A glorious dry day coupled with a cracking line-up of livestock ensured a great day out for spectators and exhibitors alike at Ayr Show, where Dumfries-shire sparky and TT racer Kevin Watret and stockman Ali Jackson, had a field day winning not only the supreme beef championship but also the prestigious champion of champions – for a third time.

The event, which this year saw Jim Craig of Ayr Market present the new Rowan Crystal and sponsor the top award of £1000 for the overall champion winner, plus £200 for the runners up in memory of his late wife Rowan, also pulled in increased entries from south of the Border.

Securing all the plaudits this year was Mr Watret's British Blue champion, Solway View Misty, an 18-month-old black heifer, which first won the inter-breed beef honours judged by William McLaren, Netherton, Blackford.

"All the champion winners are very worthy winners of their breed, but the British Blue just has so much style, is correct throughout and is great on the move. She's an absolute block of meat too," said Mr McLaren prior to the various inter-breed judges awarding the Blue maximum points.

The heifer, a Tweeddale Ironman daughter which stood first at the Agri Expo at Carlisle last year and is a full sister to a bull to be sold at today's sale at Carlisle, was providing a third supreme overall title for Solway View after two previous wins here with pedigree Limousins from the Annan-based herd from Maulscastle.

For the overall, she was up against the inter-breed sheep, dairy and Clydesdale horse champion, which saw the latter narrowly miss out by just one point. This was John Graham's three-year-old, Doura Joules, a Doura Jackpot-sired daughter of Mill Barbara, from Blair Drummond, which was champion at Beith Show last month following a successful 2018 show career.

Just pipped at the post in the beef section was the Aberdeen Angus best, a massive bull from regular winners, Alastair Clark and sons, Brian and Alastair, who own the 60-cow Duncanziemere herd from Cumnock. Their star performer was the rising four-year-old, Carruthers Grenadier, a Morvern Kilomaster son bred by Graham family and bought privately.

New exhibitors, Jenkinson Farms' Whinfellpark Limousin herd from Penrith, were well rewarded for their first visit to Ayr too, when they won the champion and reserve awards in the any other continental beef section and then went on to make up part of the inter-breed beef group of three. This included the cow and calf outfit, Whinfellpark Jeans Jiggle, Whinfellpark Oz and the first prize maiden heifer Springsett Orchid, from Dougie McBeath and Sarah Jane Jessop, Stirling.

Following them to lift the blue and white sash, was a Belted Galloway trio, which comprised Jennifer Taylor's champion, Tobergill Uist; Bill and Jane Landers and son Bobby's reserve, Cairnsmore Liniker and Mochrum Estate's Mochrum Lilac 6.

One of the biggest and best sections of dairy cattle seen here in recent years saw inter-breed judge, Robert Steel, Balfron, find his top winner in the Holstein champion, Maverick Alf Licorice, a second calver from relatively new exhibitor, Craig Cochrane, Nether Craig, Kilmarnock. Previously unshown, this VG88-classified home-bred cow is a daughter of Knowlesmere Alf, out of Rhala Gerrard Licorice – bought at the Black and White sale at Carlisle, as a calf. She was paraded by stockman, Mark Guthrie and gave more than 9300litres in her first.

Last year's dairy inter-breed winners, Robbie and Margo Scott, Shacklehill, Tarbolton, this year had to settle with the top two awards in the Jersey lines, runner-up Holsteins honours and reserve overall dairy. Their top winner this time was the Jersey leader, Clifton Vanahelm Cover, the breed leader from the Borderway Dairy Expo, a third calver bred by the Bland family, which stood reserve here last year.

Willie Stevenson and family's Blackface flock from Balrazzie, Ballantrae, was another to enjoy cracking day out, winning their first supreme sheep title here with an Auldhouseburn-bred one-crop ewe bought as a rough hogg at United Auctions, Stirling. She is by an £85,000 Elmscleugh and is another with previous show form, having secured the championship at the Spring Show at Newton Stewart in March.

Inter-breed sheep judge, Allan Campbell, Lochgoilhead, tapped out the lead Texel, as his choice of reserve. This was a home-bred ewe from young John and Glen Paterson's 40-ewe Sorn flock from Mauchline, who were lifting their fifth consecutive breed title here. Their top winner this year, a Sportsmans A Star daughter was however on her first show outing.

Border Leicesters from Mrs Mary Laidlaw's Kennelmount flock from Galston, scooped the inter-breed sheep group of three with the owners of last year's overall champion of champions winner, Matt and Connell Drummond, Cassington, Maybole, back in the fore to lift the runner-up trophy with traditional-type Bluefaced Leicesters.

LEADING awards

Ayrshire (Judge: M Young, West Spittal, Stewarton). Champion – M Bryson and Son, Whiteflat, Catrine, with the veteran show cow, Changue Martha Ex95 (3), a Changue Stadium that calved her eighth in March and is now giving 53litres. A former twice champion winner at the Borderway Agri Dairy Expo at Carlisle, this big brown cow also boasts top wins at AgriScot and the Royal Highland. Reserve – AW Montgomerie, Woodhead of Lessnessock, Ochiltree, with Lessnessock FSP Creamsilk, the reserve heifer at UK Dairy Day and AgriScot, last year. She is by Forever Shoon Predator, out of a home-bred cow and since calving last month is giving 48litres per day. Champion and reserve heifer – I Service and Co, East Knockbrex, Newton Stewart. Supreme was Knockbrex Holly 3, by Brocklehill Eldorado, while the runner-up was Change Pamela 78, by Changue World Wide Web. In-calf female – National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride. Yeld heifer, junior cow in milk – AW Montgomerie. Heifer in milk, group of three – I Service and Co. Intermediate cow in milk – Firm of DM Lindsay, Harperfield, Sandilands, Lanark. Veterans’ – M Bryson and Son. Pair – J and G Lawrie, Brieryside/Sandyford, Monkton.

Jersey (Judge: W Fleming, Hillhead, Kirkpatrick Fleming, Lockerbie). Champion and reserve and reserve overall dairy – R and M Scott, Shacklehill, Tarbolton. Supreme was the breed leader from the Borderway Dairy Expo, Clifton Vanahlem Clover VG87, a third calver bred by the Bland family, which stood reserve here last year. Purchased at Carlisle, two years ago for 1350gns, she calved in November and is by Pannoo Abe Vanahlem, out of Clifton Julian Clover. Reserve for Robbie and Margo Scott who own the Nethervalley herd was Monument Chrome Regina, a second calver that stood honourable mention at the Borderway Dairy Expo in March and champion at AgriScot, last November. Owned by Robbie’s mother, Sheila, this River Valley Cece-Chrome daughter was also champion heifer and breed leader at the West of Scotland Evening Dairy Show. In-calf cow – TA and ML Jackson and Daughters, Guillyhill, Holywood, Dumfries. Maiden heifer – W and A Watson, Muir, Mauchline. Heifer in milk, cow in milk – R and M Scott.

Holstein (Judge: W Fleming). Champion and supreme dairy – C Cochrane, Nether Craig, Kilmarnock, with the previously unshown Maverick Alf Licorice, a VG88-classified home-bred cow that calved at the end of March and is now giving 51litres. A daughter of Knowlesmere Alf, she is out of Rhala Gerrard Licorice, which was bought at the Black and White sale at Carlisle, as a calf. She was paraded by stockman, Mark Guthrie and gave more than 9300litres in her first. Reserve – R and M Scott, Shacklehill, Tarbolton, with last year’s inter-breed champion, Claughlands Blackbird 153, an Ex92-classified rising nine-year-old that just calved her seventh. Bred from an Ex-classified Clauchlands cow and sired by Schilldale Outbound, this big white cow, was bought at a reduction sale at Carlisle, in 2017. Heifer champion – B and R Sloan, Darnlaw, Auchinleck, with Townlaw Caviar Duchess, a heifer in milk by Gillette Caviar. Reserve – R and M Scott, Shacklehill, with Nethervalley Kingpin Sara, a 10-month-old heifer by Kerndtway Kingpin. Yeld heifer – R and M Scott. Heifer in milk – B and R Sloan. Junior cow in milk – Maverick Holsteins. Intermediate cow in milk, group of four – R Veitch, Strandhead, Tarbolton. Senior cow in milk, 50,000+kg cow – R and M Scott.

Red and White (Judge: M Young, West Spittal). Champion – J and K Rennie, Brocklehill, Ayr, with Wiltor Integral Jasmine VG88, bought privately from David Jones, in December 2018. A second calver by Blondin Integral, out of the VG87 Sterndale Sterling Jodie, she calved in February and is giving 55litres per day. Last year, she stood second in her class at the Borderway UK Dairy Day. Reserve – J and G Lawrie, Brieryside/Sandyford, Monkton, with the second prize winner to the champion and reserve winner here in 2017, Redsky Ladd Delight Red. This five-year-old in milk by Tiger-Lily Ladd P Red, is also a former second prize winner at the Royal Highland in 2017 and 2016. Heifer – Maverick Holsteins. Cow – J and G Lawrie.

Calf and showmanship (Judge: H Neilson, East Brackenridge, Strathaven). Showmanship 12 years and under – 1, Ellis Caldwell; 2, Andrew Watson; 3, Calum Gray. 12-18yrs – 1 and reserve junior showperson champion, Katie Jackson; 2, Katie Watson; 3, Emma Struthers. 18-26yrs – 1, overall calf showmanship and juniuor showperson champion, Neil Sloan; 2, Mark Guthrie; 3, Heather Veitch. Junior calf class – GT and G Borland’s Mossbog Polestar Rosy. Intermediate calf and reserve overall calf – D Gray’s Drointon Dol Phomis, by Woodcrest King Doc. Senior calf and overall champion calf – M Bryson’s Panda Elana Fools Gold Red ET. Best stockperson in dairy section – A Struthers, Boylston, Cumnock.

Aberdeen-Angus (Judge: W McCrabbe, Gortaquigley, Co Donegal, Ireland). Champion and reserve inter-breed beef – A Clark and Sons, Avisyard, Cumnock, winning a sixth consecutive title for the 60-cow Duncanziemere herd. Their winner this time was the rising four-year-old bull, Carruthers Grenadier, a bull bought privately after standing second in his class at the Highland the year of the World Forum. He is by Morvern Kilomaster, out of a Carruthers cow by Rawburn Enigma and is destined for this year’s Royal Highland. Reserve – C Douglas, House Omuir, Clifton Dykes, Penrith, with House Omuir Jace Erica, a five-year-old cow by Blelack Black Rod, out of Haughton Jace Erica which was bought at Stirling four years ago. This previously unshown cow was paraded with April-born heifer calf at foot. Senior bull – A Clark and Sons. Junior bull, pair – Whitehall Farms, Kirkmahoe, Dumfries. Cow – C Douglas. Senior heifer – W Young, Skerrington Mains, Hurlford. Junior heifer – W Brown, Laigh Drumdow, Turberry.

Beef Shorthorn (Judge: Ms A Marshall, North Baldutho, Anstruther, Fife). Champion – JP Ramsay, Millerston, Mauchline, winning a fifth breed championship in succession, this time with Millerston Augusta Mint, a 13-month-old heifer brought out with assistance of Stewart Wilson. Previously unshown, she is by Meonhill Charlie Chaplin, a bull bought privately, and out of a previous home-bred Augusta. Mr Ramsay’s biggest success came winning the award for the best trio of bantams in the poultry section …. Reserve – B and J Landers and Son, Bargaly, Newton Stewart, with Cairnsmore Lois, the junior champion at Stranraer and reserve winner from Dumfries, Wigtown, Moffat and Glenkens, last year. This two-year-old heifer is by the 15,000gns Chapelton Dauphin and out of Cairnsmore Beyonce. Bull – D and R Dickie, Knockenjig, Sanquhar. Cow – Headlind Partners, Woodyett, Kirkfieldbank, Lanark. Senior heifer, pair – B and J Landers and Son. Junior heifer – JP Ramsay.

Belted Galloway (Judge: D Henry, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland). Champion – Mrs J Taylor, Brae of Gadgirth, Sundrum, Ayr, with the show heifer, Tobergill Uist, a rising three-year-old by the privately purchased, Shelsley Dallas, out of Tobergill Questa. She was paraded in calf to Turin Jumbo. Reserve – B and J Landers and Son, Bargaly, Newton Stewart, with Cairnsmore Liniker, a previously unshown two-year-old bull destined for the breed sale at Castle Douglas, in October. He is by Tobergill Sam and out of Cairnsmore Holly which also goes back to Tobergill genetics. The champion, reserve and first prize cow, Mochrum Lilac 6 from Mochrum Estate, made up part of the reserve winning group of three. Bull – B and J Landers and Son. Cow, pair – Mochrum Estate, Whauphill, Newton Stewart. Senior heifer, junior heifer – Mrs J Taylor. Young handlers – David Lawson.

Hereford (Judge: W McCrabbe, Gortaquigley). Champion – D and S Smith and Son, Ballochneil Cottage, Turnberry, Girvan, with Milovaig 1 Davina 5, a 26-month-old in-calf heifer that was placed here last year. A daughter of Fisher 1 Ensign, this home-bred entry shown by Iona Smith, is bred from a previous Davina. Reserve – Drumboy Herefords, Drumclog, Strathaven, with last year’s champion and reserve winner from Catrine the previous week. Drumboy 1 Olivia 844, a three-year-old is by Venture Nightime and out of Baldinnie Cathy. Cow, junior, female, pair – Drumboy Herefords. Senior heifer – D and S Smith.

Simmental (Judge: A Wilston, Westcroft, Kilwinning). Champion – MR and MT Quarm, Holehouse, Irvine, with the eight-year-old cow, Annick Prudence’s Colleen, a previously unshown daughter of the privately purchased Skerrington Visa. She is out of a previous home-bred Prudence and show cow and was paraded with her August-born calf at foot by Wolfstar Goldigger, by Matt Gilliland and Andrew Perratt. Reserve – D Craig, Kennox, Stewarton, with the supreme overall champion of champions from Neilston, Kennox Juggernaut, a 16-month-old son of Woodhall Ferrari, out of Kennox Tara’s Diva, by Popes Laird. Senior bull – D Lowrie, Newsteadings, Cartland, Lanark. Junior bull – D Craig. Cow, senior heifer, junior heifer, pair – MR and MT Quarm.

British Blue (Judge: A Wilson, Westcroft). Champion, inter-breed beef and supreme overall – K Watret, Maulscastle, Cummertrees, Annan, with Solway View Misty, a 16-month-old black heifer that was first at the Agri Expo at Carlisle, last year and is a full brother to a bull to be sold at Carlisle, today (Saturday). Securing a third overall champion of champions title at Ayr for Mr Watret and stockman, Ali Jackson, following two big wins with Limousins, was a daughter of Tweeddale Ironman, bred from Tweeddale Katie. Reserve – D and L Watret, Muirfield, Hightae, Lockerbie, with the rising four-year-old, Criffelview Kendra, a Cromwell Fendt daughter that was champion at Lesmahagow, Biggar and Dumfries and reserve at the Great Yorkshire, last year. She is bred from the show female, Criffelview Gracious. Senior female – D and L Watret. Junior female – K Watret.

Any other continental (Judge: I Nimmo, Bogside, Newmains, Wishaw). Champion – AW Jenkinson Farms, Clifton Moor, Penrith, with Whinfellpark Jeans Jingle, a five-year-old Limousin cow brought out by stockman Craig Douglas. She is by the 120,000gns Dolcorsllwyn Fabio, a bull bought at Carlisle in 2012, out of Whinfellpark Annisha and was shown with April-born bull calf at foot. She was shown as a yearling. The 120-cow herd which was showing for the first time at Ayr, also picked up the reserve honours with Whinfellpark Oz, a 13-month-old bull by the 22,000gns Gunnerfleet Lion, out of Whinfellpark Elite. He is bound for the breed sale at Carlisle in October and together with the champion and D and SJ Jessop’s maiden heifer, Springsett Orchid, from Stirling, made up the inter-breed beef group of three. Bull, cow, pair – AW Jenkinson Farms. Heifer – Brocklinn Limousins, Old Greentowers, Lanark. Maiden heifer – D McBeath and SJ Jessop.

Commercial (Judge: G Jones, Graig Goch, Nebo, Gwynedd). Champion – S and L Bett, Newmills Farm House, Fallin, Stirling, for the second consecutive year, this time with Queen Bee, a yearling Limousin cross heifer bought privately at the Welsh Winter Fair, from Llyr Hughes of the Pabo herd. She was champion at the Agri Expo and is by Derrygullinane Kingbull. Reserve – J Nisbet, Sorn Mains, Sorn, with a similarly aged three-quarter-bred Limousin cross heifer bought at the Welsh Winter Fair from Rob Jones. She is by Lodge Hamlet and stood second in its class to the champion. Lightweight steer – Ms S Dunn, Willowbank, Throsk, Stirling. Mediumweight steer – A and E Vance, Bridgehouse, Stirling. Heavyweight steer – J Nisbet. Lightweight heifer, British Blue cross – H Dunlop. Heavy heifer – S and L Bett. Calf born after October 1, 2018 – T Laird and Son, Carbello, Cumnock. Pair – DM Wyllie, Dalrymple.

Young stockpersons beef (Judge: J Drummond, Townend, Craigie) – 1, Amy Vance; 2, David Lawson; 3, Callum Brown.

Commercial cattle YFC (Judge: J Drummond). Champion – A Wyllie and Georgina Baird, Ayr YFC, with Back 2 Black.

Clydesdales (Judge: B Duncan, Ross Cottage, Balmacolm, Fife). Champion and reserve overall champion of champions – J Graham, Mains of Drummond, Blair Drummond, with the Beith Show champion, Doura Joules, a three-year-old by Doura Jackpot. Reserve at Kilmaurs last month, runner up female at Kittochside and senior champion at the 2018 Kilpatrick Foal Show, she is out of Mill Barbara and was bought as a foal from her breeder, Jim Young. Reserve – Miss C Young, Hall Stud, Ayr, with the Neilston champion, Clerkington Riverwalk Lena, a yearling filly by Doura Aird Ambition out of Doura Pippa. Gelding – A Anderson and I Nisbet. Entire colt and reserve male – Charlotte Young, Hall Stud, Ayr. Brood mare – Jen Spiers, Hamilton. Foal and male champion – Boat Clydesdales, Covington Mill, Thankerton. Yeld mare, yearling filly – C Young. Two-year-old filly – J Rochead, Malcolmwood, Blantyre, Glasgow. Pair – A Anderson, Muirhouse, Netherton, Wishaw. Young handlers – Hannah Lindsay. Stud cart – Galcantray Clydesdales, Cawdor, Nairn.

Suffolk (Judge: K Denby, Riddings Hill Moat, Longtown). The Hiddleston Family, Rigghead, Shawhead, Dumfries, with a home-bred one-crop ewe by the 20,000gns Muirton One Direction, out of a Strathisla-bred ewe. She was champion at the Great Yorkshire last year. Reserve – Islay Suffolks, Berryscaur, Boreland, Lockerbie, with a January-born ewe lamb by Spittal Revenge, a tup bought at Shrewsbury, last year, out of a ewe by Rhaeadr Topman. Tup, group of three – W and M Haining, High Drum, Dunscore, Dumfries. Tup lamb, ewe – The Hiddleston Family. Gimmer – P and D Reid, Calfpark. Ewe lamb – Islay Suffolks.

Zwartbles (Ms C Anderson, Wallridge Cottage, Ingoe, Northumberland). Champion – A Baird, Greystone Cottage, Dunblane, with Greystone Fauna, a previously unshown gimmer by the imported Dutch sire, 290, out of Greystone Willow. Reserve – Lachlan Rae (8), Wallacetown, Brownrigg Loaning, Dumfries, with his own January-born ewe lamb by Wallacetown Foden, a home-bred tup retained for breeding, out of Wallacetown Blaze. Shearling ram, group of three – C Rae, Wallacetown. Ram lamb – HW Sloan, Rigghead, Collin, Dumfries. Ewe, gimmer – A Baird. Ewe lamb – L Rae.

Charollais (Judge: J Aiken, Moss House, Wennington, Lancs). Champion – HW Sloan, Rigghead, Collin, Dumfries, with a Christmas-born ram lamb by the AI sire, Tawelfa Rioja, out of a home-bred ewe, one of only 20 in the flock. Reserve – BG Radley, Loaningfoot, Dumfries, with a home-bred gimmer by Loanhead Rising Star out of an Aberkinsey ewe bought at the flock dispersal in 2015. She was reserve at Dumfries last year. Tup, tup lamb, ewe lamb – HW Sloan. Ewe, gimmer – BG Radley.

Border Leicester (Judge: Mrs A McCrabbe, Gortaquigley, Raphoe, Co Donegal). Champion and reserve and inter-breed group of three – Mrs M Laidlaw, Kennelmount, Galston. Supreme for this regular winning flock was a home-bred two-crop ewe by Kilphin Kipling – a ram owned by Peter Brown and Tom Tennant – out of a home-bred ewe by Walton Winner. She was placed at the Highland in 2017. Reserve was a tup lamb by Alticane Altins out of a ewe by Drennans Dubai. The champion, reserve and first prize aged ram, a Didcot-bred tup, from Mrs Laidlaw made up the inter-bred group of three. All classes – Mrs M Laidlaw.

Hampshire Down (Judge: Ms J Galbraith, Endmoor, Kendal). Champion – J and R McFarlane, West Lecropt, Bridge of Allan, with a December-born ram lamb in the top 1% of the breed and bound for the breed sale at United Auctions, Stirling, on Wednesday. He is by Kelsey Fantastic, a ram bought privately last year, and out of a home-bred ewe. Reserve – L Forrest, L Vevers and L White with a previously unshown gimmer bought from Kevin McCarthy at the breed sale at Carlisle, last year. Ram, ewe, gimmer – L Forrest, L Vevers and L White. Ram lamb, ewe lamb, group of three – J and R McFarlane.

Texel (Judge: J Aiken, Moss House, Lancs). Champion and reserve inter-breed sheep – J and G Paterson, Oxenshaw, Mauchline, for the fifth consecutive year with an entry from their 40-strong Sorn ewe flock. This was a previously unshown young ewe by Sportsmans A Star out of a home-bred ewe. Reserve – M and L Craig, Glenhowan, Dumfries, with a March-born ewe lamb by Auldhouseburn Basher, a tup bought at Carlisle for 1800gns, out of a former show gimmer by Glenside Wildboy. She was unbeaten in her class as a ewe lamb at Stewartry, Dumfries and Moffat. Shearling ram, ewe lamb, ram lamb – M and L Craig. Ewe, gimmer – J and G Paterson.

Any other continental (Judge: D Moir, Home Farm, Cairness, Fraserburgh). Champion – AD Brisbane, Little Tongue, Castle Kennedy, with a Blue Texel gimmer bought at Carlisle as a ewe lamb last year from Christine Williams and Paul Tippetts’ Hackney flock. She is by Joe’s Alvin and out of a Hackney-bred import. Reserve – M and J Simpson, Tardoes, Kilmarnock, with an ET-bred Dutch Spotted ewe lamb by an imported Cavan sire that stood second in his class at the show and also bred the first prize ewe. The dam is Roxy, an imported female that was reserve female at the National Show last year. Ram, gimmer, group of three – AD Brisbane. Tup lamb – C Rae, Wallacetown, Dumfries. Ewe, ewe lamb – M and J Simpson.

Beltex (Judge: J Harbinson, Limavady). Champion – JL McMillan, Carse of Clary, Newton Stewart, with Clary Devine, a previously unshown gimmer. She is by the stockram, Hackney Braveheart, which bred lambs to 4800gns last year, and out of a home-bred ewe by an imported sire. Reserve – J and D Hodge, Dykes Farm, Auchinleck, with an ET ewe lamb by Woodies Razzledazzle and bred from a home-bred ewe by Kingledores Winchester. Aged ram, shearling ram, ewe, gimmer – JL McMillan. Tup lamb, ewe lamb – J and D Hodge. Group of three – G and S Sinclair, Carnavel, Carsphairn.

Ryeland (Judge: J Arthur, Greenaton, Carnwath, Lanark). Champion – D Stainton, Ochiltree Ryelands, Barnbrae Stables, Chryston, with the Beith champion, Ochiltree Ya Dancer, a home-bred white shearling ram by Keirhead Xtraordinary, bred from a Bryn Caffo ewe. Reserve – A Hunter Blair, Nether Cleugh, Dalry, Castle Douglas, with Carsfad Yaas Queen, a home-bred white gimmer by the 2016 Scottish National champion Carsfad Valencia bred from the former Wigtown show champion, Huntsmoor Tia Maria. Tup – Ochiltree Ryelands. Tup lamb, ewe, ewe lamb – A and D Mitchell, Wellhill Steadings, New Cumnock. Gimmer, group of three – A Hunter Blair.

Any other native (Judge: J Arthur). Champion – James Drummond (12), Cassington, Maybole, winning for the third consecutive year with an entry from his 12 ewe Hampshire Down. His champion was Cassington Jack, a December-born ram lamb by Court Peak, bred from a home-bred ewe by Yarcombe Iceman. He was reserve at Catrine. Reserve – J and J Scott, Meikle Ittington, Ardrossan, with a coloured Ryeland shearling ram bought at Carlisle last year after standing reserve champion, from Chris Smyth of the Barony flock. Ram, ewe – J and J Scott. Ram lamb, gimmer – J Drummond.

Blackface (Judge: B Renwick, Craig Douglas, Yarrow). Champion and supreme sheep – W Stevenson and Son, Balrazzie, Ballantrae, with a one-crop ewe bought at the rough hogg sale at UA Stirling from Auldhouseburn for £1800. She is by an £85,000 Elmscleugh, out of a ewe by a £65,000 Auldhouseburn and stood champion at the Spring Show at Newton Stewart in March. She was also a regular prize winner last year. Reserve – Firm of Shawhead, Crawfordjohn Mill Farm, Biggar, with the second prize ewe, a junior ewe by a £300 Burnhead, Darvel tup bought at Lanark, out of a home-bred ewe. All classes – W Stevenson and Son.

Crossing Bluefaced Leicester (Judge: A Brown, Macqueston, Tynron, Thornhill). Champion – Firm of Shawhead, Crawfordjohn Mill, Biggar, with a Firth-bred two-crop ewe bought as a gimmer at Carlisle. She was shown by shepherd Alan MacLarty, is by a G34 Midlock ram, out of a Firth ewe and stood first here last year. Reserve – J Nisbet, Sorn Mains, Sorn, with the inter-breed sheep champion from Dundonald, a bought-in ewe hogg bred from an F1 Firth ewe and sired by the £37,000 K20 Midlock. She was also champion at Catrine. Tup – A Clark and Sons, Avisyard, Cumnock. Tup lamb, ewe hogg, ewe lamb – J Nisbet. Ewe, group of three – Firm of Shawhead.

Traditional Bluefaced Leicester (Judge: A Brown). Champion and reserve – Mrs Kate Smith, Low Arkland, Kelton, Castle Douglas. Supreme for this 15-strong ewe flock was a previously unshown one-crop ewe by a Cocklaw sire bought at Kelso three years ago, out of a home-bred ewe. Reserve was a similarly bred ewe hogg, also on her first outing. Tup – Firm of Shawhead. Tup lamb, group of three – M and C Drummond, Cassington, Maybole. Ewe, ewe hogg, ewe lamb – Mrs K Smith.

Commercial sheep (Judge: D Moir, Home Farm). Champion – J Guild, Laight, New Cumnock, with a Scotch Mule ewe hogg. Reserve – JY Barclay and Co, Mid Brockloch, Maybole, with a pair of January-born Beltex cross lambs bred from Suffolk cross ewes. Ewe with lambs, cross-bred ewe hogg – J Guild. Cross-bred pair of lambs – JY Barclay and Co.

Young stockpersons sheep (Judge: W Robb, Chalmerston, Mauchline). 11 years and under – 1, Glen Paterson; 2, Finlay Barclay; 3, Cameron Barclay. 12-15yrs – 1, Amy Scott; 2, John Paterson; 3, Kieran Findlater. Winter stock festival young stock person – 1, Angus Brisbane; 2, Abbie Scott.

YFC sheep breeds (Judge: A Campbell, Lochgoilhead). Champion – Abbie Scott, Beith YFC.