Ashland Topaz Lopez secured the supreme title at the NI National Simmental Show

This September 2020 born heifer is sired by the 14,000gns Saltire Impressive, and is bred from the Ashland Brandy daughter, Ashland Topaz 2nd, one of ten cows in the herd.

Judge, Stewart Stronach, BSCS president commented: "She is a superb heifer and the type of animal that every pedigree herd owner aspires to breed. She is very correct, square and long, and has great breed character and ring presence. This is a once in a lifetime heifer!”

Ashland Topaz Lopez was senior champion at the inaugural four-breeds calf show at Dungannon last November, however, her latest success comes from Balmoural Show where she stood reserve inter-breed.

The Kelly family’s Ashland prefix was also behind the breeding of the reserve champion, Ashland Topaz Mair. Born in January 2021, this heifer was purchased privately last autumn by brothers Shane and Paul McDonald for their Tempo-based Coolcran Herd. This girl is by the same sire, this time out of Ashland Topaz 3rd, which goes back to Whitemire King Kong.

On the male front, the top awarded was tapped out to Coolcran Maximus from Shane and Paul McDonald. This September 2021 bull is by Wolfstar Elusive, and is bred from the Ashland Brandy daughter, Coolcran Lady Erin.

Claiming the reserve male championship was Ballinalare Farm Mack, a yearling entry bred by Joe and Alan Wilson, Rathfriland. He is by the €8200 stock bull, Rabawn Ernie, and is out of a home-bred dam by the 20,000gns Stirling champion Auchorachan Wizard. This young bull also secured the reserve male title at Balmoral Show.

LEADING prices

Cow – 1, Gavin Hayes and Sons, Corbally Goddess by Hillcrest Champion.

Senior heifer – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Ladybird by Denizes Fantastic; 2, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Lizabel by Denizes Fantastic.

Intermediate heifer – 1, Pat and Frank Kelly, Ashland Topaz Lopez by Saltire Impressive; 2, David and Jonny Hazelton, Ranfurly Stella 12th by Whitemire King Kong; 3, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Lollipop by Dermotstown Delboy.

Junior heifer born between 01/01/21 and 30/03/21 – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair by Saltire Impressive; 2, Leslie and Christopher Weatherup, Lisglass Marigold by Omorga Jaguar; 3, Brian O’Hare, Clonguish Nova by Raceview King.

Junior heifer born between 01/05/21 and 31/08/21 – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Medusa by Ballinalare Farm Galaxy; 2, Keith Nelson, Scribby Farms Molly by Atlow Dixon; 3, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Majesty 2nd by Kilbride Farm Bantry.

Junior heifer, born between 01/09/21 and 31/12/21 – 1, David and Jonny Hazelton, Ranfurly Lady Diana 41st by Auchorachan Hercules; 2, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Mystic Royal Beauty by Islavale Echo 2; 3, Mrs E O’Neill, Drumcoote Sasha by Curaheen Drifter.

Junior bull, born between 01/01/21 and 30/04/21 – 1, Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Martin by Saltire Impressive; 2, William Dodd, Craigy Max by Longbeach Darius.

Junior bull, born between 01/05/21 and 31/08/21 – 1, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Mack by Rabawn Ernie; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Magnificent; 3, Mrs MH Kilpatrick, Ballymoney Mick by Saltire Impressive.

Junior bull, born between 01/09/21 and 31/12/21 – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Coolcran Maximus by Wolfstar Elusive; 2, Nigel Glasgow, Bridgewater Farm Major by Saltire Impressive; 3, Robin Boyd, Slievenagh Mr Magic by Denizes Hamish.

Bull calf – 1, Mark Cutler, Gortdonaghy Norman by Anatrim Bodybuilder; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Nevada by Mullyknock Gallant.

Pair – 1, Shane and Paul McDonald, Ashland Topaz Mair and Coolcran Maximus; 2, Richard and Rhys Rodgers, Hiltonstown Magnificent and Hiltonstown McGregor; 3, Joe and Alan Wilson, Ballinalare Farm Majesty 2nd and Ballinalare Farm Medusa.

Young handler, aged 8 to 12 years-old – 1, Jamie Dodd; 2, Rhys Rodgers; 3, Phelim O’Rourke; 4, Joseph McKearney.

Young handler, aged 13 to 18 years-old – 1, Thomas McAlister; 2, Erin Nelson.