Two in a row for the Wilson family at Cumberland

Taking the lead this year was Evening Stanley Cup Jennifer, a third calver that is recording 50 litres per day since calving down in August in the 400-cow herd. She was the pick of Arthur Slack, from Appleby, who said: “She’s a fantastic cow in my opinion and a great all rounder. She’s got a fantastic udder, is good on her legs and has a good topline; she’s a worthy champion.”

It was a Cumberland debut to remember for Ali Jackson when he secured his first ever inter-breed sheep honours with a home-bred Beltex named Tiptop Chelsea, a long and shapely gimmer by Hackney Bobby Dazzler. 

She edged the lead with 91 points during the inter-breed championship which was judged by all the sheep judges, with the Texel leader from Guy Reed and his father, Michael’s Alpha flock, taking reserve with 89 points. Their stylish ewe lamb is by the 24,000gns Midlock Yorkie. With 86 points, honourable mention went to the Wales family’s Charollais shearling, Greenvale Star, which was bought in Northern Ireland last year. 

Over in the cattle lines, the Limousin leader from the Priestley family went one better than her reserve continental title at Northumberland to stand supreme. Their Brontemoor Miami is sired by Huntershall Gladiator. A Charolais heifer named Balbithan Louisianna, a Goldies Eddy daughter, stood reserve for Thor Atkinson. 

Also presented during the champion of champions judging were entries from the horse section including the supreme ridden horse, an eight-year-old skewbald cob gelding named Valentino from the Solway Sport Horses team. Taking the overall in-hand championship was Mrs JL Lowthian’s nine-year-old gypsy cob gelding, Buster, which was reserve in his section here last year. 

LEADING awards:

Holstein (Judge: S Dennison, Ulverston). Champion, dairy inter-breed champion and champion of champions – Evening Hill Farm, with Evening Stanley Cup Jennifer, a mostly black cow that calved her third in August and is recording 50 litres per day following an 11,000 litre yield in her second. One of 400 Holsteins milked by the Wilson family, she scored the maximum Ex93 for her age, stood first at the Dairy Expo and even represented team GB in France a couple of years ago. Reserve – A and JE Smith with Futureproof Sid Lorna, the champion from Northumberland Show which calved down in February and is giving 50 litres with a projected yield of 11,000 litres following a 9000-litre heifer lactation. Maiden heifer – DR and HM Horsley. Junior heifer in milk – KJ and CS Wilson. Senior heifer in milk, junior cow in milk, team of three, bred by exhibitor – Evening Hill Farm. Junior cow in milk – A and JE Smith. Milk record – Ms M Rudd. 

HYB young person’s heifer class (Judge: S Dennison). Champion – DR and HM Horsley. Reserve – E Smith. Heifer born between August 1, 2016, and November 30, 2017 – DR and HM Horsley. Handler – E Smith. 

Jersey (Judge: R Hunter, Shotts). Champion – Ms K Jenkinson, with Heathwaite Ontime Anna, a home-bred second calver that was never out of the champion or reserve placings as a heifer in-milk. She calved her second in April and is giving 39kg at roughly 5% BF and 4% P, and is one of 120 milking Jerseys owned by Katherine. Reserve – Ms M Rudd, with Jenkins Allstar Diamond, a GP97-rated fourth calver that calved in March and is yielding 30kg. On her first outing, she is one of eight Jerseys milked by Marjorie alongside 200 Holsteins. Heifer under 18 months, heifer in calf, cow in calf, cow in milk, group of three, bred by exhibitor – Ms K Jenkinson. Heifer in milk, senior cow in milk, milk record, pair – Ms M Rudd. 

Charolais (Judge: N Blythe, Hartlepool). Champion and reserve beef inter-breed – T Atkinson, with Balbithan Louisianna, a three-year-old Goldies Eddy daughter bought by Thor at the Balbithan dispersal to join his five-cow Arradfoot herd. Bred out of Balbithan Georgia, she was on her first outing for Thor and paraded with her Wesley Furnish-sired heifer calf at foot, Arradfoot Oceana. Reserve – DA and SM Miller with Crookdake Mistique, a home-bred heifer by the 10,000gns Perth Bull Sales champion, Thrunton Bonjovi, and out of Crookdake Isabella. This was her first outing from David and son David’s 16-cow herd. Junior bull – P Stobart. Cow – T Atkinson. Heifer born in 2016, pair bred by exhibitor, bred by exhibitor – DA and SM Miller. Heifer born in 2017 – Messrs Brown and Slack. 

Simmental (Judge: J Trafford, Cockermouth). Champion and reserve – D Saunders. Dean’s champion was Maidenlands Polarine 1, a 16-month-old Curaheen Bandit daughter bred from Dirnanean Polarine, while in reserve was Maidenlands Dora 1, a 27-month-old Corskie Damario daughter out of Kilbride Farm Dora.Heifer born in 2016, heifer born in 2017 – D Saunders. 

Limousin (Judge: G Swindlehurst, Clitheroe). Champion and beef inter-breed champion – S Priestley, with Brontemoor Miami, a 27-month-old Huntershall Gladiator daughter which went one better than her reserve continental inter-breed title at Northumberland. Bred out of Brontemoor Interlingua, she has always been in the prizes but is really coming into her own this season for Michael, son Steven, his son Richard and daughter Sarah. Reserve – W Barron, with Barrons Mylassy, a home-bred daughter of the 40,000gns Mereside Godolphin that has bred a number of champions and money makers for Willie. Out of Barrons Classy, she has been lightly show and stood second in her class to the Brontemoor heifer at Northumberland. Senior bull, pair, opposite sex to champion – W Barron. Junior bull, heifer born on or after July 1, 2016 (split b) – C Ridley. Heifer born on or after July 1, 2016 (split a) – T Atkinson. Cow or heifer in milk or in calf – S Priestley. Cow or heifer – IK and AM Grisedale. 

British Blonde (Judge: J Hope, Strathaven). Champion – Ms L Corner, with Hallfield Miranda, a March, 2016-born Hallilltop Hector daughter bought privately by Lucy from James Weightman as a weaned calf. On her second outing of the year, she is out of Hallfield Geraldine and one of 10 pedigrees in Lucy’s herd. Reserve – T Atkinson, with Newland Nadi, a homebred Kilmoney Bruce daughter out of Felltop Joyce, Born in January, 2017, she was reserve at both the Thirsk calf show and English Winter Fair, and is one of three Blondes owned by Thor. Bull, cow in calf or with calf, heifer in calf or with calf, pair – Ms L Corner. Maiden heifer – T Atkinson. 

British Blue (Judge: S Hough, Pontefract). Champion – R and E Pattison, with Topside Isla, a now five-year-old by the Gitan du Pt’t Mayeur-sired Streathearn Carvalho and out of Rathlyon Dinah. She’s secured a number of championships for Ross and Elaine, including the breed title here last year as well as at Wesmorland, Cockermouth, Hesket new Market and Gilsland. She was shown with her Embleme du Pont-sired heifer calf at foot, Top Side Nicky. Reserve – D and L Watret, with Criffelview Kendra, a December, 2015-born Cromwell Fendt daughter brought out by David and Lynn’s sons, Gregor and Ross. Bred out of Criffelview Gracious, she was inter-breed champion at Lesmahagow as well as first in her class at Ayr. Heifer in calf or with calf, heifer under one year – R and E Pattinson. Heifer under two years – D Saunders. Pair – Messrs Watret and Saunders. 

Commercial beef (Judge: A Bothwell, Patna, Ayr). Champion – Ms A Harrison, with Bonny Girl, a home-bred Limousin cross heifer by Elite Forever Brill and out of a Limousin cross mother. This was her first outing for Alice. Reserve – N Slack with Bootilicious, a home-bred British Blue cross heifer that stood champion at Northumberland Show. Sired by Tweeddale Hebony and out of Neil’s own Wotabootie, a Limousin cross heifer that did well in the show ring, Bootilicious was champion at Dufton last year. Junior bullock, senior heifer, opposite sex to champion – N Slack. Junior heifer – Ms A Harrison. 

Native cattle breed (Judge; Mrs J Landers, Newton Stewart). Champion – D and R Cornthwaite, with Natalie of Balgray, an April 2017-born daughter of the 9200gns Troloss Impeccable that has bred well in David and Rosemarie’s Galloway herd, while her dam is Barlaes Grace 80. Reserve – H Elliot, with Cornriggs 1 Julia 4, a September, 2017-born Hereford heifer by the home-bred Cornriggs 1 Super Guy and out of a previous Julia. She stood second at Northumberland on her only other outing. Male under two years, female under two years – D and R Cornthwaite. Female two years and over – H Elliot. 

Belted Galloway (Judge: R Anderson, Castle Douglas). Champion and reserve – P and K Summerbell, with two bulls – Crimdon George was champion with Crimdon Red Rum in reserve. Bull, pair – P and K Summerbell. 

Dexter (Judge: Ms C Raybould, Grimsby). Champion and reserve – S and K Darnbrook. Champion was Planetree Cerberus, a bull which has won a number of prizes in the show ring, while in reserve was Planetree Nephele, a senior cow that has won numerous championships. Bull, cow in calf or milk, heifer 18 months or over, heifer under 18 months – S and K Darnbrook. Pair – Mrs V Schofield. 

Junior beef showmanship (Judge: F Cormack, Duns). Champion – Will Charlton. Reserve – Rachel Graham. Handler under 11 years – 1, Gregor Watret; 2, Matthew Benson; 3, Pheobe Pattinson. Handler between 11 and 14 – 1, Rachel Graham; 2, Ross Watret; 3, Jake Scott. Handler between 15 and 21 – 1, Will Charlton; 2, Joe Walker; 3, Emily Hunter. 

Suffolk (Judge: G Brown, Penicuik). Champion and reserve – R and G Hiddleston. Aged ram – I Graham. Shearling ram, gimmer, ewe lamb, group, opposite sex to champion – R and G Hiddleston. Ram lamb, ewe – P and D Reid. 

Texel (Judge: D Allan, Stirling). Champion and reserve sheep inter-breed – MJ and GM Reed, with a home-bred ewe lamb by the AI sire Tophill Wolf Street and out of a Milnbank Vantastic daughter. First in her class at Northumberland, she is one of 30 females in the Alpha flock run by Guy and his dad, Michael. Reserve – G Wikinson, with a previously unshown gimmer by the 24,000gns Midlock Yorkie and out of a Drumpark President daughter, making the gimmer a full sister to the 6500gns Ellon Valley Avici. Aged ram, ewe lamb – MJ and GM Reed. Shearling ram, ewe – R Pigg. Ram lamb, group – M Stockdale. Gimmer – G Wilkinson. 

Charollais (Judge: J Geldard, Kendal). Champion, third sheep inter-breed and reserve – J Wales. Champion and honourary mention in the sheep inter-breed was Greenvale Star, a now shearling ram bought for 2400gns in Northern Ireland, last year. He is by an Artnagullion sire and was on his first outing but has already proved he’s a breeder by siring the first prize ewe lamb. In reserve was a gimmer by Loanhead Pavarotti and out of a home-bred Loanhead Nailer daughter. She was placed at Northumberland. Shearling ram, ram lamb, ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb – J Wales. 

British Berrichon (Judge: J Geldard). Champion and reserve – Messrs Cockbain and Sons. Champion was a ram lamb full of home breeding being by Rakefoot Lorenzo and out of a home-bred mother. This was his first outing and he is destined for the Carlisle Premier sale. In reserve for the 12-ewe flock was a three-shear ewe also by the Lorenzo sire and a full brother to the former record breaker at 2000gns, Rakefoot Million Dollar Man. Ram lamb, ewe, gimmer, ewe lamb – Messrs Cockbain and Sons.

Beltex (Judge: R Wood, Biggar). Champion and sheep inter-breed champion – A Jackson, with a home-bred gimmer called Tiptop Chelsea on her first outing. She is by the 5500gns Hackney Bobby Dazzler while her dam is Ali’s imported 1103 ewe that has been a good breeder. Reserve – G and H Forsyth, with a Corstane-bred shearling ram that also stood reserve at Ayr Show. He was bought privately at Lanark, last year, for £2500. Aged ram, gimmer – A Jackson. Shearling ram – G and H Forsyth. Ram lamb, ewe, ewe lamb, group – Mrs AE Story. 

Zwartbles (Judge: Ms C Anderson, Forfar). Champion and reserve – Mr and Mrs C Rae. Taking the championship was Wallacetown Flame, a ewe lamb by the home-bred Wallacetown Cairn while her dam is a Dutch import that has bred well and stood reserve here a couple years ago. This was Flame’s first outing while her field mate, Wallacetown Emma, a gimmer, did well as a lamb and earlier this year stood first at Ayr as well as second at Northumberland. Her breeding includes a Dutch import on to a Wallridge Moor ewe. Aged ram, gimmer, ewe lamb, group – Mr and Mrs C Rae. Shearling ram, ewe – AJ Thorburn. Ram lamb – T and G Blamire. 

Prime lamb pairs (Judge: C Armstrong, Hexham). Champion and reserve – W Storey. By a continental ram, by a Texel ram – W Storey. 

Jacob (Judge: Ms L McKendrick, Cupar). Champion and reserve – C Richardson. Clive’s champion was his three-shear ram, Border Nearco, which was securing his 31st breed title to add to an inter-breed at Westmorland and reserve at Masham. His breeding includes the multi-champion Border Apollo on to a home-bred ewe. Nearco sired the reserve champion, a gimmer named Border Vesta which stood first in her class on her majority of outings last year. She is out of one of 11 ewes in the Border flock. Aged ram, ewe, gimmer – C Richardson. Shearling ram, ram lamb, ewe lamb – Mrs W Wilson. 

Ryeland (Judge: A Hunter Blair, Castle Douglas). Champion – A and D Mitchell, with their champion from Ayr Show, a home-bred gimmer by Carsfad Valencia that also stood reserve at Lesmahagow. She is out of an Otterhouse ewe. Reserve – Mrs S Bryden, with Broomwell Wallander, a now two-shear ram that was champion at last year’s Royal Highland as well as Lesmahagow and Cumberland shows. He is by Broomwell Uther Pendragon and out of a Hayton ewe. Aged ram, ewe, ewe lamb – Mrs S Bryden. Shearling ram – S Whitaker and S Parry. Ram lamb, gimmer – A and D Mitchell. Group – Miss E Griffiths. 

Coloured Ryeland (Judge: Mrs J Scott, Sowerby Bridge). Champion – S and JE Fisher, with a two-shear ram called Greenlea Woody, which stood Scottish Smallholders’ youngstock champion as a lamb. He is by the multi-champion Ashley Moor Hall Vanadium and out of a Lightwater ewe. 
Reserve – T Harrington, with a gimmer. Shearling ram, ewe – S and JE Fisher. Ram lamb, ewe lamb – Mrs S Bryden. Gimmer – T Harrington. 

Shetland (Judge: A Bain, Pencaitland). Champion – H and A Greenfield, with Forsterfield Amber, a four-crop Moorit moorit ewe that also stood champion here last year. She is by Jack Frost of Breoch and out of Forsterfield Fizz. Reserve – S Tyson and R Willan, with a gimmer. Ram, gimmer, ewe lamb, group of three – S Tyson and R Willan. Shearling ram, ram lamb, ewe – H and H Greenfield. 

Kerry Hill (Judge: D Steen, Moffat). Champion and best native breed – Ms A Forsyth, with a ewe lamb by a Cath Cooly tup out of a home-bred ewe. This was her fist outing from Ailsa’s 24-ewe Three Farms flock. Reserve – Ms R Hewitt, with a gimmer on her first outing for Rachel’s 20-ewe Bank Head flock. Ram, ram lamb, ewe or gimmer – Ms R Hewitt. Ewe lamb – Ms A Forsyth. 

Any other native sheep breed (Judge: D Steen). Champion – Ms Sarah Miles. Reserve – Mesdames L Forrest, L White and L Vevers, with a home-bred ewe lamb by East Fortune Balfour and out of the Graylands ewe that was champion here last year for the three Louises’ Triple L flock. She was third in her class at Ayr. Ram, ewe or gimmer – Ms S Miles. Ram lamb, ewe lamb – Mesdames L Forrest, L White and L Vevers. Categories 1 to 5 – Ram – Ms K Mills. Ram lamb, ewe or gimmer – S Tyson and R Willan. Ewe lamb – Ms S Miles. 

Herdwick (Judge: A Bland, Keswick). Champion and reserve – D and J Wilson. Derek and Jean’s champion was a home-bred tup hogg on his first outing. He is by a Wath Farm sire and out of a home-bred ewe. In reserve was a home-bred gimmer also on her first outing. Ram – IK and AM Grisedale. Shearling ram, tupp hogg in fleece, ewe, gimmer, ewe hogg in fleece – D and J Wilson. 

Sheep young handlers (Judge: C Armstrong, Hexham). Aged 10 and under – 1, Matthew Benson; 2, Arya Gregory; 3, Connor Cockbain. Aged 11 to 15 – 1, Matthew Bennett; 2, George Fell; 3, Caitlin Brownrigg.