by Iain | Aug 13, 2025 | 2025 National Shows, 2025 North West News, 2025 News, 2025
Simmentals Win Interbreed team of Four
Denizes Trixi Belle Wins Interbreed Cow & Calf
Taking the ‘big win’ at the 2025 Simmental English National, held within the Royal Lancashire Show on 19th July, was Richard and Louise Storer Smith, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, who lifted the breed’s Overall Supreme Championship with their rising three year old bull Storersmith Navarone.
Navarone prevailed over a high quality field of some fifty Simmentals, the largest breed show in the year, and having been awarded the Championship by the judge for the day in the shape of the well-known Jimmy McMillan, Buckinghamshire who runs the noted Brandane herd and who has been a leading stockman over many years.
Storersmith Navarone, Overall Supreme Champion, and Male Champion
The ‘super quiet’ rising three year old Storersmith Navarone 22 VG88 is by the AI sire Clonagh Latin Lover, and is out of Storersmith Havannah EX 91, a Popes Barclay daughter. The win was a step on from last year when Navarone secured a class win and stood Reserve Senior Male at the corresponding event. Strong supporters of the breed, the Storersmith Simmental herd was established in 2009 and despite numerous titles at local and county shows, this was a first summer ‘major’ win!
Commenting on his Champion, Jimmy McMillan said: “This bull is full of breed character, had a lovely Simmental head, and walked well. With an easy muscling to him, not too extreme, he carried length, and was really good over his plates and tail setting. He was a worthy Champion on the day and I’d say is a very typical breeder’s bull.”
Judge, Jimmy McMillan getting ‘hands on’ at the English Simmental National Show.
There was a full Storer Smith family team very much hands on throughout the day and speaking afterwards a delighted Richard Storer Smith said: “Navarone is breeding extremely well in the herd and he’s a bull that’s just so docile having a beautiful temperament. He’s been used on all the heifers in the herd and they have all calved very easily to him. We first showed in 2011 and to now win what is the premier Simmental title in England, from within such a strong line up of cattle, really is fantastic and we are all very thrilled.”
Come Sunday, and in keeping with a season of breed Interbreed success, Storersmith Navarone then teamed up with Denizes TrixiBelle and her triplet heifer calves from local breeders Michael & John Barlow; along with the Reserve Female Champion Fircovert Peggy, from Paul Gunther, Norwich; and Guiltcross Razzle Dazzle from Marcus & Helen Searle, Norwich, to win the Interbreed Team of Four in front of the judge Richard Bartle.
Taking the Simmental Overall Reserve Championship at the English National Show, and the Female, and Junior Championships, was the stylish young heifer Cade Kathleens Rockstar, from Paul & Sharrie Cade, Paddock Farm, Buckden. By Sacombe Jameson 18, and out of Brandane Kathleen, a Blackford Hurricane 16 daughter, it’s been a big summer for this heifer who amongst multiple breed and Interbreed prizes won the Simmental Overall Supreme Championship at the Royal Norfolk in June. Of his reserve Overall, the judge said: “What an outstanding young heifer. She’s long, clean and so much style and ‘jazz’ in herd head. A really modern Simmental full of quality, I have no doubt she’ll make a phenomenal cow, and would be an asset to any herd.”
Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar, Overall Reserve Supreme, Female Champion, and Junior Champion
It was a strong defence of their title with Cade Fifi’s Nala having won last year’s English National Show for the Cades. In 2023, Cade Nugget, a full brother to Cade Kathleen’s Rockstar, won the Simmental Male Championship (within the Simmental English National Show), and the Interbreed Male Continental Championship at the Royal Norfolk. For the Cades herd they have now shown on four occasions at the Simmental English National Show and have come away with one Overall Supreme, and two Overall Reserves! Speaking to this heifer, Sharrie Cade said: “Rockstar is just a baby, not over done in any way, and we think she’s full of breeding with Sterling blood on both sides of her pedigree, and has a real bit of ‘flash’ to her.” Rockstar is a full sister to the aforementioned Cade Nugget, and also to Cade Kathleen’s Prada, a class winner at the 2024 English National Show. One to take aim at, the plans are that Cade Kathleens Rockstar will be entered into the Next Generation V Sale at Carlisle in December. For good measure the Cades had a further class win with their January 2024 born bull Cade Romeo 24 (ET), a Dovefields Gallant son out of the noted Sterling Celia’s Fifi.
Enjoying a prolific summer show season has been Paul Gunther, Felthorpe, Norwich, and who was at it again at the English National with the January 2023 born Fircovert Peggy, winning the Reserve Female Championship and featuring in the winning Interbreed Team of Four. Peggy is by Williams Kaboom 19 and is out of Fircovert Ina, a Burghbridge Bradley 10 daughter. Ably shown by Holly Lutkin, Fircovert Peggy has enjoyed a number of individual class wins and featured in winning Simmental Interbreed combinations this year at the Royal Norfolk; Great Yorkshire; South of England; South Suffolk Show; and now the English National.
Fircovert Peggy, Reserve Female Champion and part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four
Back in the bulls and taking the Reserve Male Championship and Reserve Junior Championship was Popes Randolph 24 from local breeders Jimmy and Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston. This April 2024 born bull is by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, another Manor Park Hansome son, and is out of Popes Whispers Idella, a Kilbride Farm Comber daughter. Early plans are that Popes Randolph 24 will be heading to Stirling in October. The Popes herd won exactly the same titles at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show and with another Clonagh Lucky Explorer calf in the shape of Popes Rector 24. Adding a further award at the English National, the Popes herd also won the Simmental Group of Four prize.
Popes Randolph, Reserve Male Champion, and Reserve Junior Champion.
Last but not least, and one of the stars of a high profile summer and an internet sensation, the class winner Denizes Trixi Belle from the Barlows, Nr Leyland, won the Interbreed for the Best Cow & Progeny with her unique triplet calves, and again judged by Richard Bartle. Denizes Trixie Bell 15 is by the herd’s prolific Denizes Hamish and is out of the Ashland Tornado daughter Denizes Trixie Belle 8. Capturing the hearts of show crowds in England and Scotland, Denizes Trixie Belle’s major highlight was winning the Overall Individual Interbreed title at the Great Yorkshire Show. At the English National, it was a ‘nap hand’ for the Denizes herd who with another strong team secured five class wins on the day.
Big mentions also to the Wacton; Guiltcross; Hotlick; and Wrinehill herds who all had red ticket wins on the day. Summing it all up we’ll leave the final word with the Simmental judge Jimmy McMillan who said: “It’s been a terrific show of Simmentals with the females having quality right through, and particularly in the younger classes. It was also very noticeable during the judging how many young breeders and handlers were involved which is just great to see. It’s been an honour to judge the English National and I’d like to congratulate and thank all of the exhibitors for the show of Simmental stock forward.”
Overall Championship Presentation
Female Championship line up.
Male Championship presentation
Junior Championship line up
Winning Interbreed Team of Four
Results from English National Show
Royal Lancashire Show, Saturday 19th July 2025
Judge Mr Jimmy McMillan
Class 1 Heifer, born on or after 1 September 2024
1st 232 Denizes Matilda – Barlow Brothers
Class 2 Heifer, born on or after 1 July & 31 August 2024
1st 234 Denizes Fancy Therese – Barlow Brothers
2nd 233 Denizes Beauty – Barlow Brothers
Class 3 Heifer, born on or after 1 April & 30 June 2024
1st 242 Popes Nellys Rhea – J H & V G Wood
2nd 240 Denzies Matilda – R E & S H W Steggles
3rd 241 Popes Tarkas Rosa – J H & V G Wood
Class 4 Heifer, born on or between 1 January & 31 March 2024
1st 252 Cade Kathleens Rockstar – P A & S M Cade
2nd 247 Guiltcross Razzle Dazzle – Marcus Searle
3rd 249 Guiltcross Ritzy – Marcus Searle
Class 5 Heifer, born on or between 1 August & 31 December 2023
1st 255 Denizes Wilde – Barlow Brothers
Class 6 Heifer, born on or between 1 April & 31 July 2023
1st 256 Denizes Eunice – Barlow Brothers
Denizes Eunice 5th
2nd 257 Heathbrow Precious- Holly Grant
Class 7 Heifer, born on or between 1 January & 31 March 2023
1st 258 Fircovert Peggy – Paul Gunther
2nd 260 Storersmith Puzzle – Storersmith Simmentals
3rd 259 Vale Royal Annies Princess – R E & S H W Steggles
Class 9 Cow, born in 2020 or 2021 in milk or certified in calf at the time of the show
1st 261 Scotland Hill Ivy Molly – R E & S H W Steggles
Scotland Hill Ivy Molly from the Wacton herd.
Class 10 Cow, born before 1 January 2020 in milk or certified in calf at the time of the show
1st 262 Denizes Trixie Belle – Barlow Brothers
Class 12 Bull, born on or after 1 July & 31 August 2024
1st 267 Holtick Rampage – M V Hicks & Sons
Hotlick Rampage
2nd 266 Denizes Rocketman – Barlow Brothers
3rd 265 Denizes Razzamatazz – Barlow Brothers
Class 13 Bull, born on or after 1 April & 30 June 2024
1st 275 Popes Randolph – J H & V G Wood
2nd 270 Popes Russian – J H & V G Wood
3rd 271 Popes Rollo – J H & V G Wood
Class 14 Bull, born on or between 1 January & 31 March 2024
1st 280 Cade Romeo – PA & SM Cade
Cade Romeo
2nd 279 Fishpool Rocky – T & J Hassall
Class 15 Bull, born in 2023
1st 281 Wacton Peroni – Peter Hatton
Wacton Peroni, Reserve Senior Male, and Class 15 winner
2nd 282 Fircovert Peacock – Paul Gunther
Class 16 Bull, born on or before 31 December 2022
1st 283 Storersmith Navarone – Storersmith Simmentals
Champion Female
252 Cade Kathleens Rockstar, PA & SM Cade
Reserve Female Champion
258 Fircovert Peggy, Paul Gunther
Male Champion
283 Storersmith Navarone, Storersmith Simmentals
Reserve Male Champion
275 Popes Randolph, J H & V G Wood
Junior Champion
252 Cade Kathleens Rockstar, P A & S M Cade
Reserve Junior Champion
275 Popes Randolph, J H & V G Wood
Overall Champion
283 Storersmith Navarone, Storersmith Simmentals
Reserve Overall Champion
252 Cade Kathleens Rockstar
Pairs
1st Marcus Searle
2nd J H & V G Wood
3rd R E & S H W Steggles
Group of 4
1st J H & V G Wood
2nd R E & S H W Steggles
Winning Group of Four from the Popes herd. From the left: Popes Rhea; Popes Nellys Prudence; Popes Diamonds Ritzi; Popes Russian
by Iain | Aug 5, 2025 | 2025 National Shows, 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025
James Hodge’s Denizes Melody 62nd takes Reserve Overall Supreme and Junior Champion
Grangewood Robert The Bruce Wins Overall male Championship
She’s only gone and done it again! The amazing Annick Ginger’s Lucia, from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, Banffshire, extended her remarkable show record when winning the Overall Simmental Supreme Championship, and Female Championship, at the 2025 Scottish National Show, held within Perth Show, on Saturday 2nd August.
Senior Female, Female & Overall Supreme Champion, Annick Ginger’s Lucia
The win was a second successive Overall Supreme at the Scottish Simmental National, and confirmed a second successive ‘major’ double with the February 2020 born, Annick Ginger’s Lucia having won the Royal Highland in June (for a third year in a row). Ginger’s Lucia is sired by Wolfstar Gold Digger 15 and is out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger EX 93, a Corskie Callum 11 daughter. She has been shown this year with her April 2025 born bull calf at foot, Backmuir Sirius 25, sired by Backmuir King 19.
For the prolific Backmuir herd, it was another strong team that secured a welter of Scottish Simmental National Show prizes and including: Overall Champion; Female Champion; Senior Female Champion; Reserve Senior Female; and four class wins in all. Placing as Reserve Senior Female Champion was Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg, and who is of course the same way bred being also out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger EX 93, and sired by Wolfstar Gold Digger. Nutmeg was also a class winner at this years Royal Highland and featured in the herd’s winning Group of Three.
Judge for the day was Garrett Behan of the noted Clonagh herd, Ballyfin, Co Laois and who was full of praise for his Champion: “This is a fantastic Simmental cow and I loved every bit of her. She has everything I like in a female having a great head, being very feminine through the neck and shoulders, and carrying herself extremely well when walking out. She has great length to her and has a real presence. From behind she has super plates, and carried her width down the leg and into the hock. She’s terrific and it’s big congratulations to the breeder.”
Of the show generally, Garrett Behan went on to say: “I’d really like to thank the Scottish Simmental Club for the opportunity to judge the National Show. It was a great honour for me and was nice to be on the other side of the fence to so many great breeders and cattle people. A special mention also to the committees of both the Club and Perth Show for their super hospitality.”
Judge Garrett Behan, left, with Reece Simmers, and Jonathan Gunn
In a general comment, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s Iain Kerr said: “What a truly incredible cow Annick Ginger’s Lucia is and again, on behalf of all members of the Society it’s a massive congratulations to Reece and Andrew, and all at Backmuir, for their management of her and achievements over the last three years at both the Royal Highland, the Scottish National, and other major shows. The profile she has brought to the Backmuir herd, and the breed, is really remarkable and she’s another female who has written her own significant chapter in the history of the Simmental breed.”
Within a quality show of Simmentals, and marking a fantastic debut as an exhibitor at the Scottish Simmental National Show, the April 2024 heifer Denizes Melody 62nd from the emerging Goldstar herd of Ayrshire’s James Hodge, Dundonald, took the Overall Reserve Supreme, Reserve Female, and Junior Champion titles. Sired by Hiltonstown Lorenzo, Melody 62nd was purchased as a calf at foot along with her mum, the then nine-year-old Denizes Melody 22nd, for 7000gns at the Production Sale of the Denizes Herd of MA Barlow & Sons, Lancashire, held at Stirling in October 2024. Of his Overall Reserve, Garrett Behan said: “My Reserve is a young female with a great future ahead. At just 15/16 months old she oozed style and shape and is a super Simmental heifer”. Speaking afterwards James Hodge said: “We showed last year at Stars of the Future but this is our first summer show season, and first Scottish National so to win what we have today is just amazing. I saw Melody as a calf at foot at the Denizes Production Sale and she just really caught my eye. She’s gone on and matured into the quality type of heifer I had envisaged. With the breeding behind her I very much hope she will be a foundation female for the herd to build around. The aim from here is to get her in-calf in the backend and with a view to showing her again through next summer.”
Junior Female, Reserve Female & Reserve Overall Champion Denizes Melody 62nd
Winning the Male Championship, and Junior Male Championship, was the February 2024 born calf Grangewood Robert The Bruce from Mr & Mrs Andrew & Yvonne Leedham, Boghead Farm, Tarbolton, Ayrshire. This bull is by the herd’s noted stock bull Ranfurly Impeccable 14 17 (ET) EX94, and is out of the homebred Grangewood Gretal’s Lyla VG87, a Grangewood Glenlivet daughter. At the 2024 Borderway Agri Expo Simmental Youngstock Show at Carlisle, Grangewood Robert The Bruce stood as Reserve Junior Champion. Described by the judge as a ‘very long, muscular bull, with great power and shape for his age, who carried himself very well in the ring’, he will now take aim at the October 2025 Stirling Simmental Bull Sale. Ranfurly Impeccable was also the sire of the herd’s Grangewood Platinum who sold for 20,000gns at Carlisle in May. The Grangewood herd also secured a further red ticket for their bull Grangewood Romeo. June 2024 born, Romeo, who carries terrific figures for calving ease, and is being provisionally aimed at Stirling in February 2026 , is one of the first sons by the Grangewood herd’s stock bull Overhill House Neil who was purchased for 16,000gns, also at Stirling, in May 2023. It was a top day, at what was a second Scottish Simmental National Show, for the well-known 40 breeding female Grangewood herd who relocated from North Yorkshire to Ayrshire, in March of this year.
Male Champion and Junior Male Champion, Grangewood Robert the Bruce
Standing second in his class to the Male Champion and following him through to take the Reserve Male Championship, and Reserve Junior Male Championship, was Coltfield Result from regular exhibitor JC MacIver, Wester Coltfield Farm, Forres, Moray. March 2024 born, this calf is by the AI sire Islavale Guy 15, who has sired bulls up to 17,000gns, and is out of Coltfield Kit Kat VG 85, sired by Rockytop Invader 17 EX 92. This was the first cow that Cameron had AI’d by himself and hence the name ‘Result’! Rockytop Invader 17 EX 92 himself has produced good bulls for the herd, and has consistently produced quality females that are now at the heart of the 40 breeding female Coltfield herd. A bull with ‘width, great over his top and loin, with good depth of body, plates, good on his tail head, and with a top eye muscle score’, Coltfield Result is another young bull who will be heading to the Stirling Simmental Sale in October.
Reserve Junior Male & Reserve Male Champion Coltfield Result
Another Ayrshire herd to feature on the day was the Bowhill herd of Rachael Reid, D&R Holdings, Low Bowhill Farm, Newmiln and who took the Reserve Junior Female Championship with Bowhill Ruth. This yearling heifer, born 8th August 2024, is got by the 30,000gns Denizes Lancelot, and is out of Overhill House Mary, a heifer bought for £4000 in a charity auction with all proceeds going to charities helping children from the conflict in Ukraine. Of his Reserve Junior Female, Garret Behan said: “I have to give an honorary mention to this young heifer. Still only a baby at 12 months but what a female for her age. She has a lovely head, great length and tremendous plates, and for sure will make a super breeding female”.
Reserve Junior Female Champion, Bowhill Ruth
Other herds doing the business on the day included the Pitmudie herd of Heather Duff, Menmuir, By Brechin, who secured two first prizes in the heifer classes with Pitmudie Pandora (P), a Slievenagh International 17 (PP) daughter, and also with Pitmudie Primrose, a Hiltonstown Irish 17 (ET) daughter who was Junior Female Champion at last year’s Scottish Simmental National Show. There was also a ‘double first’ for the Caithness herd of Jenson Sinclair Gunn, Mavsey, Lybster, Caithness. First up was Caithness Samson, a Kilbride Farm Majestic 21 (P), son who took first in the class for Calf born in the year of the show. This was then followed up by a win in the Pairs for the herd’s Caithness Nymph & Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso.
The Scottish Simmental National Show brings to a close the Simmental Nationals held in the year. Congratulations to all of the exhibitors who have taken part and ensured that the Simmental breed has been so well promoted around the UK!
Overall Championship Presentations: Annick Ginger’s Lucia,
& Denizes Melody 62nd
Male Championship Grangewood Robert the Bruce,
& Coltfield Result
Junior Female Championship Denizes Melody 62nd, &
Bowhill Ruth
Scottish Simmental National Show Results 2025
Judge: Garrett Behan, Ballyfin, Co Laois.
Class 17 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2024
1st Andrew Leedham Grangewood Robert the Bruce 24
2nd Cameron Maciver Coltfield Result 24
3rd Heather Duff Pitmudie Rolex 24
Class 18 Bull born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2024
1st Andrew Leedham Grangewood Romeo 24
Class 18 Bull born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2024 Grangewood Romeo
2nd Heather Duff Pitmudie Rambo 24
3rd Heather Duff Pitmudie Rafferty 24
4th Heather Duff Pitmudie Rockstar 24
5th J & E Dyet Merkland Regent 24
6th J & E Dyet Merkland Rocco 24
Class 20 Senior cow born before 31st July 2021
1st Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Class 21 Junior Cow on or born between 1st August 2021 and 31st July 2022
1st Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
Reserve Senior Female Champion Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
2nd Jonathan Gunn Caithness Nymph
3rd Jonathan Gunn Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso
Class 22 Heifer born on or between 1st August 2022 and 31st March 2023.
1st Heather Duff Pitmudie Pandora (P)
Class 22 Heifer born on or between 1st August 2022 and 31st March 2023. Pitmudie Pandora
Class 23 Heifer born between 1st April and 31st December 2023.
1st Heather Duff Pitmudie Primrose
Class 23 Heifer born between 1st April and 31st December 2023. Pitmudie Primrose
2nd Rachael Reid Bowhill Petal
3rd Cameron Maciver Coltfield Perfect
Class 24 Heifer born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2024
1st Reece Simmers Backmuir Lulu’s Rosalu
Class 24 Heifer born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2024 Backmuir Lulu’s Rosalu
2nd Reece Simmers Backmuir Lucia’s Rumba
3rd J & C Hodge Goldstar Ruby
Class 25 Heifer born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2024
1st J & C Hodge Denizes Melody 62nd
2nd Heather Duff Pitmudie Roselyn
3rd Heather Duff Pitmudie Rachel
Class 26 Heifer born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2024
1st Rachael Reid Bowhill Ruth
2nd M & J Macaskill Woodhall Raz
3rd M & J Macaskill Woodhall Ruby
4th M & J Macaskill Woodhall Rhianna
Class 27 Calf born in the year of the show
1st Jonathan Gunn Caithness Samson
Class 27 Calf born in the year of the show Caithness Samson
2nd Reece Simmers Backmuir Sirius
3rd Jonathan Gunn Overhill House Simmaron
4th Reece Simmers Backmuir Stuart
Class 28 Pairs
1st Jonathan Gunn Caithness Nymph & Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso
Pairs winners Caithness Nymph & Backmuir Kenzie’s Nespresso
2nd Reece Simmers Backmuir Lulu’s Rosalu and Backmuir Lucia’s Rumba
3rd M & J Macaskill Woodhall Ruby & Woodhall Rhianna
4th Heather Duff Pitmudie Primrose & Pitmudie Roselyn.
Junior Male Champion
Andrew Leedham Grangewood Robert the Bruce
Reserve Junior Male Champion
Cameron Maciver Coltfield Result
Junior Female Champion
J & C Hodge Denizes Melody 62nd
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Rachael Reid Bowhill Ruth
Senior Female Champion
Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Reserve Senior Female Champion
Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
Female Champion
Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Reserve Female Champion
J & C Hodge Denizes Melody 62nd
Champion Male
Andrew Leedham Grangewood Robert the Bruce
Reserve Champion Male
Cameron Maciver Coltfield Result
Overall Champion
Reece Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Reserve Overall Champion
J & C Hodge Denizes Melody 62nd
by Nicky Moreton | Aug 1, 2025 | 2025 National Shows, 2025 Northern Ireland News, 2025 News, 2025
- Ballinalare Farm Nikita wins Individual Interbreed Overall Reserve
- Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5 takes Overall Reserve, and Junior Champion
The all-conquering first calved heifer Ballinalare Farm Nikita from Joe & Alan Wilson, Newry, with her twin calves at foot, swept to a third consecutive NI Simmental National Show Overall Supreme title today at Clogher Valley Show. Judging the Simmental classes and Championships was John Barlow of the noted Denizes herd, Lancashire.
Overall Supreme & Female Champion Ballinalare Farm Nikita
The win for this February 2022 born Simmental female saw her complete a unique and remarkable double-hat trick having now won the Overall Supreme on three consecutive years at both the RUAS Balmoral Show, and the NI Simmental National Show. On her way through to the Championship at Clogher Valley she firstly also lifted the Female Championship. This first calved heifer is by the prolific Saltire Impressive and is out of Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa, a Denizes Fantastic daughter and herself a twin to a female. Another prolific show summer has seen Nikita win multiple interbreed titles at NI shows and she was again on the rostrum at Clogher when placing Overall Individual Interbreed Reserve in front of the judge Andrew Anderson, Smallburn Farms, Elgin.
Of his Overall Supreme Champion, the judge John Barlow said: “What a tremendous cow this is and a very worthy winner on the day. She’s just in tremendous condition with a fantastic bag of milk on her for a first calved heifer, doing her twin calves really well, and is back in calf again. With great width and a good top, she’s the perfect size and not too big, is very correct, and very mobile. Very much a super Simmental female.”
Judge John Barlow in action.
Also in attendance at the NI Simmental Natioanl Show was BSCS General Manager Iain Kerr who commented on the Ballinalare herd’s achievement: “On behalf of all at British Simmental, massive congratulations are extended to the Wilson family. To win the Championship award three years in a row at Northern Ireland’s two premier Simmental Shows, as a maiden heifer through to today as a first calved heifer, is a remarkable achievement. Along the way she’s been up against some fantastic cattle in both the Simmental classes and then the Interbreeds. A terrific example of the modern Simmental she has firmly secured her place in the pantheon of Simmental breed history.”
Taking the Overall Reserve, Reserve Female, Performance Recorded Heifer, and Overall Junior Champion was Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5 WD & JD Hazelton, Cohannon House, Dungannon. March 2024 born, this heifer is by the 20,000gns Annick Talisker, and is the second calf out of the Team Celtic 11 daughter Ranfurly Weikel 37th L3 ™ VG 8. The Weikel family, established in 2003, has been one of the most influential dam lines in the 17-cow Ranfurly herd. The day’s Champion, and Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5 in Reserve, matched the final results at this years RUAS Balmoral Show held in May. Weikel 56th R5 has been shown four times this year at Balmoral, Omagh, Castlewellan, and now Clogher, and has been unbeaten in her class. Plans at this early stage are to show her again next year as a senior heifer. Confirming another good day, the Ranfurly herd also won the junior heifer class with the stylish September 2024 born Ranfurly Jade. Full of breeding this calf is by the 16,000gns Ranfurly Limelight and is out of Raceview Mindy Hibernia, bought for the herd due to the back pedigree featuring the noted Raceview Misty Jade. A prolific show and sale herd, the Ranfurly herd won the Overall Supreme, and Reserve Overall at the 2019 NI Simmental National Show and when Michael Barlow, John’s father, was judging!
Ranfurly Weikel 56th, Overall Reserve, Junior Champion, & Reserve Female Champion
Speaking of the 2025 reserve Overall Ranfurly Weikel 56th, John Barlow said: “This heifer carried lots of style, had a real presence in the ring, and was show fit. Full of correctness with good mobility, she was a heifer that was hard to fault.”
Proving to be a knockout in the bulls was the July 2024 Bridgewater Farm Rocky (P), from Nigel Glasgow, Cookstown, Co Tyrone who lifted the Male Championship and also the Reserve Junior award. This young heterozygous polled bull is by the AI sire Ranfurly Klinker, a Team Celtic son, and is out of the homebred Bridgewater Farm Phyliss 4th, an Atlow Dixon 12 EX 91 daughter going back to Anatrim Bodybuilder. Of his Male Champion, John Barlow commented: “This was a standout Male Champion. With lots of class and style he’s a growthy bull and I think he’s a big prospect for the Spring Sales next year.” In addition to the Male Championship at Clogher, Bridgewater Farm Rocky (P) has had class wins at both Omagh, and Armagh Shows and collective results that have put him firmly in the running to be the NI Simmenal Male of the Year. The 30 breeding female Bridgewater Farm herd has a good track record at both shows and sales and including a Reserve Supreme at Balmoral, and a Junior Champion at the Stirling Bull Sales. Speaking afterwards, Nigel Glasgow confirmed that Bridgewater farm Rocky (P) will be aimed at Stirling in February 2026.
Male Champion & Reserve Junior Champion, Bridgewater Farm Rocky
Making a fantastic NI Simmental National Show debut was Ryan Gilmour, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, who won the largest class of some ten young bulls on the day, before going on to take the Reserve Male Championship, with the September 2024 born Gillview Rocket. Another Saltire Impressive son, Rocket is out of the second calver Gillview Lady Lauren, a Kilbride Farm Bantry 10 embryo daughter going back to Hillcrest Champion, and whose first heifer calf is retained in the herd. Unbeaten in his show classes to date, this was only Gillview Rocket’s second show outing having previously being judged first in his class at Castlewellan Show. For the ten breeding female Gillview herd this is their biggest show accolade to date and speaking afterwards, a delighted Ryan Gilmour said: “He’s a bull calf with style, power, and a lovely head, and we’ll now give a little thought to forward plans for him and taking aim at the Spring Sales in 2026.” Ryan is also the NI Simmental Club’s Secretary, and works full time for the NI Department of Agriculture.
Reserve Male Champion, Gillview Rocket
Echoing Ryan’s thoughts on Gillview Rocket, John Barlow said: “This was a big class of bulls and both the first and second prize winners have big futures ahead. The Gillview bull had real length to him, was soft fleshing, had a tremendous breed head, and carried a lot of show presence.”
Taking second in this class was Lisglass Real Deal from JL & CJ Weatherup, Ballyclare, Co Antrim. Another Saltire Impressive son, this September 2024 born bull out of Lisglass Klassy, a Dermotstown Delboy ET EX 92 daughter, was crowned Male Champion at the 2025 RUAS Balmoral in May. The Lisglass herd enjoyed a top day at Clogher with a class win for their Intermediate heifer Dermody Royal Lucy, and wins in both the Pairs, and Group of Three classes.
The Simmental judging was rounded off with two well supported and terrific classes for Young Handlers. Showing loads of enthusiasm and great abilities the respective classes were won by Lewis Dodd (Craigy Herd); and Rhys Rodgers (Hiltonstown Herd).
Overall Championship presentation Ballinalare Farm Nikita & Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5
Female Championship presentation Ballinlare Farm Nikita & Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5
Junior Championship presentation Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5 & Bridgewater Farm Rocky
NI SIMMENTAL NATIONAL SHOW RESULTS 2025
Judge: John Barlow, Denizes Herd, Lancashire
CLASS 162 (COW OR HEIFER IN MILK)
1ST BALLINLARE FARM NIKITA (429)
CLASS 164 (INTERMEDIATE HEIFER 1/07/23 – 31/12/23)
1ST DERMODY ROYAL LUCY (431)
Dermody Royal Lucy
2ND BRIDGEWATER FARM WISTERIA 4th (430)
CLASS 165 (JUNIOR HEIFER 01/01/24 – 30/04/24)
1ST RANFURLY WEIKEL 56TH R5 (434)
2ND CRAIGY BEATRICE R1 (432)
3RD MULLYNOCK RITA (436)
4TH MULLYNOCK RUTH (437)
CLASS 166 (JUNIOR HEIFER 01/05/24 – 31/08/24)
1ST BALLINALARE FARM RITZ (438)
Ballinalare Farm Ritz
2ND LISGLASS ROSE (439)
3RD BALLINALARE FARM REGAL (440)
CLASS 167 (JUNIOR HEIFER 01/09/24 – 31/12/24)
1ST RANFURLY JADE 2ND R13 (441)
Ranfurly Jade 2nd Class 167, Junior Heifer born on or between 1st September and 31st December 2024
2ND HAYSTAR BEAUTY 4 (443)
CLASS 168 (HEIFER CALF BORN IN 2025)
1ST COOLCRAN LADY SHAKIRA (445)
Coolcran Lady Shakira
2ND MULLYNOCK SUSIE (447)
3RDGORTDONAGHY SHE’S THE ONE (448)
4TH MULLYNOCK SALLY (446)
CLASS 169 (HEIFER PERFORMANCE RECORDED)
1st RANFURLY WEIKEL 56TH
CLASS 170 (CHAMPION FEMALE)
FEMALE CHAMPION – (429) BALLINLARE FARM NIKITA
RESERVE FEMALE CHAMPION – (434) RANFURLY WEIKEL 56TH R5
CLASS 172 (JUNIOR BULL 01/01/24 – 30/04/24)
1ST HAYSTAR ROMEO (449)
CLASS 173 (JUNIOR BULL 01/05/24 – 31/08/24)
1ST BRIDGEWATER FARM ROCKY (453)
2ND HAYSTAR ROUND ONE (451)
3RD HILLHEAD FARM REDEMPTION (452)
CLASS 174 (JUNIOR BULL 01/09/24 – 31/12/24)
1ST GILLVIEW ROCKET (460)
2ND LISGLASS REAL DEAL (455)
3RD DRUMSAMNEY RORY (454)
4TH COOLCRAN RAFIKI (457)
5TH GILLVIEW RANGER (461)
6TH HILTONSTOWN RIPTIDE (458)
CLASS 175 (BULL CALVE BORN IN 2025)
1ST MULLYNOCK SCORPIO (466)
Mullyknock Scorpio Class 175 Bull Calf born in 2025
2ND DRUMSAMNEY SAMSON (465)
CLASS 176 (DANI ROSEBOWL PERFORMANCE RECORDED BULL)
1ST COOLCRAN RAFIKI
Coolcran Rafiki Class 176 & Dani Rosebowl Performance Recorded Bull
2ND HILLHEAD FARM REDEMPTION
CLASS 177 (MALE CHAMPIONSHIP)
CHAMPION MALE – (453) BRIDGEWATER FARM ROCKY
RESERVE CHAMPION MALE – (460) GILLVIEW ROCKET
CLASS 178 (JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP)
JUNIOR CHAMPION – (434) RANFURLY WEIKEL 56TH R5
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION – (453) BRIDGEWATER FARM ROCKY
CLASS 179 (OVERALL SIMMENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP)
OVERALL CHAMPION – (429) BALLINLARE FARM NIKITA
CLASS 180 (PAIRS)
1ST LISGLASS
Lisglass Pairs winners
2ND MULLYNOCK
3RD BRIDGEWATER FARM
4TH RANFURLY
5TH GILLVIEW
CLASS 181 (GROUP OF 3)
1ST LISGLASS
Group of 3 Winners Lisglass
2ND GILLVIEW
CLASS 182 (YOUNG HANDLERS 8-12)
1ST LEWIS DODD
Young Handlers 8 to 12, Lewis Dodd
2ND CHARLIE CAHOON
3RD TIMOTHY RAINEY
4TH LUCY HAZELTON
CLASS 183 (YOUNG HANDLERS 13 – 18 )
1ST RHYS RODGERS
Young Handler 13 to 18 Rhys Rodgers
2ND LEXIE WILSON
3RD JAMIE DODD
by Nicky Moreton | Jul 28, 2025 | 2025 Royal Welsh Show, 2025 Welsh News, 2025 News, 2025
Treverbyn Roxi takes Female Championship and Overall Reserve
Crugmelyn Rynys wins Reserve Male Championship
Simmental Team Wins Interbreed Young Handler Pairs
Banwy Rambo places 3rd in the Elite Junior Bull Interbreed
Multiple births have been a bit of a theme in the Simmental breed at this year’s summer shows and was the case again at the Royal Welsh Show held at Builth Wells, Llanellwedd between 21st-24th July. Winning the Overall Supreme Championship, in front of the judge Richard Storer Smith of the noted Storersmith pedigree herd, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, was Gethin and Enfys Lloyd, Glanrhyd, Carmarthen, with their twin bull calf Crugmelyn Rglen. Lifting the Male Championship and Overall Reserve was his twin brother, Crugmelyn Rynys.
Crugmelyn Rglen, Overall Supreme Champion, and Male Champion
The twin bull calves, July 2024 born, are by the noted AI sire Auchorachan Hercules, and are out of Crugmelyn Lynwen, a Heywood Granite daughter. It was an emotional win for the Lloyds with it being their first Overall Supreme at the Royal Welsh and having not shown for a number of years at Builth Wells. Crugmelyn Lynwen is also the last remaining cow in the herd and just due to a downsizing through farming circumstances. The poignancy of the win was due to the calves having been born on the 1st July, which was also the 90th birthday of Enfys’s mum. The calves were subsequently named after her and if you drop the year letter R from both, and combine the two names, you have ‘Glenyrys’. Sadly Glenyrys has passed away since then and hence a few tears in memory, and happiness, were shed by the family in the show ring.
Crugmelyn Rglynys, Reserve Male & Overall Reserve Champion
Commenting afterwards, Gethin Lloyd said: “It’s been an amazing day and winning our home Royal Welsh Show is so special, and with the story behind our ‘two little boys’. In coming to the show the twin bulls are so well matched that we thought they had a chance of winning the Pairs but really never expected this, it’s by far the high point of our showing career.” A little time is required now for everything to sink in and decisions to be made as to next steps with these ‘top twins’.
Speaking of his Supreme Champion, the judge Richard Storer Smith said: At twelve months old, this is just a smart, very modern young Simmental bull and of a type for today’s market. He’s well fleshed, very square, has width through his top, and is good on his plates. He has very good carcase characteristics, will put width into the backend, and I’m sure will be an easy calving bull. His twin shared very similar characteristics and two very good young Simmental bulls.” For good measure, these young bulls duly teamed up to win the Simmental Pairs title.
Treverbyn Roxi, Overall Supreme Reserve Champion, and Female Champion
Lifting the Overall Reserve title, and the Female Championship, was the heifer Treverbyn Roxi from Ant Hart, Carloggas Farm, St Austell, Cornwall. This February 2024 born heifer is by Skylark Geronimo, and is out of Coose Nicole 2nd. Remarkably this was Roxi’s first time in the show ring and having only been broken some three weeks prior to the show. Of his Overall Reserve, Richard Storer Smith said: “My Female Champion is a very sweet, feminine Simmental heifer. She has good length to her, is very level across the top, and moved extremely well. Very showy with plenty of style, she has plenty of future to her.”
The Treverbyn herd has had a prolific show season with their team around the UK, and the Reserve Overall added to that in what was a first time showing at the Royal Welsh. Thea Woollatt from GH Farming, Chepstow, was once again in charge of showing the team. Further success was to follow for the GH Farming Team when Beth Snape, and Jorjia Snook-Bevis lifted the prestigious Interbreed Cattle Young Handler Pairs title on day three of the show. Beth and Jorjia both joined GH Farming last year and this summer have been helping Thea with the Treverbyn show cattle. During the judging, Beth was handling Treverbyn Peace, and Jorjia had Treverbyn Pandora. Both heifers are in-calf and this was their last show of the summer before going on ‘maternity leave’. Judging this interbreed was Johnny Ward, Wardean, Somerset.
Hallway Diamond’s Pearl, Reserve Female Champion
Taking the Reserve Simmental Female Championship was the heifer Hallway Diamond’s Pearl from Barry Harding, and his daughter Lizzie, Cornerfields Farm, Uxbridge, Buckinghamshire. February 2023 born, Diamond’s Pearl is by Fairymount Lancer, and is out of Hallway Gem VG 85, an Islavale Debonair 2 12. Hallway Diamond’s Pearl is in-calf to the noted AI bull Sterling Gino.
Other Simmental highlights saw the young bull Banwy Rambo from Dafydd Jones, Maesllymystyn, Welshpool take a very credible third in the Elite Junior Bull Interbreed. April 2024 born, Rambo is by PHS Polled Worldwide 14W (P), and is out of the entirely homebred Banwy Marigold, a Banwy Jackpot daughter.
Male Championship presentation, Crugmelyn Twins bulls
Female Championship Presentation
by Iain | Jul 16, 2025 | 2025 Great Yorkshire Show, 2025 North East News, 2025 News, 2025
- Denizes Trixie Belle wins Overall Individual Supreme Interbreed
- Simmental Wins Interbreed Team of Four
Super Simmentals sizzled in the sun at the 2025 Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate, 8th – 11th July, with the breed lifting the blue riband Interbreed Overall Individual Beef Supreme, and also the Interbreed Beef Team of Four.
Leading from the front, and again ‘wowing’ the crowds, was the star of the week in the shape of Denizes Trixi Belle, from Michael and John Barlow, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, shown with her unique triplet heifer calves. This incredible seven-year-old cow won the Simmental Supreme Championship in front of the breed judge Michael Durno of the noted Auchorachan herd, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Come Interbreed time in front of a packed ringside it was the turn of Mrs Brenda Wear, Blagdon, to tremendous applause, give the Overall Individual Beef Supreme Championship to Denizes Trixi Belle. Ring commentator, and well known auctioneer, Ted Ogden captured the sentiment of the crowd when saying, “we have never seen a cow with heifer triplets before being shown at the Great Yorkshire let alone winning the Show’s Supreme Championship. What an outfit, and well done to the Barlows.”
Denizes Trixi Belle, Overall Individual Interbreed Champion and Simmental Supreme Champion
The Simmental judging was held on the second day of the show and with a good quality entry of 20 Simmentals in front of Michael Durno. Played out in the morning sun and before the heat was truly turned up, Denizes Trixi Belle took the first step in her amazing show week when winning the Simmental Championship. Of his Champion, unique in so many ways, Michael Durno said: “We’ve seen the whole statement about the Simmental breed today in what it can offer maternally, and its terminal qualities. The Champion as a cow and in what she’s doing is really something. She’s big and correct in herself, carrying flesh whilst at the same time producing an abundance of milk, and rearing three calves! Not extreme, she has a tremendous top is very quare and good on her plates, has good legs and really walked. A good Champion and a tremendous outfit.”
Simmental ‘Supermum’ Denizes Trixi Belle with her triplet heifer calves
Not finished there, Denizes Trixi Belle then teamed up with Fircovert Peacock, Fircovert Peggy, and Fircovert Rowenna, all from Paul Gunther, Felthorpe, Norwich, to win the prestigious Interbreed Beef Team of Four Championship. For the record, Denizes Trixi Belle’s prize list saw her win the Overall Simmental Supreme; Simmental Female Championship; the Overall Individual Interbreed Beef Supreme; part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four; and Reserve Interbreed Beef Pair.
Winning Simmental Interbreed Team of Four
The 80-cow Denizes herd has been prolific at Simmental Sales across the UK with a run of top prices, section wins, and a Championship win at Stirling. Two Overall Supreme Championships have been secured at the Royal Highland. However these wins at the Great Yorkshire were a first for the herd at one of the summer ‘majors’ in England. Commenting, John Barlow said: “It’s been an amazing show week and we’re humbled and delighted to win these Championships at the Great Yorkshire and with such an incredible cow. Showing Trixi Belle, and with her three heifer calves, has been really special, and it’s something unique that we may never see again in a show ring. The reaction and attention from fellow breeders, farmers, and the general public both at shows and world wide across the internet has been unbelievable and made it all so worthwhile. Winning these awards is really icing on the cake in what has been a memorable week for the family.”
Individual Interbreed Championship Presentation
With a little perspective, the odds of a cow naturally having and delivering triplet heifer calves are roughly 800,000-1! The triplet calves were all part of a natural production cycle with Trixie Belle having been served naturally, and all three heifer calves being born with little assistance.
With all three calves in top order, it is estimated that Denizes Trixie Belle 15 is producing some 30+ litres of milk per day which is not far off in line with the typical daily production of a dairy cow. A remarkable lady indeed!
Taking the Overall Reserve Supreme; Reserve Female Championship; and Overall Junior Champion were the East Anglian brother and sister team, and first time exhibitors at the Great Yorkshire, Marcus & Helen Searle, Kenninghall, Norwich with their heifer Guiltcross Ritzy. With some terrific breeding behind her, this classy young heifer is out of Brandane Kirsty who she was shown at foot with last year when ‘mum’ won the Simmental Championship and Interbreed titles at both the Suffolk and Royal Norfolk Shows. Ritzy is sired by the well known Woodhall Ferrari. Speaking afterwards, Helen Searle said: “Ritzy has been a special calf from day one and we just think she’s a very modern, stylish Simmental heifer. We’ve had a great week here in Harrogate and to win what we have in our first time at the show, and against some esteemed herds, is just fantastic.” Echoing and adding to these sentiments, the judge Michael Durno said: “My Overall Reserve had length to her, carried good carcase characteristics, had a terrific top line, and is a very modern heifer. She had flesh and style, was a good colour and is just the type of heifer you’d love to have at home. She has all the makings to turn into a super cow.” Next stop for Guiltcross Ritzy will be the upcoming Simmental English National Show within the Royal Lancashire later this month.
Guiltcross Ritzy, Overall Simmental Reserve Supreme, Reserve Simmental female, and Simmental Junior Champion
Another herd to enjoy a hugely successful show, and continue a fine 2025 summer run, was the Fircovert herd of another Norwich based breeder in the shape of the aforementioned Paul Gunther, Felthorpe. A little roll call of highlights saw the Fircovert herd win the Simmental Male Championship; have three animals in the winning Interbreed Team of Four; feature in the Reserve Interbreed Pair; and win the Simmental Group of Three.
Taking the Simmental Male Championship, and featuring in the Interbreed Team and Interbreed Pair, was the January 2023 born Fircovert Peacock which was ably shown by Holly Lutkin. A Clonagh Latin Lover son this bull is out of Fircovert Kitty, a Horsfordmanor Bonus daughter. Peacock continues to strut his stuff in what has been a prolific summer with these latest wins adding to major titles at the Royal Norfolk; South of England; Suffolk; and South Suffolk Shows. Of his male Champion, Michael Durno said: This is a big, straight bull with his scale and muscling demonstrating the weight gain characteristics the Simmental breed is well known for. He had presence in the ring and walked extremely well.” In general comments the judge went on to say: “Today we have seen the maternal traits in the females along with eh beef qualities in the males. Commercially, whatever the system these dual purpose qualities bring versatility and add value.”
Fircovert Peacock, Simmental Male Champion, and part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four
Also in the winning Team of Four was the January 2023 born Fircovert Peggy, winner of the class for heifers born in that year. Peggy is by Williams Kaboom 19 and is out of Fircovert Ina, a Burghbridge Bradley 10 daughter. The fourth member of the winning Interbreed Team was Fircovert Rowenna, who had stood second in her class to the Junior Champion. January 2024 born, Fircovert Rownenna is entirely homebred being sired by Fircovert John, and out of Fircovert Ianthe, a Fircovert Chester 11 daughter.
Back in the bulls and standing Reserve Overall Male, and Reserve Junior Champion was the young shapely bull, Popes Rector 24 from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston. This April 2024 born bull is by the herd’s €52,000 stock bull Clonagh Lucky Explorer, and is out of Popes Dolls Lucy, a Camus Harold daughter whose breeding features Sterling Doll’s Holly purchased at the Boddington Dispersal Sale. Standing second in the same class was team mate Popes Rollo 24, another Clonagh Lucky Explorer son, and this time out of Popes Nellys Gypsy. Both of these Popes bulls are aimed at the October 2024 Stirling Simmental Bull Sales.
Popes Rector, Reserve Overall Simmental Male Champion, and Reserve Junior Champion
2025 Great Yorkshire Show
Judge Michael Durno, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch
Simmental Results
Class 81 BULL born before 1 January 2024
1st Mr P Gunther Fircovert Peacock
Class 82 BULL born on or after 1st January 2024
1st Messrs JH VG Wood Popes Rector 24
2nd Messrs JH VG Wood Popes Rollo 24
3rd Mr D Saunders Maidenlands Rolo 24 (PP)
4th Mrs MH Clarke Newbiemains Rolls Royce
5th MA Barlow & Sons Denizes Ringmaster
6th Mr R Tremayne Osogood Rio
7th Mrs MH Clarke Williams Ronald
Class 83 COW OR HEIFER in-calf or with calf at foot, having had a certified calf before attaining the age of three years
1st MA Barlow & Sons Denizes Trixi-Belle 16
Class 84 HEIFER born in 2023
1st Mr P Gunther Fircovert Peggy
Fircovert Peggy, first prize winner and part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four
2nd MA Barlow & Sons Denizes Eunice 5th
Class 85 HEIFER born in 2024
1st Mr M Searle Guiltcross Ritzy
2nd Mr P Gunther Fircovert Rowenna
Fircovert Rowenna, part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four
3rd Mr M Searle Guiltcross Razzle Dazzle
4th Mr G Scrivens Ranfurly Weikel 55th
5th Mr G Scrivens Tapster Roxanne Star
6th Messrs JH VG Wood Popes Nellys Prudence
7th Messrs JH VG Wood Popes Tarkas Rosa
Class 86 GROUP OF THREE ANIMALS
1st Mr P Gunther
Fircovert Winning Group of Three
Class 87 PAIR OF ANIMALS
1st Mr M Searle
Guiltcross Wiining Pair, Guiltcross Razzle Dazzle, and Guiltcross Ritzy
2nd Mr P Gunther
Overall Supreme Champion
MA Barlow & Sons Denizes Trixi Belle 16
Reserve Supreme Champion
Mr M Searle Guiltcross Ritzy
Male Champion
Mr P Gunther Fircovert Peacock
Reserve Male Champion
Messrs JH VG Wood Popes Rector 24
Female Champion
MA Barlow & Sons Denizes Trixi Belle 16
Reserve Female Champion
Mr M Searle Guiltcross Ritzy
Junior Champion
Mr M Searle Guiltcross Ritzy
Reserve Junior Champion
Messrs JH VG Wood Popes Rector 24
by Iain | Jun 24, 2025 | 2025 Royal Highland Show, 2025 North West News, 2025 Scottish News, 2025 News, 2025
In its rich 203 year history, the Royal Highland Show has seen almost all there is to see in livestock showing until perhaps this year.
Catching the attention of farmers across the show, and the general public in attendance, was the unique sight of a seven year old pedigree Simmental cow with her three natural triplet heifer calves at foot!
With a real ‘wow’ factor, Denizes Trixie Belle 15 from Michael & John Barlow’s Lancashire based Denizes herd, Walton, Nr Leyland, captured the hearts of the crowd watching on as she was given centre stage in the main ring on Saturday 21st June. As quiet as can be she stood letting all three calves have a good suck as ring commentator Paul Gentry outlined to the crowd some facts regarding the spectacle in front of them.
Denizes Trixie Belle 15 with her triplet heifer calves
Triplet births are so rare in beef cattle that scientists have very little information to compile statistical data. However, the odds of it happening are estimated to be about one in more than 100,000. A little search on Google and through AI shows that the odds of a cow naturally having and delivering triplet heifer calves are roughly 1 in 800,000. If you add in that the Denizes Trixie Belle 15 was good enough to go an and earn a red ticket in the Simmental judging on the Thursday then the odds of the whole scenario just keep on rising!
Highlighting tremendous fertility, the triplet calves were all part of a natural production cycle with Trixie Belle having been served naturally, and all three heifer calves being born with little assistance.
Denizes Trixie Belle 15 herself weighed in at approximately 1000kgs. Add in the three calves at a combined 800kgs and you have a total outfit weight of over 1800kgs. With all three calves in robust, good order, it is estimated that Denizes Trixie Belle 15 will be producing some 30+ litres of milk per day which is not far off in line with the typical daily production of a dairy cow.
Denizes Trixie Belle taking centre stage on Saturday at the 2025 Royal Highland Show
Commenting, John Barlow said: “When these calves were born my dad said ‘right, we’re going to enter these to the Royal Highland’. I thought he was mad at the time but here we are and we’ve been blown away with the reaction to them! Trixie Belle was scanned with twins so triplets was more than a bit of a surprise. However she calved them with a little assistance from myself and they were quickly up and doing. It obviously took a lot out of mum but it’s amazing that she was carrying over 90+kgs of calves and which has turned into 800+kgs of live calves some eight months later. She’s a remarkable lady and we’re delighted and very proud to have shown her.”
Speaking on behalf of the British Simmental Cattle Society, Chris Martindale, the Society’s President congratulated the Denizes team and said: “Triplet heifer calves in a show ring at the Royal Highland was an amazing spectacle, probably never seen before in a UK show ring, and the likes of which we may never see again. It was one of those cross over events that all exhibitors from all breeds, farmers in attendance at the show, and the general public all wanted and were intrigued to see. We are very grateful to the Royal Highland for recognising the uniqueness of this and allowing Denizes Trixie Belle and her triplet calves to be given centre stage on Saturday. It was a special moment and very well received by all watching.”
September 2018 born, Denizes Trixie Belle 15 is by the herd’s prolific stock bull Denizes Hamish 16, himself a past Reserve Male Champion at the Royal Highland, and is out of Denizes Trixie Belle 8, an Ashland Tornado daughter. All three heifer calves were born on the 12th October 2024 and were sired by the well-known Saltire Impressive.
Going on tour, Denizes Trixie Belle 15 and her triplet calves will now head to the Great Yorkshire Show due to be held on 8th – 11th July at Harrogate.
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