History was made at the Dorset Diamonds Sale at JA McClelland Livestock Mart, Ballymena, with multiple breed records broken.
The record breaker, a September born ram lamb, Downkillybegs Dazzler, topped the sale at 6600gns for William and Karen Carson, Downkillybegs. Beating the previous national record of 6000gns as well as the previous top price ram sold at a NI sale of 2200gns with the overall record at 4000gns.
He stood reserve champion in the pre-sale show, being sired by a home-bred ram ‘Cola’, and it was Stephen Cobbald, Suffolk, who forked out the cash.
Thomas Wright, Ballytaggart, also had a field day when his ram lamb realised 6500gns to Jeremy Durrant, Essex. This boy is by Olivertree Archie.
The next top price of 4500gns went to another ram lamb, Maineview Dropkick from Andrew and Caroline Kennedy, Maineview. A Richill Zulu son, which headed home with William McCracken, Loughgall.
After a successful sale day Thomas Wright, forked out 3900gns for Lisnafillan DiMaggio from Laura Weir, Lisnafillan. This ram lamb is sired by Ballyhamage Christie.
The same home sold another for 2000gns to Scottish breeder, Marianne Sheed in Huntly to join her Strathbogie flock.
Laura also produced the overall champion which went on to top the female section at 1500gns, being snapped up by James Johnston, Aghalee.
Allister McNeill was next to follow, achieving 3400gns for his ram lamb, Kilvaddy D1202. This Rossiz Wildfire son found a new home with Richard Fitton in Burnley.
The same transaction was completed for Allister’s ewe lamb at 1150gns again going to Richard Fitton.
averages: Ram lambs, £1542.36; ewe lambs, £785.54; shearling rams, £753.38; gimmers, £654.47.
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