ANOTHER strong turnout of 36 Dexter cattle were on display at Antrim Show, held in the historic grounds of Shane’s Castle Estate.
Judging was conducted by Kevin Hasemore from Sussex, who was impressed by the high standard of cattle on show.
Judging kicked off with the cow class, which saw Ballyboley Calamity, exhibited by Ryan Lavery, top the class, closely followed by Ballyhartfield Nessa and Friary Olga from the McAreavey family.
A strong class of 12 maiden and in-calf heifers saw Ballinderry Crumble from Lester’s Pedigrees stand top of the line-up with Derryola Lily and Derryola Alison, from the herd of Ryan
Lavery, in second and third place.
Despite a smaller number in the bull class, the quality on display was exceptional, putting the judge through his paces, finally placing Rathnafishogue T Bone, from Ryan Lavery, in first place with Northbrook Atlas, from the Bloomer family, a close second.
A good entry in the calf class saw Derryola Red Bull, shown by Ryan Lavery, placed top of the line, followed by Ballinderry Norseman from the McAreavey family in second. Derryola Frankie, again from Ryan Lavery, was in third position.
In the Dexter Young Handler section, Sarah Jane Lester pipped sister Lily Lester to first position in the under 12 year old class. Peter McAreavey came out on top against some stiff competition in the 12-18 year old class, followed by sisters Jane and Grace Bloomer.
The Championship line-up saw three entries from the Derryola herd of Ryan Lavery, but it was the sole entry from Lester’s Pedigrees, Ballinderry Crumble, that was tapped out as Breed Champion. This yearling heifer, purchased from the McAreavey family at the NI Dexter Cattle Group Premier Show and Sale back in May, caught the eye of judge Kevin Hasemore, and was amply led by five year old Sarah Jane Lester to claim her first Breed Championship.
Commenting on his champion, Kevin concluded: “She is a very stylish heifer with great breed character. I think she will have a very bright future ahead of her.” The nine year old cow Ballyboley Calamity, shown by Ryan Lavery, was tapped out as Reserve Champion, also claiming her first title of the season.
Not done with competing yet, Sarah Jane and Crumble headed off to the Interbreed Young Handlers class to compete in the under 13 year old category where, against stiff competition in a big class, judge Laura Irvine tapped her out in third place.
After a quick break, Sarah Jane and Crumble were back into the ring again to compete in the Pedigree Beef Heifer Derby. Despite not placing in the top two, she was awarded a special prize and Honorable Mention for her handling skills and ringcraft.
Late in the day, alongside all other beef breeds, Sarah Jane and Crumble competed in the Champion of Champ-ions, showcasing the Dexter breed to the public.
The NI Dexter Cattle Group would like to congratulate Sarah Jane and Lester Pedigrees on their success at Antrim Show and, like many, know that both handler and calf have a very bright future in the showring.
Results
Cow or heifer born on or before 31st December 2019 – 1st Ballyboley Calamity, Ryan Lavery; 2nd Bally-hartfield Nessa, McAreavey family; 3rd Friary Olga, McAreavey family.
Heifer born on or after 1st January 2020 and on or before 31st July 2021 – 1st Ballinderry Crumble, Lester Pedigrees; 2nd Derryola Lily, Ryan Lavery; 3rd Derryola Alison, Ryan Lavery.
Bull born on or before 31st July 2021 – 1st Rathnafishogue T Bone, Ryan Lavery; 2nd Northbrook Atlas, Bloomer family; 3rd Loughside Luxe Lad, Racheal Garret.
Bull or heifer calf born on or after 1st August 2021 – 1st Derryola Red Bull, Ryan Lavery; 2nd Ballinderry Norseman, McAreavey family; 3rd Derryola Frankie, Ryan Lavery.
Pairs – 1st Montgomery and Henry; 2nd Bloomer family; 3rd Kelly McConnell.
Young handler under 12 years old – 1st Sarah Jane Lester; 2nd Lily
Lester.
Young handlers 12-18 years old – 1st Peter McAreavey; 2nd Jane Bloomer; 3rd Grace Bloomer.
Champion – Ballinderry Crumble, Lester Pedigrees; Reserve – Ballyboley Calamity, Ryan Lavery.
Interbreed Young Handlers under 13 years old – 3rd Sarah Jane Lester.
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