Northbrook Atlas EX96 reclaims Dexter breed title

AN exceptional entry of Dexter cattle graced the

cattle lawns on the Wed-nesday morning of the 153rd Balmoral Show, proving quite a spectacle for onlookers.

Judge for proceedings was Mary Kay, senior judge for the Dexter Cattle Society.

First class of the day was cow or heifer born before 2020, with an excellent turnout of 18 entries.

This was followed by heifer born in 2020, which saw David Lester top the class with an exceptionally well turned out entry.

Heifer born in 2021 saw a fantastic entry of 15 superb heifers which saw Derryola April, bred by Ryan Lavery, placed first in the class.

This was followed by Cadian Juliet, from the herd of Matthew Bloomer, placed second, followed by Derryola Lily, again from the herd of Ryan Lavery, in third place.

The senior bull class saw Matthew Bloomer’s Northbrook Atlas nar-rowly pipping Ryan Lavery’s Rath-nafishogue T Bone to top position.

An impressive line-up in the junior bull class saw Ryan Lavery’s Derryola Red Rum in top position, closely followed by Ballyhartfield Beaumont from the McAreavey family, with Cadian Romeo from Matthew Bloomer’s Cadian herd in third position.

A great turnout in the pairs class saw a magnificent set of red Dexter cows from the Alexander family place first, closely followed by a fine pair of red cows from Matthew Bloomer’s Cadian herd in second place.

In the final line-up, it was Matthew Bloomer’s senior stock bull Northbrook Atlas EX96 that was tapped out by judge Mary Kay, reclaiming his title after being breed champion back in 2017 at the UK National Show, which took place at RUAS Balmoral. This is an impressive feat considering this bull is 10 years of age.

Junior Champion was claimed by Derryola Red Rum, bred by Ryan Lavery, with Ryan also claiming Reserve Junior Champion with a homebred heifer, Derryola April.

The NI Dexter Cattle Group would like to thank RUAS for hosting a fantastic event, judge Mary Kay for her time and all exhibitors who turned out their stock to support the show. Congratulations to you all.