A small but selective entry of British Blues forward for the breed society’s inaugural Blue Genes sale at Shrewsbury, attracted a lead price of 4600gns and a near clearance at 95%.

Topping the trade was Maes Ned ET, a rising two-year-old light blue roan bull from Llion Jones, Maes Tyddyn, Llanfihangel, purchased by local breeders, JA Wood and Sons, Kinnerton, Shrewsbury. Bred from the former junior female champion at the Royal Welsh, Ridge Dean Jasmine, a Kilowatt D’ Ochain daughter, he is sired by Dafydd D’Ochain.

Second top price amongst the males was 3600gns paid for the pre-sale champion, Iz Nigel ET, a 26-month-old from Welsh breeder, Izzy Williams, Clomenom, Carmarthen.

The breeding behind this black and white entry includes Manchester Du Bois Remont, onto the Drift Domino-sired Bluestar Isabelle. The buyer was DH Tilsley, Minsterley, Shropshire.

Females sold to 4200gns for the reserve winner in the section, Astrics Nia, a black and white heifer bred by RA Aston, but consigned by Rhys Millichap, Rhiwgarn, Tonyrefail.

She was at the foot of her dam Astrics Gem, when purchased, is by Astrics JJ and sold to Dean Saunders, buying for the Maidenlands herd from Ulverston, Cumbria.

The champion female, Trencrom Nazarra, a two-year-old blue and white heifer realised 3600gns for Cornwall-based breeders, EA and DA Ellis, Trevarrack.

A daughter of Ballydangan Hectare and out of Trencrom Jazmine, she found a new home with S Carpenter, Worcestershire.

Commercial cattle peaked at £1500 for an un-haltered heifer which went on to stand reserve champion for JM and AM Lewis, Pontwyn, Cwrtycadno.

She is by a Limousin bull, out of a British Blue cross Angus cow and sold to Messrs Smith and Frods, Leek, Staffs.

Auctioneers: Halls

averages: 13 bulls, £2645; seven females, £3082.50.