‘Electrify’ing debut sale at Lanark

It was a day of quality stock and strong trade as Kerry Hill breeders gathered at Lanark for the society’s first show and sale at the venue, conducted by Lawrie & Symington Ltd. A competitive show and full entry of sheep ensured keen bidding throughout the sale, topping at an impressive 7,800gns.

Leading the way was a shearling ram from Miss Sophie McCarlie, Wester Hassockrigg, Harthill. Hassockrigg Electrify stood reserve male champion and reserve overall champion in the pre-sale show, judged by Mr Rory Innes of the Huntsman flock. Sired by Birsca Caspian and out of a homebred ewe, it was knocked down to Messrs J and P Owens, Herefordshire, for their Woodhouse flock.

Next at 3,400gns was the second prize shearling ram from Stuart and Angie Burgess, Lintmill, New Abbey, who run the Top Spot flock. Top Spot Enderman, by Pentrenant Choir Boy and out of Top Spot Cowgirl, a daughter of Reidstown Rambo, was sold in a two-way share, with three-quarters going to Miss Anna Smith, Wester Crosswoodhill, West Calder, for her Wester flock, and the remaining quarter to Messrs Dick, Hamildean, Peebles.

In the ram lamb section, trade peaked at 2,800gns for another entry from the Top Spot flock, which had previously taken the reserve overall champion ticket at the Royal Highland Show, this summer. Top Spot Foo King Fantastic, by Pentrenant Choir Boy and out of Top Spot Angela, a daughter of Wrotham Clifford, was knocked down to David Morrison, Girvan, for his Dalwyne flock. 

Miss McCarlie was back in the leading prices at 2,200gns with another shearling ram, Hassockrigg Everest, which sold to Messrs McFarlane, Daldowie, Girvan. Born March 2024, it is by Hassockrigg Dozer and out of a Whitcastles ewe.

The Burgess family also saw success in the ram lamb section, with Top Spot Frisky selling for 2,200gns to Thrimby Farms Ltd, Thrimby Hall, Penrith. Born in February, it is by Downwood Dewi and out of Top Spot Duchess, and had stood overall champion in the pre-sale show.

Female trade topped at 1,900gns for a ewe lamb from the Top Spot flock. Top Spot Fanny Adams, by Downwood Dewi and out of Top Spot Chocolate, was knocked down to G. Meakins, Y-Boudy, Whitemill. The lamb solidified a strong day for the Top Spot team in the show ring, claiming the female championship in the pre-sale show.

Averages

• 3 aged rams averaged £455.00

• 18 shearling rams averaged £1,534.17

• 7 ram lambs averaged £1,170.00

• 28 gimmers averaged £658.13

• 19 ewe lambs averaged £533.29

• 75 overall averaged £876.40

• 95 forward / 75 sold / 80% clearance

Show Results

Judge: Mr Rory Innes, Huntsman flock

Class 1: Aged Ram (2 forward)

1st 170 Grahamshill

2nd 168 Blueacres

Class 2: Shearling Ram (8 forward)

1st 181 Hassockrigg

2nd 174 Top Spot

3rd 172 Wester

4th 194 Birsca

Class 3: Ram Lamb (10 forward)

1st 210 Top Spot

2nd 209 Top Spot

3rd 207 Dalmac

4th 202 Glenvale

Class 4: Gimmer (13 forward)

1st 140 Top Spot

2nd 127 Hassockrigg

3rd 116 Birsca

4th 141 Top Spot

Class 5: Ewe Lamb (7 forward)

1st 147 Top Spot

2nd 146 Top Spot

3rd 162 Cairntop

4th 163 Cairntop

Female Champion: 147 (Ewe Lamb) from Top Spot

Reserve Female Champion: 140 (Gimmer) from Top Spot

Male Champion: 210 (Ram Lamb) from Top Spot

Reserve Male Champion: 181 (Shearling Ram) Hassockrigg

Overall Champion: 210 (Ram Lamb) from Top Spot

Reserve Overall Champion: 181 (Shearling Ram) from Hassockrigg