AN increased entry of Dorset Hord and Poll Dorset sheep sold to a top of 2000gns on two occasions at the annual May Fair in Exeter, last week, where some 1887 pedigree and commercial animals changed hands.

“Expectations were high ahead of the sale with an extremely buoyant prime lamb trade right across the country, and it was clear as soon as the female trade started that buyers were willing to pay top prices for quality stock,” said James Royan, chairman of the Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Society from Scotland's Central Belt.

“The rams sold exceptionally well with a strong commercial base in the market. It was clear that many buyers were willing to spend to improve their flocks and it was really pleasing to see a number of new faces around the ring.”

Leading the way was Pembroke Zupreme Z172 from David Lewis, of Narberth. Sired by Ballytaggart Upstart U873 and out of Pembroke S139, he sold to CJ Whiting, Bristol.

Selling for 1800gns from David's 300-ewe flock was Pemboke Autumn Gold, which sold to ***.

David also secured the female championship with Pembroke Amaretto A9, a September, 2017-born daughter of Richhill Wallace which sold to THC Weston, Chesterfield, for 700gns. She is out of a home-bred ewe.

Matching that 2000gns bid was the best Signet recorded ram, David Rossiter's Huish Action, a Huish Zodiac son which sold to Robert Hole, Sherborne.

At 1850gns was the best single polled ram lamb, Seamus Mullen's Islaharnan Allstar A220 from County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Buyer here was Henry Tickler, Grantham.

Hitting the 1700gns mark was Burhos Zac from Matthew Care, a polled ram which caught the eye of ***

The best single horn ram lamb was Ben Lamb’s Richhill Axel A1022, from County Armagh, which commanded a 1450gns price tag from Newbury-based BA Wernham. “

Also making 1450gns was Francis Fooks' best single shearling horn ram, Poorton Zooper Dooper, which sold to ***>

Over in the female lines, Francis Fooks’ pen of five pedigree Poll Dorset show ewe hoggs topped the trade at £320 apiece, with David Thomas’s pen of five Poll show ewe hoggets – which were judged the best pen of females – at £300 apiece.

In the ewe section, Philip Baker won the best pen of ewes, which went on to sell for £150. Robert Hole won the ewe lamb prize, with a pen of five making £270.

In the unregistered commercial section, Ivor Prouse’s pen of nine ewe hoggs fetched £200 each, with ewes topping at £138 for Andrew Palk.

Overall, 1259 breeding ewes averaged £139.44, with 40 MV accredited ewes settling at £203.66. The 256 MV ewe lambs levelled at £186.11, while 122 MV rams averaged £741.27. Registered ewe lambs (191) levelled at £163.82, with unregistered ewes and lambs (18) at £164.56.

Auctioneers: Kivells Auctioneers: