EARLIER forecasts for the weekend may have looked a bit bleak but Saturday turned in to a scorcher at Cumberland Show, just south of Carlisle, where the Holstein leader from the Wilson family went on to stand champion of champions.

That was Evening Stanley Cup Wonder, an Ex93-rated third calver that is giving 65 litres per day since calving down in January.

"It was an exceptional turnout of stock and every section had a worthy champion," commented Andrew Wright, an auctioneer with Mitchells down at Cockermouth who is also executive secretary for the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland. "The Holstein was an exceptional cow, and was of national show standard at a local county show.

Also forward for the supreme title were the beef and sheep leaders, as well as the overall in-hand and overall ridden horses.

The Scottish Farmer:

The former was Lucy Corner's three-year-old British Blonde heifer with calf at foot, Lucyland Jellybean, which stood inter-breed champion at Otley Show. The Limousin and British Blue leaders, Steven Priestley's Brontemoor Lotto, and Ross and Elaine Pattison's Topside Isla, followed close behind.

Heading up the sheep section was George Wilkinson's Milnbank Vantastic-sired Texel Gimmer, which was on her first outing, while young Gregor Hiddleston's gimmer by Irongrey Black Magic was reserve.

The Scottish Farmer:

Taking the supreme ridden title was Mrs Denise Richardson-Rowell's home-bred warmblood cross gelding, Heggle Lane Hollywood, which first led the hunter section, while John Watson's standard Shetland stallion, Kerloch Rupert, secured the supreme in-hand title.

The Scottish Farmer:

See the June 24 issue of The Scottish Farmer for the full report, results and pictures from Cumberland Show.