A SENIOR bull from Andrew Hodge's Rulesmains herd from near Duns has claimed the supreme Aberdeen-Angus title at Stirling Bull Sales. 

The January, 2017-born Rulesmains Egbert is by the 17,000gns Hallington Edition and secured the junior male championship at the Royal Highland as well as male title at both Border Union and Duns shows. Bred from the Rulesmains Just Eternal-sired heifer, Rulesmains Evita Samanta, Egbert was landing Andrew's 100-cow herd its first ever supreme honours at Stirling. 

"The champion is a big bull but with good locomotion and great ring presence," said the judge, Noel Hooke, who runs the Beechhill herd and works for the Drumhill herd in Northern Ireland. "He is long with plenty depth and is good and square, as well as good on his feet and legs. 

The junior champion - which Mr Hooke described as a very similar bull to the supreme - was tapped into reserve spot for first time exhibitors, Lorna Thomson, son Hugh and his wife Cara, with Tynet Pegasus from the 16-cow herd at Burnside of Tynet, Clochan, which was established just four years ago. This AI son of Warrenho Dilmagavie was born in April, 2017, out of one of the foundation females, the Balaldie Brutus-sired Fearn Abbey Poppy, which was bought at the Fearn dispersal. 

Reserve senior was Neil Massie's Weeton Rogue, by Netherallan Peter Pershore, from Firmarron, Aboyne, while reserve junior was Ken and Margaret Howie's Cairnton Blackbeard, by Haymount Walarlo, from near Lumphanan, Banchory. 

Among the intermediates, the Clark family's Duncanziemere herd from Avisyard, Glenmuir Water Road, Cumnock, ruled as Duncanziemere Jason, by Rawburn Jester Eric, was champion while Duncanziemere Judge, again by Jester Eric, was reserve. These two teamed up with another Jester Eric son, Duncanziemere Empire, to take the group of three title. 

Also on show today are the Beef Shorthorn and Limousin bulls as well as the parade of Salers, British Blonde and Lincoln Red bulls. The Aberdeen-Angus breed kicks of tomorrow's sale at 10.30 with bulls (98) followed by females (174+81 calves) at 1pm, including drafts from Gretnahouse and Glenhaven as well as dispersals from Moncur and Schivas.