hallbankgate, Brampton, Cumbria; 2, AL Lawson and Son’s Alsnow Loto, by Puntabrava Frederico, 5000gns to A Shearer and Son, East Revoch, Eaglesham, Glasgow; 3, Jack Nicoll Farms’ Mornity Lewis, by Maerdy HWRE, 4800gns to R and R Reid, Ardmaleish, Rothesay, Bute; 4, H Goldie’s Goldies Laser, by Goldies Formidable, 5800gns to A Shand, Cortiecram, Auchnagatt, Ellon; 5, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Lancelot, by Maerdy Hearthrob, unsold. 

Bulls born on or between June 26 and July 25, 2015 – 1, D and T Nicoll’s Dounreay Legend, by Goldies Escort, 3500gns to J Laidlaw, Knowehead, Kippen, Stirling; 2, Mr and Mrs CJ Wright’s Carwood Lochness, by Elgin Emperor, 5200gns to WK and P Drysdale, Middle Drimmie, Blairgowrie; RA Milne, Kennieshillock, Lhanbryde, Elgin; and Jack Nicoll Farms, Todpark, Altyh; 3, WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Luckygirls, by Dingle Hofmeister, 7500gns to J and R Mitchell, Pairney, Auchterarder 4, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Lex, by Burradon Garibaldi, unsold; 5, NR Barclay’s Harestone Leon, by Inverlochy Ferdie, unsold. 

Bulls born on or between July 6 and 23, 2015 – 1 and intermediate champion, B Finnegan’s Battleford Laser ET, by Lochend Apache, 11,000gns to S and D Bothwell, St Angelo, Ballinamallard, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland; 2, W Short’s Woodpark Legend, by Corrie Alan, 6000gns to RJ Shennan and Son (Farden), North Threave, Turnberry, Ayrshire; 3, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Lineup, by Ugie Ego, 16,000gns to RA and J Blyth, Middleton House Farm, Elwick, Hartlepool; 4, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Lightning, by Balthayock Dante, 5500gns to Scottish Government Bull Stud, Inverness; 5, JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Liberator, by Maerdy Hearthrob, 5000gns to JW Hogg, Longyester, Gifford, East Lothian. 

Bulls born on or between July 24 and August 9, 2015 – 1, Mr and Mrs CJ Wright’s Carwood Leo, by Ugie Goldcup, 12,000gns to J and W Kellas, Raws Farm, Dufftown, Keith; 2, RM Adam and Son’s Newhouse Legend, by Oakchurch Icarus, 7000gns to W Young and Sons, Poquhairn, Ochiltree, Ayrshire; 3, J Irvine and Son’s Inverlochy Landlord, by Blelack Giggsey, unsold; 4, AR Lawson and Son’s Alsnow Location, by Puntabrava Frederico, 5200gns to J Duguid and Sons, North Cranna, Aberchirder, Huntly; 5, Major DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Lanyard, by Ugie Echo, 3500gns to McNeill Estate, Shannanton, Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart. 

Bulls born on or between August 10 and September 1, 2015 – 1 and reserve junior, GJ Crawford’s Coolnaslee Lofty, by Maerdy Fiend, 6500gns to JA Baxter, Troup Home Farm, Gardenstown, Banff; 2, HC Stubbs and AA Burleigh’s Derryharney Lionheart, by Blelack Digger, 10,000gns to OTW Chandler and Co, Skirrid, Llanvihangal, Crucorney, Abergavenny; 3, NR Barclay’s Harestone Lagan, by Harestone Hercules, 7000gns to JM Anderson, Strocherie, King Edward, Banff; 4, NR Barclay’s Harestone Lava, by Inverlochy Ferdie, 6000gns to Ross Farms and Co, Wester Middleton, Gorebridge, Midlothian; 5, H Goldie’s Goldies Lancelot, by Gretnahouse Heman, 7000gns to R Donnan, Knockiebae, New Luce, Newton Stewart. 

Bulls born on or between September 2 and 19, 2015 – 1, A and M Williams’ Castellmawr Llew, by Goldstar Gentleman, 5800gns to Myreton Farms, Insch; 2, DH Knox’s Drumshane Leroy, by Balthayock Hamish, 3000gns to Messrs Sutherland, Sibminster and Stainland Farms, Thurso; 3, Mrs J Rix’s Wissington Lawrence, by Wissington Highflyer, 3000gns to RD Newlands, Cluny, Forres, Moray; 4, Mr P and Mrs V McDonald’s Glencoe Lennon, by Clyth Diplomat, 4800gns to DR Vickery, Valley View, Bolventor, Launceston, Cornwall; 5, AG Houston’s Gretnahouse Leapfrog, by Blelack Digger, unsold. 

Bulls born on or between September 20 and October 18, 2015 – 1, NR Barclay’s Harestone Legend, by Inverlochy Ferdie, 7000gns to Greystoke Castle, Penrith; 2, Clark Farms’ Teiglum Legend, by Ugie Goldnuget, 9000gns to W Dunlop and Sons, Elmscleugh, Innerwick, Dunbar, East Lothian; 3, AG Houston’s Gretnahouse Longbow, by Wesley Equinox, 6000gns to A and R Paton, Easter Greenhill, Avonbridge, Falkirk; 4, RA Milne’s Elgin Lightning, by Westcarse Houdini, 8000gns to AJ MacLean, Heylipol, Scarinish, Tiree; 5, RA Milne’s Elgin Lochness, by Westcarse Houdini, unsold. 

Bulls born on or after October 19, 2015 – 1 and junior champion, DE Evans’ Maerdy Llanwern, by Hambourg R, 5800gns to WR and M Mill, Forsie, Westfield, Thurso; 2, DE Evans’ Maerdy Loretto, by Maerdy Ulm, 4500gns to B and F Kemp, Upper Hobbister, Stenness, Stromness, Orkney; 3, H Goldie’s Goldies Leslie, by Goldies Formidable, 9000gns to TA Jones and Son, Danycapel, Carmarthen; 4, W Short’s Woodpark Longbow, by Deeside Gulliver, 16,000gns to J Boomaars, Heathdown, The Ridge, Woldingham. 5, W and A Oag’s Shebster Lord, by Goldies Eddy, 6000gns to I Anderson, Sootiewells, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire. 

OTHERLEADING prices:

22,000gns – RM Adam and Son’s Newhouse Lonestar, by Dingle Hofmeister, to DT and M Stobart, Gladsmuir, Broomfallen Road, Scotby, Carlisle. 
7000gns – AG Houston’s Gretnahouse Lucas, by Wesley Equinox, to GD and DM Thorp, Gorse Bank, Baslow, Bakewell, Derbyshire. 
6600gns – H Goldie’s Goldies Lionheart, by Goldies Formidable, to J Struthers, Gribloch, Kippen, Stirling. 
6500gns – D Muirhead’s Firhills Laser, by Maerdy Grenadier, to W Duncan and Co, East Lediken, Insch. 
6000gns – JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Landmark, by Thrunton Gladiator, to Lour Farms, Ladenford, Forfar; AG Houston’s Gretnahouse Licence, by Wesley Equinox, to James Hutton Institute, Harwood Home Farm, Shotts. 

Females
Heifers born on or between January 4 and June 1, 2015 – 1, D Sawrij’s Swalesmoor Leigh, by Balmyle Headline, 2600gns to TA Jones and Son, Danycapel, Carmarthen; 2, D Sawrij’s Swalesmoor Layla, by Balmyle Headline, 2800gns to J Kennedy, Lyonpark, Lyonstone, Maybole; 3, D Smith and Sons’ Lawersbridge Liz, by Lawersbridge Ferocious, unsold. 

Heifers born on or after June 2, 2015 – 1 and female champion, H Goldie’s Goldies Lena, by Blelack Digger, 4000gns to H and H Heron, Loughries Road, Newtonards, County Down, Northern Ireland; 2 and reserve female, H Goldie’s Goldies Lassie, by Blelack Digger, 3000gns to H and H Heron; 3, H Goldie’s Leah, by Gretnahouse Heman, 3600gns to N and S Caul, Balkello Woodland House, Tealing Road, Kirkton of Auchterhouse. 

OTHERLEADING prices:

6800gns – H Goldie’s Goldies Leona, by Goldies Elation, to H and H Heron.