A TREMENDOUS show of the next generation of prime stock show cattle, saw an almost pure Limousin just edge the 'baby beef' championship ahead of a Charolais cross from a first time exhibitor.

Judge, Michael Durno, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, took a bit of time to deliberate his final choice, but eventually gave the all important slap on the rump to Queen B, from father and son team, Philip and Luke Bowen, Penthryn, Brooks, Welshpool.

Taking the plaudits was a home-bred, April-born daughter of their stock bull Liscon Bigshow – which also sired a handful of other prizewinners for the Bowens, who run 180 cows alongside 1200 ewes.

They have been champion twice in the baby section at the Welsh Winter Fair, and Queen B will now travel to compete at the English Winter Fair and to try their chances for a third win at the Builth Wells-based Welsh event. This was their first Expo championship, though.

First time exhibitor at the Expo, Ashley Bothwell, Smithston, Patna, was a close runner-up with Cheeky Charlie, a May-born Charolais cross, by Jackpot, which had been bred by CG Greig Farms, at Westfield of Pitlochie, Gateside, Cupar.

Out of a Limousin cross dam, he was bought at Caledonian Marts' autumn calf show for £1000 after being placed first prize in his class. Earlier in the summer, he had been commercial champion at Kinross Show.