by Iain | Jun 30, 2026 | 2026, 2026 National Shows, 2026 East Anglia News, 2026 News, Uncategorised
Denizes Nugget takes Overall Simmental Reserve Supreme
Brandane Savannah wins Simmental Junior Championship
Popes Princess Lumi and Denizes Nugget win Overall Interbreed Pairs
Denizes Nugget wins Overall Reserve Interbreed, and Male Continental Interbreed
Popes Princess Lumi Reserve Female Continental Interbreed
Simmentals place Reserve in Interbreed Team of Five
Simmentals also Reserve in Interbreed Group of Three
91 Simmental entries, the breed’s largest summer show entry
It was a ‘Simmental sizzler’ at a baking hot Royal Norfolk Show as a mighty entry of ninety-one Simmentals ‘wowed’ the crowds and lit up the 2026 Simmental English National Show. By general consensus it was a high-quality show and shining the brightest at the end of the day was the April 2020 born Popes Princess Lumi from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, who was given the Overall Simmental Supreme Championship nod by the judge, David Sapsed of the noted Heathbrow herd, at High Heath Farm, Hertfordshire.
Overall Supreme Champion, Popes Princess Lumi
Overall Champion Popes Princess LumiShown with her March 2026 born bull calf at foot, Popes Thunder a son of the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, it was a second Simmental English National Overall Championship win for Popes Princess Lumi and on top of her win in 2022, at the Royal Lancashire, when shown as an in-calf heifer. In that same year, Lumi also won the Overall Simmental Supreme at the Great Yorkshire Show. Full of breeding, Popes Princess Lumi is by the prolific AI bull Team Celtic 11 and is out of the herd’s much decorated show cow Popes Princess Cleo EX95, who herself has previously secured Overall Interbreed titles at both the Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh Shows respectively. Lumi’s granddam, Popes Nellys Princess was the Simmental Overall Supreme Champion at the blue riband Royal Show back in 2007 and, like her granddaughter, won the Royal Lancashire Show Interbreed in 2006. This female breeding line all goes back to Tintoside Nelly’s Wonder, a daughter of the breed’s highly noted Cloford Nelly.
Reserve Overall & Male Champion Denizes NuggetIt was a Popes herd Championship one-two with the herd’s stock bull Denizes Nugget winning the Male Championship before going on to place Overall Simmental Reserve Supreme. The June 2022 born Denizes Nugget, bred by M A Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, was purchased by the Woods for 37,000gns at Stirling in February 2024. Nugget is sired by the well-known Denizes Hamish, and is out of Ashland Topaz Janet, a Team Celtic daughter. One of the highlights of English National Show, Denizes Nugget originally came through a fantastic class of four quality senior Simmental bulls before moving on to his Championship honours.
Popes Princess Lumi & Denizes Nugget Simmental Champion & Reserve, & Interbreed Pair
A truly dynamic duo, Popes Princess Lumi and Denizes Nugget then teamed up on the second day of the show to win the Overall Interbreed Pairs title, and also to feature in the Reserve Interbreed Team of Five, and Reserve Interbreed Group of Three. Simmentals featured in six Interbreeds either as Champion or Reserve, and with other titles including: Reserve Female Continental (Popes Princess Lumi); Overall Individual Reserve Interbreed (Denizes Nugget); and Male Continental Interbreed Champion (Denizes Nugget).
It was a long but enjoyable day of concentration through some quality Simmental classes for the judge David Sapsed who was fulsome in his praise of the cattle and the exhibitors and said: “Firstly I would like to thank the Society for giving me the honour and privilege to judge this year’s English Simmental National Show. The quality of the cattle forward was fantastic from top to bottom. With large numbers forward it meant some classes were outstanding, especially the heifers – my line up of the nine female class winners was truly magnificent.”
David Sapsed, the judge for the day locked in on the job!
“The cows and calves are always a pleasure to judge and again, we had superb quality on show. My senior cow winner went on to be my breed champion, and I felt she really was a worthy winner. As she entered the ring I felt she had that charisma that Champions are made of – she was a well-balanced cow, full of quality, good locomotion for an above average size, and she had a lovely heifer calf following, just a terrific Simmental cow and calf.”
“On the day she was followed by the senior bull who came out of an outstanding older bull class, any of which would have been a worthy winner, and another quality line up in the Male Championship. However I felt that my Champions matched so well that it would be a massive advantage in the Interbreed competitions and so it proved.”
It was another terrific two days for the Popes herd who took an entry of ten cattle in all and returned home with a trunk full of prize booty! A little roll call of the herd’s show achievements included: Overall Simmental Supreme; Female Champion; Reserve Overall Supreme; Male Champion; Reserve Overall Individual Interbreed; Interbreed Continental Male Champion; Reserve Interbreed Group of Three; part of Reserve Interbreed Team of Five; Reserve Interbreed Female Champion; 1st in Intermediate Simmental Cow class; 2nd in first calved heifer class;; and a 3rd in class!
Reserve Overall Male Champion Cade Nugget, during the judging
The Reserve Overall Male Championship went to local breeders Chris & Zara Curson of the Hollybrook herd, at Hollybrook Farm, Dereham, with their February 2022 born bull Cade Nugget. With a bit of symmetry, this bull, bred by Paul & Sharrie Cade, Paddock Farm, Buckden, had won the Overall Male Championship, and Interbreed Continental Male Championship at the previous staging of the English National Show at the Royal Norfolk in 2023. Nugget is sired by Sacombe Jameson, and out of Brandane Kathleen, a Blackford Hurricane daughter. Commenting afterwards Chris Curson said: “Being so close to the showground we were again very keen to support the Simmental English National. Following Nugget’s exploits in 2023 we are thrilled for him to return three years later and win the Reserve Male amidst such strong competition, and given that we only took him off grass just a week ago! One of his daughters, Hollybrook Rosie, stood third in her heifer class and again we’re delighted with that as it was such a strong class and won by the eventual Reserve Female Champion.” It was a busy week for Zara Curson who as well as being hands on with the cattle also had made a superb job of organising the Simmental promotional marquee and the terrific hospitality within. A top job all round!
Overall Reserve Female Champion Atlow Rhian
Taking the Reserve Female Championship was the two-year-old heifer Atlow Rhian from David Donnelly, Hulland Ward, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and who went on to feature in the Reserve Interbreed Team of Five. April 2024 born this upstanding heifer is by Mullynock Gallant 15 (ET). Arriving at Norfolk with a show win behind her this year, Rhian’s only other outing had seen her win the Simmental Supreme Championship at the Staffordshire County Show. Bearing a strong likeness to her dam Atlow Bella Rose, and grand dam Atlow Valentines Lucinda, Atlow Rhian’s dam line goes back to the herd’s famous Atlow Rhians Valentine who was the first Simmental to win the Royal Show Interbreed on two occasions. The aim for Atlow Rhian, who is in calf to Broomfield Prancer, is that she will be left to ‘settle and grow on’ and, as a top end breeding female for the herd, won’t be shown next year. On the day the same way bred Atlow Senorita placed second in her class to the Junior Champion, and with this heifer being aimed at the Next Gen VI Sale in December at Carlisle.
Overall Junior Champion, & Junior Female Champion Brandane Savannah
Winning the Junior Heifer Championship, and Overall Junior Champion was the stylish young May 2025 born heifer Brandane Savannah from Jimmy McMillan, Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Full of breeding, Brandane Savannah is by Sterling Gino 15 and is out of Sterling Candy’s F.C.U.K. who has previously bred the 18,000gns Brandane Lu Lu sold at Next Gen in 2022, and Brandane Millie who was the Overall Simmental Supreme, and Reserve Individual Interbreed at the Royal Welsh in 2023. Brandane Savannah herself will be aimed at the Next Gen VI Sale being held at Carlisle on December 11th this year. Of Brandane Savannah the judge David Sapsed said: “My Junior Champion was a young heifer with a great future. She just oozes class and although there were other great heifers, her style, balance, and great locomotion won the day.” Wracking up the prizes, Brandane Savannah arrived at the Royal Norfolk having already won the Supreme Interbreed at Suffolk Show, and also at Hadleigh Show.
Reserve Junior Champion, & Junior Male Champion, Scotland Hill Superman
Winning the Overall Reserve Junior Championship, and Male Junior Champion, was Scotland Hill Superman from the 70-cow Scotland Hill herd of Tom & Ruby Hill, Wadworth, Doncaster. April 2025 born, Superman is by the herd’s 14,000gns stock bull Kilbride Farm Morikawa, and is out of Scotland Hill Harriet Kylie, a Popes Fendt 14 daughter. Of this young bull David Sapsed said: “Well grown for his age, this is a big, powerful bull with a very good shape to him. There were many promising young bulls on parade and which bodes very well for the breed’s autumn sales.” Scotland Hill Superman himself will be aimed from here at the Stirling Sale in October.
Reserve Junior Female Champion, Guiltcross Saffron
It’s been a fantastic few days for Marcus & Helen Searle, Wagon Lodge, Kenninghall, Norwich. A long journey to Edinburgh and the Royal Highland Show for the first time saw them take a memorable class win and Reserve Junior Female Championship. A few days later and the trick was repeated with their February 2025 born heifer Guiltcross Saffron again winning her class and taking the Reserve Junior Female Championship. Quite the double! Described as ‘modern and stylish’ Guiltcross Saffron is by the noted Woodhall Ferrari 14, and out of Brandane Kirsty, a Sterling Gino 15 daughter. Commenting, Helen Searle said: “It’s been a great week for us and supporting two shows that have had fantastic turnouts of Simmental cattle. We’re thrilled with what Saffron has achieved, and as previous, we have bulls sired by her full brother that we’re aiming for Stirling in October, and our first time selling there.”
Coming up from Kent, the O’So’Good pedigree herd of Robert & Nicola Tremayne, Paley Farm, Cranbrook, secured the Reserve Junior Male Championship with their March 2025 born O’So’Good Snowball. This young bull, also being looked at for the autumn sales, is by Heathbrow Grand Slam 15 (P) EX 93, and is out of Heathbrow Sarah’s Holly, a past Kent County Show Female Champion, and by Heathbrow EX Factor 13.
For the record, the Reserve Simmental Interbreed Team of Five consisted of Popes Princess Lumi; Denizes Nugget; Atlow Rhian; Tapster Roxanne Star; and Boars Head Nelly 10th. The Reserve Simmental Group of Three consisted of Popes Princess Lumi; Denizes Nugget; and Denizes Matilda 21st.
As befitting for an English National Show, and with 91 entries, there were first prize winners, and animals in the Interbreeds, from all around England and including the following herds:
Atlow (Derbyshire); Boars Head (Sussex); Brandane (Buckinghamshire); Denizes (Lancashire); Fircovert (Norfolk); Goddard (Norfolk); Guiltcross (Norfolk); Holtick (Warwickshire); O’So’Good (Kent); Popes (Lancashire); Scotland Hill (South Yorkshire); Storersmith (Staffordshire); Tapster (Warwickshire); Theberton (Norfolk).
A memorable day and with the British Simmental Cattle Society and East Anglian Simmental Club already taking aim at encouraging another bumper entry next year! In the meantime a massive congratulations to all of the 2026 English National Show exhibitors for putting on a sizzling, super Simmental showcase!
Male Championship Cade Nugget & Denizes Nugget
Female Championship, l to r, Atlow Rhian, Popes Princess Lumi
Group of Three, Theberton Herd
Simmental Group of Four, Theberton Herd
Reserve Interbreed Simmental Team of Five
Simmental English National Show (held within The Royal Norfolk)
Wednesday 24th June 2026
Judge Mr David Sapsed, Codicote, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Results
Class 402 Heifer, born on or after 1st September 2025
1st 386 George Scrivens & Holly Grant Tapster Precious
2nd 385 V W Hicks and Sons Holtick Sexy
Class 403 Heifer, born on or between 1st July and 31st August 2025
1st 387 John Goddard Goddard Numpty’s Dutchess
Class 404 Heifer, born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2025
1st 391 Mr J McMillan Brandane Savannah
2nd 389 Mr D Donnelly Atlow Senorita
3rd 392 V W Hicks and Sons Holtick Petra’s Star
4th 388 PA & SM Cade Cade Sadie’s Shelby
5th 393 RE & SHW Steggles Vale Royal Annie’s Star
6th 390 James Griffin Hemingford Snickers
Class 405 Heifer, born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st 404 M G Searle Guiltcross Saffron
2nd 405 Mrs H Clarke Williams Maisie’s Sadie
3rd 399 J McMillan Brandane Sporty Spice
4th 400 Mr R F & Mrs R J Parker Taverham Sarah
5th 397 Jack Germany & Skye Dixon Allsaints Tamara
6th 394 MA Barlow & Sons Denizes Matilda 22nd
Denizes Matilda 21st
Class 406 Heifer, born on or between 1st August and 31st December 2024
1st 406 MA Barlow & Sons Denizes Matilda 21st
2nd 409 Mr R J Grenham Boars Head Nelly 10th
3rd 413 R & L Storer Smith Storersmith Robyn
4th 411 Mr Thomas Hill Scotland Hill Willow Ribbon
5th 414 R & L Storer Smith Storersmith Rapunzel
6th 412 RE & SHW Steggles Vale Royal Nadine
Class 407 Heifer, born on or between 1st April and 31st July 2024
1st 415 Mr D Donnelly Atlow Rhian
2nd 422 Nichola Osgood & Robert Tremayne Popes Nellys Rumour
3rd 416 Chris Curson Hollybrook Rosie
4th 420 Mr & Mrs LJ Dowley Theberton Rosemary
5th 419 James Griffin Hemingford Rose
6th 421 RE & SHW Steggles Popes Princess Ruby
Tapster Roxanne Star
Class 408 Heifer, born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2024
1st 426 George Scrivens & Holly Grant Tapster Roxanne Star
2nd 427 A J Hart Treverbyn Roxi
3rd 423 Chris White Popes Nellys Prudence
4th 428 Mr & Mrs LJ Dowley Theberton Roseanne
5th 424 C H Carter Beeches Retina
Fircovert Peggy
Class 409 Cow or Heifer, in milk with calf at foot or certified in calf and due to calve
1st 431 Paul Gunther Fircovert Peggy
2nd 434 J H & V G Wood Popes Princess Petra
3rd 432 Mr & Mrs LJ Dowley Theberton Penelope
4th 433 George Scrivens & Holly Grant Lynfield Precious N992
Popes Princess Noor
Clas 410 Cow, in milk or certified in calf at the time of the show born in 2021 or 2022
1st 440 J H & V G Wood Popes Princess Noor
2nd 437 James Griffin Hemingford Madonna
3rd 435 PA & SM Cade Cade Fifi’s Nadine
4th 438 Mr & Mrs LJ Dowley Theberton Nancy
5th 439 RE & SHW Steggles Brandane Mint
6th 436 Jack Germany & Skye Dixon Williams Fluffys Nellie
Class 411Cow, in milk or certified in calf at the time of the Show born before 1st January 2021
1st 441 J H & V G Wood Popes Princess Lumi
Holtick Samson 25
Class 412 Bull, born on or after 1st September 2025
1st 443 V W Hicks and Sons Holtick Samson 25
2nd 444 RE & SHW Steggles Wacton Streaker 25
3rd 442 James Griffin Hemingford Titan 26
4th 445 RE & SHW Steggles Wacton Sniper 25
Class 413 Bull, born on or between 1st July and 31st August 2025
1st 446 John Goddard Goddard Suggs 25
Class 414 Bull, born on or between 1st April and 30th June 2025
1st 455 Mr Thomas Hill Scotland Hill Superman 25
2nd 460 J H & V G Wood Popes Supremo 25
3rd 451 Mr R Grenham Boars Head Spitfire 25
4th 459 Mrs H Clarke Williams Severus 25
5th 454 V W Hicks and Sons Holtick Spartacus 25
6th 452 J McMillan Brandane Supermac 25
Class 415 Bull, born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st 468 Nichola Osgood & Robert Tremayne O’so’good Snowball 25
2nd 467 M G Searle Guiltcross Scotty 25
3rd 470 Mrs H Clarke Williams Slytherin 25
4th 463 George Scrivens & Holly Grant Tapster Sinatra 25
5th 466 RE & SHW Steggles Wacton Supreme 25
6th 465 RE & SHW Steggles Wacton Schoffel 25
Class 416 Bull, born in 2024
1st 471 John Goddard Goddard Royal 24
Class 417 Bull, born on or before 31st December 2023
1st 475 J H & V G Wood Denizes Nugget 22
2nd 472 Chris Curson Cade Nugget 22
3rd 474 R & L Storer Smith Storersmith Navarone 22
4th 473 Peter Hatton Wacton Peroni 23
Overall Champion Female
Popes Princess Lumi J H & V G Wood
Reserve Overall Champion Female
Atlow Rhian Mr D Donelly
Overall Male Champion
Denizes Nugget J H & V G Wood
Reserve Overall Male Champion
Cade Nugget Chris Curson
Supreme Champion
Popes Princess Lumi J H & V G Wood
Reserve Supreme Champion
Denizes Nugget J H & V G Wood
Junior Champion
Brandane Savannah J McMillan
Reserve Junior Champion
Scotland Hill Superman Mr Thomas Hill
S134-Norfolk Special
1st 399 J & K McMillan Brandane Savannah
2nd 431 Paul Gunther Fircovert Peggy
Best Pair
1st R & L Storer Smith Storersmith Robyn & Rapunzel
2nd Mr& Mrs LJ Dowley Theberton Rosemary & Penelope
Group of Three
1st Mr& Mrs LJ Dowley Theberton Rosemary, Roseanne, & Penelope
2nd R & L Storer Smith Storersmith Navarone, Robyn, & Rapunzel
by Iain | Jun 26, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Scottish News, 2026 Royal Highland Show, 2026 News, Uncategorised
Delfur Nifty wins Female Championship and Overall Reserve
Corskie Stone take the Overall Junior Championship
Simmentals win Team of Four Interbreed for first time since 1998
Simmentals lift Reserve In Overall Individual, and Pairs Interbreeds
Backmuir Rambo 24 from Reece & Andrew Simmers, Backmuir Farm, Keith, powered though a quality line up of Simmentals to win the breed’s Male Championship and be crowned Overall Simmental Supreme Champion on day one of the 2026 Royal Highland Show held at Ingliston, on Thursday 18th June.
Overall Simmental Supreme Champion Backmuir Rambo
Remarkably this is the fifth time in a row the highly noted Backmuir herd has won the Simmental Supreme at the Royal Highland, and the first time with a homebred animal. This ‘five in a row’ is thought to be a Simmental record and possibly the first time it has been achieved by any beef breed exhibitor at this blue riband event for Scottish livestock.
Played out in front of the judge for the day, Adrian Ivory of the Strathisla herd, Strathisla Farms, Moolies, Meigle, Blairgowrie, this January 2024 born upstanding young bull came through his class before taking the Male Championship and finally getting the all important Championship tap in front of the packed ringside crowd.
Full of breeding, Backmuir Rambo 24 is an ET calf sired by the 18,000gns Wolfstar Jackaroo, and out of Brandane Lu Lu, who was also 18,000gns when purchased at the Next Gen II Sale held at Carlisle in December 2022. Commenting on his Champion, the judge Adrian Ivory said: “This was very much my type of bull and just full of flash and presence he caught my eye immediately. A very modern type of Simmental bull he’s full of breed character with a lovely head, is very natural, has plenty of length with a good top and end, and walked well. A super Simmental bull and a classy Champion.”
Simmental judge, Adrian Ivory
The amazing ‘five in a row’ for Reece & Andrew Simmers started back in 2022 when they won the Royal Highland with Islavale Lullaby (purchased at the first Next Gen Sale in 2020). The following 2023, 2024, 2025 years saw the iconic Annick Ginger’s Lucia win a personal hat trick and make it four in a row, and with the homebred Backmuir Rambo now stepping up to make it an incredible five wins. Along the way there’s also been an Individual Interbreed Supreme, and now Reserve!
With a little time for reflection, a delighted Reece Simmers said: “After last year I said it was a forward aim to win the Championship with a homebred animal so to achieve that so soon we are all really delighted. Winning five in a row is very humbling and beyond any expectation you could reasonably have. The standard and quality of Simmental cattle in that time has been so high and ever improving. For the Backmuir herd to now have this little piece of history in the 183rd year of Scotland’s premier agricultural show is something really special.”
“Rambo has length, width, size for his age, has a sweet head, a depth of hip, and is square on the plates. He’s the colour we like, has plenty of presence, and we think is similar in type to the 22,000gns Backmuir Ralf (also a Jackaroo son) sold at Stirling in February this year. He’s got cows in calf due in September, and after a wee rest now will be put out back to work.” Just rounding it all up, Backmuir Rambo was Overall Simmental Supreme; Simmental Male Champion; part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four; Overall Reserve in the Individual Interbreed; and Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs.
Winning a high end Female Championship was another animal with a Royal Highland Show pedigree behind her in the shape of Delfur Nifty from Delfur Farms, Rothes, Aberlour. This much decorated young 2022 born cow, was shown with her cracking second calf at foot, a heifer also named Nifty, and by the 28,000gns herd stock bull Islavale Magnum.
Delfur Nifty
Needing little introduction, Delfur Nifty has been a prolific Championship and Interbreed winner across multiple calf shows, winter fairs, county shows, and summer ‘majors’. Writing her own little bit of breed history, in 2024 she became the first Simmental to win the Royal Highland Show Interbreed Junior Championship! Delfur Nifty is by Ballymoney Larry, a Saltire Impressive son, and is out of Delfur Joyful, an Islavale Cassius daughter.
It was a mighty judge off in the Female Championship with Delfur Nifty getting the Championship nod over the legendary Annick Ginger’s Lucia who took the reserve Female Championship. Of his Female Champion and Overall Reserve Supreme, Adrian Ivory said: “What a fantastic example of a Simmental female this is. A ‘working mum’ she is very maternal with a great bag on her and making a terrific job of her outstanding calf at foot. With a flashiness and presence, she has a good breed head, walks well, is full of length and with a good top. Another very modern, high quality Simmental cow.”
Speaking afterwards a delighted Garry Patterson, the Delfur Simmental Herd Manager said: “It’s been a fantastic show and to win the Female Championship and Overall Reserve Supreme with the quality that was on show is just tremendous. To then follow that up with being a part of the winning Interbreed Team of Four, and Reserve in the Interbreed Pairs is just tremendous. It’s a great follow on from winning the Junior Individual Interbreed with her in 2024. In herself she’s a big, upstanding, powerful female full of breed character, and with good mobility. This is her first calf at foot sired by Islavale Magnum and she’s making a great job of her with plenty of milk. She’s a special, benchmark female but very much of the type that we’re aspiring to breed in the Delfur herd.”
Overall Reserve Simmental Female Champion Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Placing Overall Reserve Female was the aforementioned legendary Annick Ginger’s Lucia from Andrew & Reece Simmers, Backmuir Farm. Lucia’s name is already cemented into Simmental breed history with her hat-trick of Overall Supreme wins at the Royal Highland, the Individual Overall Interbreed Supreme at the Highland in 2024, a hat-trick of Individual Supremes at the Scottish National Show, and multiple major wins at Scottish county shows! This 2020 born cow is of course by Wolfstar Gold Digger, and is out of Annick Colleen’s Ginger EX 93.
In keeping with recent years, it was again another hugely successful show for the Simmental breed. The win in the Interbreed Team of Four was the first time this title has been secured by the Simmental breed since 1998. Taking Overall Reserve in both the Overall Individual Interbreed, and Interbreed Pairs, once again gave the breed terrific visibility and profile. Another fantastic show of Simmental cattle and again indicative of the ever improving quality within the Simmental breed. A massive well done to all of the exhibitors.
Overall Junior Champion, & Champion Junior Male, Corskie Stone
Back in the bulls and the young April 2025 born Corskie Stone from the also prolific Mr WJ & J Green, Corskie, Garmouth, Fochabers, lifted a nice double when winning the Overall Junior Championship, and Junior Male Championship. Corskie Stone, is by the stock bull Rathnashan Magnum, and is out of Corskie Migem. No strangers to the winners circle, the Overall Junior Championship made it two in a row with the classy Corskie Pinnette having won it last year. With a bit of connectivity, Corskie Stone’s great granny, Corskie Hi-Gem VG 88 was a full sister to Corskie Cegem who won the Junior Interbreed at the Highland in 2013. Corskie also won the Junior Interbreed title in 2016. Of his Overall Junior Champion, the judge Adrian Ivory said: “This young bull just oozed style and breed character. He walked very well, had a good top, with width to him, and was very good over the plates. A standout bull and with a big future ahead of him.” These comments were echoed by Laura Green who said: “He’s a very modern Simmental bull with plenty of length, good width, and a nice shape behind. He’s also got a lovely temperament and from here we’ll be aiming him at either the October Stirling Sale or February next year.”
Reserve Overall Male Champion, Denizes Nugget
Coming through the senior bulls and winning the Overall Reserve Male Championship was the mighty Denizes Nugget from Lancashire breeders Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston. The June 2022 born Denizes Nugget, bred by M A Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire, was purchased for 37,000gns at Stirling in February 2024. Sired by Denizes Hamish, and out of the noted Ashland Topaz Lopez, Nugget arrived at Ingliston weighing in at 1500kgs! Commenting, Vikki Wood said: “We’re really pleased to support such a prestigious show and represent the breed by showing a big, quality Simmental bull. Nugget has great width, length, and conformation, and is good on his feet and legs. He’s got good breeding behind him, is very easy to handle, and is breeding very well. Nugget is entered into the Royal Norfolk, Great Yorkshire, and Royal Welsh so he’s on tour at this summer’s shows!”
Reserve Overall Junior Champion & Champion Junior Female, Denizes Matilda 21st
Winning the Junior Female Championship, and Overall Junior Reserve, was Denizes Matilda 21st from the aforementioned MA Barlow & Sons, Ulnes, Nr Leyland, Lancashire. September 2024 born, this powerful, growthy heifer is another by Denizes Hamish, and is out of Denizes Matilda 5, a daughter of a previous Royal Highland Show Champion, Blackford Galaxy. Denizes Matilda 21st will also now move on to the Simmental English National Show held within the Royal Norfolk.
Reserve Junior Female Champion, Guiltcross Saffon
All the way from Norwich and making their debut as exhibitors at the Royal Highland Show was Marcus & Helen Searle, Wagon Lodge, Kenninghall. It was a more than worthwhile journey with their February 2025 born heifer Guiltcross Saffron winning her class and taking the Reserve Junior Female Championship. Full of breeding Saffron, described as ‘a stylish, modern heifer, thick set, and fantastic across the plates’ is by the noted Woodhall Ferrari 14, and out of Brandane Kirsty, a Sterling Gino 15 daughter. Speaking afterwards, Helen Searle said: “This is our first time at the Highland and was just a great opportunity to see how we stack up against some of the biggest breeders in the Simmental breed. It’s also a bit of promotion as we have bulls sired by her full brother that we’re aiming for Stirling in October. To get Reserve Junior Female was amazing and beyond any expectations given the standard of Simmentals at the Highland.”
Reserve Champion Junior Male, Tippetcraig Someboy
Staying in the juniors and it was a terrific Reserve Junior Male Championship win for the Burns Family, Tippetcraig Farm, High Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire with their young bull Tippetcraig Someboy (P). Tippetcraig Simmentals were established in 2023 and this was the first time the family had shown a homebred Simmental at Ingliston. Remarkably, the Reserve Junior Male Championship was also secured in the Highland pedigree classes, a breed the family has been showing for some years. Of Tippetcraig Someboy, Lindsay Stark said: “We think he’s a long, clean and modern polled bull, with a tremendous top on him. He has a natural flashy presence about him which makes him a joy to show. We have really enjoyed bringing this bull on because of his lovely nature, and he’s simply a delight to work with. All being well, Tippetcraig Someboy will head to the Stirling bull sales this October.” This latest prize follows on from Tippetcraig Someboy winning the Junior Male Championship at the Stars of the Future Calf Show in November last year.
Tippetcraig Someboy (P) is by Kilbride Farm Maverick, a son of the noted Kilbride Farm Jetstream, and is out of Broombrae Rosina M2 21, a Lisglass Goldstar daughter purchased in February 2023 at Stirling. Fast establishing, the Tippetcraig herd presently comprises of fifteen breeding females.
Simmental Overall Interbreed Team of Four Champions
From a quality entry, the breed was able to put forward some fantastic combinations in the respective Interbreeds. Leading the way was the Team of Four who secured a first Championship win for the Simmental breed in this ‘blue riband’ interbreed since 1998. Joining Backmuir Rambo, and Delfur Nifty, was two heifers who had to be under three years of age. First up was the class winner Drumsleed Rachel 24 (P) from regular exhibitors and past Champions Geral & Morag Smith, Fordoun, Laurencekirk. This June 2024 born heifer is by the homozygous polled Coose Negotiator (PP) and is out of Drumsleed Granola 15. Completing the winning team was Bowhill Ruth from D&R Holdings, Newmiln, Ayrshire, and who had stood second in her class to the Junior Female Champion. Bowhill Ruth is by Denizes Lancelot and is out of Overhill House Mary, an Aultmore Goliath daughter. August 2024 born, Bowhill Ruth as a yearling baby, stood as reserve Junior Female at last year’s Scottish Simmental National Show.
Supreme Championship Backmuir Rambo & Delfur Nifty
Male Championship Backmuir Rambo & Denizes Nugget
Female Championship Delfur Nifty & Annick Ginger’s Lucia
Junior Championship Corskie Stone & Denizes Matilda 21st
Junior Male Championship Corskie Stone & Tippetcraig Someboy
Junior Female Championship Guiltcross Saffron & Denizes Matilda 21st
2026 Royal Highland Show
Thursday 18th June 2026
Judge Mr Adrian Ivory, Meigle, Blairgowrie, Perthshire
Results
Class 263 Female born on or after 1st April 2025
1st Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Skye
2nd WJ&J Green 2827 Corskie Siller
3rd Gavin Brown Springfield Skylar
Pitmudie Skye
Class 264 Female born between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st MG Searle Guiltcross Saffron
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Southern
3rd J&K McMillan Brandane Sporty Spice
4th Delfur Farms Delfur Shakira
Reserve Champion Junior Champion, Guiltcross Saffon
Class 265 Female born on or between 1st July and 31st December 2024
1st Barlow Brothers Denizes Matilda 21st
2nd Bowhill Simmentals Bowhill Ruth
3rd WJ&J Green Corskie Role Play
4th Gavin Brown Springfield Rose
Reserve Overall Junior Champion & Champion Junior Female, Denizes Matilda 21st
Class 266 Female born on or between 1st January and 30th June 2024
1st Gerald Smith Drumsleed Rachel 24
2nd Laura Green Garmouth Kim’s Rachel
3rd R&A Simmers Backmuir Lu Lu’s Rosalu
4th Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Robyn
Drumsleed Rachel 24
Class 268 Female Born in 2021 or 2022 in milk or certified in calf at time of show
1st Delfur Farms Delfur Nifty
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Mimic
3rd R&A Simmers Annick Ginger’s Nutmeg
Class 269 Female born on or before 31st December 2020, in milk of certified in calf at time of show
1st R&A Simmers Annick Ginger’s Lucia
2nd JH&VG Wood Popes Princess Lumi
Class 270 Bull born on or after 1st April 2025
1st WJ&J Green Corskie Stone
2nd J&E Dyet Merkland Supersonic
3rd N&N Gwynne Chestermann Sandy
4th Miss Heather Duff Pitmudie Shetland
Class 271 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st March 2025
1st The Burns Family Tippetcraig Someboy
2nd WJ&J Green Corskie Sunnyd
Class 272 Bull born on or between 1st January and 31st December 2024
1st R&A Simmers Backmuir Rambo
Class 273 Bull born on or before 31st December 2023
1st JH&VG Wood Denizes Nugget,
2nd Clive Houldey Backmuir Nate,
Champion Junior Female
Denizes Matilda 21st Barlow Brothers
Reserve Champion Junior Female
Guiltcross Saffron MG Searle
Overall Champion Female
Delfur Nifty, Delfur Farms
Overall Reserve Champion Female
Annick Ginger’s Lucia R&A Simmers
Champion Junior Male
Corskie Stone, WJ&J Green
Reserve Champion Junior Male
Tippetcraig Someboy The Burns Family
Overall Champion Male
Backmuir Rambo R&A Simmers
Reserve Overall Champion Male
Denizes Nugget JH&VG Wood
Overall Champion Junior
Corskie Stone WJ&J Green
Reserve Overall Champion Junior
Denizes Matilda 21st Barlow Brother
Overall Supreme Champion
Backmuir Rambo R&A Simmers
Reserve Supreme Champion
Delfur Nifty Delfur Farms
Best Group
R&A Simmers
by Iain | May 22, 2026 | 2026, 2026 Welsh News, 2026 News, 2026 Other Sales
Wroxall, and Pistyll bulls sell to 5500gns
22 lots sold in all across the catalogue
The four year old Tirley Buttercup from Steve White Tarporley, Cheshire, sold with her heifer calf at foot, Tirley Tulip, made 6000gns to lead the establishing Welshpool Simmental Sale held on Thursday 21st May, at Welshpool Livestock Sales, Buttington Cross, Welshpool.
6000gns Tirley Buttercup and Tirley Tulip
June 2022 born, Tirley Buttercup is by Rathnashan Lobster Pot, a Shacon Hannibal son, and is out of Tirley Jade by Team Celtic. She was sold with her recently born heifer calf at foot, Tirley Tulip sired by Rathnashan Realbadman. This second calver, who has been successfully shown since being a calf, was bought by P&MA Lovatt, who run the Longedge pedigree herd at Biddulph, Stoke on Trent.
For Steve White, this was the second year in a row he has led this sale with the bull Tirley Rockafella leading the inaugural fixture in 2025. The very last animal through the ring was the young bull Tirley Shogun 25 (P), a Coose Negotiator (PP) son and who made 4100gns when selling to GJ Steeples, Nutthull, Nottingham.
The second staging of this Simmental Sale at Welshpool saw bulls sell to 5500 x2, 5200, and 5000 x2, with seven of the ten forward selling to average £5145. Fifteen pedigree and commercial females also sold with pedigree females at 6000gns, and 4000gns x2.
5500gns Wroxall Rolls Royce (P), Reserve Champion
Selling at 5550gns was Wroxall Rolls Royce 24 (P), from CH Evans and Son, Kington Grange Farm, Kington Lane, Claverdon, Warwickshire. Sired by Rendham Noble (P), and out of Wroxall Magical-Lady (PP), a Forsdale Gallipoli 15 daughter, Wroxall Rolls Royce is heterozygous polled, and carried a strong Self Replacing Index in the top 5% of the breed. Earlier in the day, Wroxall Rolls Royce (P) had placed Overall Reserve Champion in the pre-sale show of bulls judged by James Arnold of the noted Vale Royal herd, Little Budworth, Tarporley, Cheshire. Commenting on his Reserve Champion Mr Arnold said: “This is a beefy type Simmental bull who is very good across the top, and carried plenty of muscle and end.” Come sale time, Wroxall Rolls Royce (P) was purchased by CM Mercer who run the 300 cow Bowley herd at Bowley Court, Bowley Court Farms, Hope Under Dinmore, Leominster.
Judge James Arnold giving the 5200gns Wroxall Russell (PP) the once-over during the show classes.
The very next lot saw Wroxall Russell 24 (PP) make 5200gns when selling to E Agri Ltd, Ellerdine Grange, Telford. September 2024 born, and homozygous polled, Wroxall Russell 24 (PP) is also by Rendham Noble 22 (P), and is out of the Coose Gambler (P) daughter Wroxall Legs-Eleven-Zilla (P).
5500gns Lambclose Sergio, sold by the Pistyll herd.
The second bull at 5500gns was Lambclose Sergio 25 from the Pistyll Herd of GA & HM Francis, Pistyll Uchaf, Abergorlech, Carmarthen. This March 2025 born bull had been purchased as a calf at foot in November 2025 at the successful Lambclose Dispersal Sale also held at Welshpool. The first prize winner in the final class of the day, Sergio is by Denizes Mombassa, a son of the noted Denizes Hamish, and is out of Lambclose Jess. Purchasing this bull who carried very good Calving Ease Direct figures, was SPR & L Reed & Co, Rhosygadair Fawr, Blaenamerch, Cardigan.
Championship Presentation with Overall Champion Dovefields Regent, right, and Wroxall Rolls Royce (P), left.
OTHER PRICES:
Bulls
5000gns Crugmelyn Rglen to TJ & SJ Adkins, Bomere Farm, Shrewsbury
5000gns Banwy Rex 24 (P) to WS & PM Bartram, Meadowhirst Farm, Grindley, Stafford
Heifers
4000gns Cwarre Rosie’s Raspberry to D Edwards, Gors Fawr, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
4000gns Cwarre Rosie’s Rhubarb to J&P Thompson, Shavington Lodge, Crewe, Cheshire
Simm Hi Health Heifers 14 Months old from the Benavente herd of G Martinez, Malpas, Cheshire sold to £2500, £2450, £2400, £2350 x2.
by Nicky Moreton | May 14, 2026 | 2026 News, 2026 Balmoral Show, 2026, 2026 Northern Ireland News
Ballinalare Farm Nikita Wins Overall Simmental Supreme for fourth consecutive year
Lisglass Sapphire takes Overall reserve & Junior Champion
Mullynock Scorpio is crowned Male Champion
Supreme Champion Ballinalare Farm Nikita
Rewriting the Simmental record books is the amazing Ballinalare Farm Nikita from Joe & Alan Wilson, Newry, who with her cracking heifer calf at foot, won a record breaking fourth Royal Ulster Balmoral Show Simmental Overall Supreme Championship, on the first day of this early summer ‘major’ at Balmoral Park, Lisburn, Co Antrim. Judging the Simmental classes and Championships was John Barlow of the noted Denizes herd, Lancashire.
The win for this February 2022 born Simmental female, in what was a quality show of some 20 pedigree Simmental cattle, saw this remarkable lady complete a record four-in-a-row Simmental Championships and to set a new record for Simmental cattle at a designated ‘major’ and possibly a record for any breed at these same events!
Ballinalare Farm Nikita’s calf at foot was the April 2026 born Ballinalare Farm Tikita, who is sired by the noted Raceview King. See the video with this post
Striding out in the first class of the day, Ballinalare Farm Nikita picked up the Female Championship before winning the day’s top prize. Nikita is by the well-known Saltire Impressive and is out of Ballinalare Farm Ilyssa, a Denizes Fantastic daughter.
The roll call for this incredible now four year old cow sees her having four consecutive wins at Balmoral, three in a row at NI Simmental National Shows, and along with multiple interbreed titles at various NI shows.
Reserve Supreme & Junior Champion Lisglass Sapphire
Lifting the Overall Reserve Supreme, the Overall Junior Championship, and the Reserve Female Championship, was the super stylish young heifer Lisglass Sapphire from Leslie & Chris Weatherup, Irish Hill, Ballyclare, Co Antrim. April 2025 born, this calf is another by Raceview King, and is out of Dermody Princess who herself stood Reserve Female to Nikita at Balmoral in 2024, and has also been Reserve Female at the NI Simmental National Show.
Male & Overall Reserve Junior Champion Mullyknock Scorpio
Taking the Male Championship, and the Overall Reserve Junior Championship was the May 2025 born bull Mullynock Scorpio from Robert Forde, Tempo, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. A first prize winner at the 2025 NI Simmental National Show at Clogher, this calf is by Clonagh Tiger Gallant, and again features Raceview breeding being out of Raceview Prety Lady Gretta.
See the full results below and keep an eye out for updates as the Interbreeds take place over the next three days…
2026 Balmoral Show Simmental Results
Cow in calf or in milk having had calf by age of three years
1st Alan Wilson 163 Ballinalare Farm Nikita
2nd Connor Wilkinson 164 Clonagh Polly Holly
Ranfurly Weikel 56th
Heifer, in calf or calf at foot, born on after 1st January 2024, and on or before 30 June 2024
1st W D & J D Hazelton 165 Ranfurly Weikel 56th R5
2nd Alan Wilson 166 Ballinalare Farm Ritz
Ranfurly Jade 2nd R13
Heifer born on or after 1st July 2024 and on or before 31st Dec 2024
1st W D & J D Hazelton 168 Ranfurly Jade 2nd R13
2nd Connor Wilkinson 167 Broomfield Super Little D
3rd Susan McCullough 169 Rathnashan Star Neptune
HEIFER, born on or after 1st January 2025 and on or before 30th April 2025
1st J L & C J Weatherup 171 Lisglass Sapphire
2nd J L & C J Weatherup 172 Lisglass Silverbell
3rd Bridgewater Farm 170 Bridgewater Farm Wisteria 6th
4th Susan McCullough 173 Rathnashan There She Goes
HEIFER, born on or after 1st May 2025 and on or before 31st December 2025
1st JL & CL Weatherup 165 Lisglass Star
2nd R Forde 176 Mullyknock sunshine
3rd Bridgewater Farm 177 Bridgewater Farm Kleeb 4th
Bridgewater Farm Samson
Bull, born on or after 1st January 2025 and on or before 30th April 2025
1st Bridgewater Farm 178 Bridgewater Farm Samson 25
Bull, born on or after 1st May 2025 and on or before 31st December 2025
1st Robert Forde 180 Mullyknock Scorpio
2nd Jl & CJ Weatherup 183 Lisglass Showman
3rd Bridgewater Farm 182 Bridgewater Farm Superstar 25
4th L Wilson 181 Ballinalare Farm Supremo
Best pair Ranfurly Weikel 56 and Ranfurly Jade 2nd R13
Pair of animals, bona fide the property of one exhibitor and entered in the classes for which they are eligible.
1st W D & J D Hazelton, Ranfurly
2nd L Wilson, Ballinalare Farm
3rd J l & C J Weatherup, Lisglass
Supreme Champion
Ballinalare Farm Nikita A Wilson
Reserve Supreme Champion
Lisglass Sapphire J L & C J Weatherup
Junior Champion
Lisglass Sapphire J L & C J Weatherup
Reserve Junior Champion
Mullyknock Scorpio R Forde
Female Champion
Ballinalare Farm Nikita J & A Wilson
Reserve Female Champion
Lisglass Sapphire J L & C J Weatherup
Male Champion
Mullyknock Scorpio R Forde
Reserve Male Champion
Lisglass Showman J L & C J Weatherup
by Iain | May 12, 2026 | 2026, 2026 North West News, 2026 News, 2026 Carlisle Sales
Popes heifers at 15,000gns x 2; 14,000 x 2; 13,000ngs
20 Popes heifers average £8610
The much anticipated Popes Princesses Production Sale of 20 pedigree Simmental heifers, from Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Popes Farm, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire, lived up to all expectations with a fantastic trade seeing heifers at 15,000gns, 14,000gns, 13,000gns, and with a mighty average of £8610.
An evening sale held on Friday 8th May at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, the sale ring was packed to the rafters with potential buyers from the length and breadth of the country, eager to bid on the top lots forward.
From a catalogue packed with quality heifers offering a real depth of proven bloodlines, two heifers made 15,000gns. The first of these was Popes Nellys Prudence who was offered for sale entered for both the upcoming Royal Highland and Royal Norfolk Shows. Featuring through the catalogue, this heifer is sired by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer, and is out of the Denizes Impressive daughter Popes Nellys Lexi. With breeding, character, and outlook, this heifer was marketed as ‘one of the best to be bred at Popes’. Come sale time and a flurry of bidding, Popes Nellys Prudence was purchased by new Simmental breeders Chris and Nicky White, Frogmore Farm, Moreton in the Marsh, Gloucestershire.
15,000gns Popes Nellys Prudence
The Whites sold their noted herd of pedigree Limousins in 2023 and realised they wanted to keep a very small number of pedigree cattle on the farm. To achieve this, they bred from some of their retained Limousin embryos but also wanted to keep some Simmentals as well. Commenting, Chris White said: “Having seen the Popes Princesses catalogue, we decided that Nellys Prudence was the heifer for us. With her very feminine traits, combined with power, excellent feet and legs she is very much of the quality for a foundation female at Frogmore Simmentals . We are looking forward to showing her soon at the Royal Highland and Royal Norfolk.”
15,000gns Popes Fabulous Sapphire
Prior to the sale the heifers were brought out of their pens and tied up in an open area at Borderway. In what was a fantastic bit of marketing, potential buyers were able to ‘get up close and personal’ and walk amongst the lots forward. Having initially clocked the breeding and figures in the catalogue it was here that Popes Fabulous Sapphire fully caught the eye of Stewart and Fiona Stronach, Berryleys, Grange, Keith, who went on to purchase the heifer for their prolific Islavale herd at the sale joint top price of 15,000gns. This April 2025 born heifer is by the 37,000gns Denizes Nugget, and is out of Clonagh Jubilant Fabulous, an Irish National Champion purchased for €18,000 from Roscommon back in 2019. Speaking afterwards, Stewart Stronach said: “We thought this was an outstanding heifer from within what was a quality line up. She’s young but just full of potential, and we liked the Clonagh breeding in her pedigree with her mother also having been a fantastic heifer. It’s very seldom that we buy females but we’re delighted to have purchased Popes Fabulous Sapphire and we can benchmark her against the contemporary heifers in the Islavale herd.”
At the close of the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager, Iain Kerr said: “What a terrific sale and a huge congratulations is extended to the Wood family. In talking pre-sale they said how in the Popes herd they had prioritised such as milk and calving ease while looking for growth, fleshing ability, and cattle that are easy on the eye. That shone through in these sale heifers which were an absolute credit to the family and to the Simmental breed. These heifers have sold to new and established breeders, and from Kent to the North East of Scotland. Full of quality and a depth of proven bloodlines I have no doubt these heifers will go on to make top breeding Simmental females. It’s a massive well done to Jimmy, Vikki, Harry, and Hannah and great to see such a packed Simmental sale ring at Carlisle!”
The Wood family: Vikki, Jimmy, Hannah, and Harry
14,000gns Popes Nellys Rhea
The majority of the heifers in the sale were by the €52,000 Clonagh Lucky Explorer who was bought for his width, natural fleshing ability, and character, and with these being traits now being seen in his females. As well as being sire of the joint top price, two further heifers by Clonagh Lucky Explorer made 14,000gns. The first of these was the April 2024 born Popes Nellys Rhea. This heifer is out of Popes Nellys Koko whose breeding goes back to Popes Nellys Dazzler, a full sister to Popes Barclay, and described as one of the most influential cows in the herd. Popes Nellys Rhea was one of two purchases made on the night by the establishing Tippetcraig herd of The Burns Family, High Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. Commenting, Lyndsey Stark said: “Popes Nellys Rhea is a beautiful heifer with size and style, she has a great presence, is full of breeding, and has excellent performance figures. Seeing her in the flesh at Carlisle she met all of the expectations we had from her picture in the catalogue, and her back pedigree, and we loved her the moment we saw her.” Tippetcraig had got the sale underway when they also purchased the first lot Popes Tarkas Rhona, another Explorer daughter, for 5000gns. “The Wood family are distinguished breeders and the Popes herd is one of the foremost in the Simmental breed. We are delighted to buy these two heifers as we continue to expand the Tippetcraig Simmental herd.”
14,000gns Popes Ruflles
Also at 14,000gns was Popes Ruffles, another by Clonagh Lucky Explorer and out of Springfield Magic who was purchased at Stirling in October 2022, and whose pedigree goes back to Woodhall Extra. This heifer was sold jointly to the Newbiemains herd of Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire, and the Tundergarth herd of Alastair Dodd, Tundergarth Mains, Lockerbie. Of Popes Ruffles, Jim Goldie said: “This is a smart, long, clean heifer, with a depth of, and plenty of progression in her. She’s a very modern type, carries a lot of style, and has all the potential to be a good bull breeder.” Later in the sale the Tundergarth herd also purchased Popes Sparkly Eyes, a Denizes Nugget daughter, for 8000gns.
13,000gns Popes Nellys Rumour
The fifth heifer over five figures was Popes Nellys Rumour who made 13,000gns when selling to the south of England and the O’So’Good pedigree herd of Robert & Nicola Tremayne, Paley Farm, Cranbrook, Kent. Again by Clonagh Lucky Explorer this heifer is out of Popes Nellys Ilia from the herd’s famous Nelly family. selling at 13,000gns to Mr & Mrs R Tremayne of Hill View herd, Paley farm, Cranbrook, Kent. Commenting, Robert Tremayne said: “This is a July 2024 born heifer who we think will go on to make a tremendous cow. She has tremendous breeding behind her, has scale, is very correct, and has a lot left in her. We are looking to bring new lines to the herd and are delighted to have been able to buy a quality heifer like Popes Nellys Rumour.”
9000gns Popes Princess Ruby
At 9000gns the June 2024 born Popes Princess Ruby. With tremendous breeding behind her, this heifer, by Explorer, is the first calf out of Popes Princess Lumi, the Simmental English National Show, Great Yorkshire Show, and Royal Lancashire Show Interbreed Champion in 2022. Princess Lumi is a daughter of the multi title winning Popes Princess Cleo. With a Maternal (Milk) figure of +12, putting her in the breed’s top 5% for this trait, this heifer was purchased by RE & SHW Steggles for their Wacton pedigree herd at Honingham, Norfolk.
8500gns Popes Nellys Sage
The youngest animal in the catalogue at nine-months-old, Popes Nellys Sage, made 8500gns when selling locally to the Strudda Bank pedigree herd of KG Holliday, Calderbridge, Seascale, Cumbria. Sired once more by Clonagh Lucky Explorer, this heifer out of Popes Nellys Lottie, goes back to Tintoside Nellys Wonder, a foundation cow in the Popes herd.
AVERAGE
20 heifers £8610
by Iain | May 11, 2026 | 2026 News, 2026 Carlisle Sales, 2026, 2026 North West News, Uncategorised
Six bulls make 10,000gns and more
89% clearance rate
24 out of 27 bulls sell to average £7585
Islavale Rudolph 24 from Mr WS Stronach, Berryleys, Grange, Keith made 16,000gns to lead a strong sale of Simmental bulls at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Saturday 9th May.December 2024 born, Rudolph is by the prolific Coose Lincoln EX 95, and is out of the Corskie Highlander daughter Islavale Lexi. With good calving and maternal (milk) figures, and a pedigree packed with EX classified animals, this bull was snapped up by noted commercial producer Jim Walker, Drumbuie, Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire.
Speaking after the sale Mr Walker said: “Islavale Rudolph was purchased to add to an already strong lineup of bulls within our commercial herd. We felt his pedigree and figures matched in well with what we’re looking for to provide us with both milky replacement females and males that will grow out and produce strings of store bullocks to sell. We’re really looking forward to see what this bull will do for us.”
Islavale Rudolph 16,000gns
For the Stronachs the top price was secured in what was the first time they have sold bulls at Carlisle. This sale followed hot on the heels of Stirling earlier in the week, and where they sold four bulls to average £13,650, and with the top priced bull there at 15,000gns also being a Coose Lincoln EX 95 son.
The Carlisle Sale saw six bulls sell at 10,000gns and more, and with 24 out of the 27 bulls selling to average a terrific £7585, with an 89% clearance. The 24 bulls also represented the most Simmental bulls sold to date at this growing breed fixture, and followed on from the previous evening where 20 Simmental heifers averaged 8600gns at the Popes Princesses Production Sale held for Jimmy & Vikki Wood, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire.
Speaking after the sale, the British Simmental Cattle Society’s General Manager Iain Kerr said: “It’s been two very good days for the Simmental breed at Carlisle with a tremendous demand for both pedigree bulls and females. It was a very level show of Simmental bulls and to sell 24, to buyers across geographies in England Scotland, is real growth at this fixture and very encouraging for the breeders. Again, it’s the balance the breed brings in its maternal qualities of milk, calving ease, and temperament, allied to its terminal abilities in age at slaughter, and daily carcase gain, that’s driving this ongoing demand from commercial breeders.”
Always bringing good bulls to Simmental Sales, the Leedham family, Boghead Farm, Tarbolton, Ayrshire, again enjoyed a terrific trade when selling two bulls for 12,000gns. Both bulls were sired by the 16,000gns Overhill House Neil EX 92, whose first son at sale at Stirling in February this year sold for the joint top price of 30,000gns.
The first bull at the 12,000gns mark was the September 2024 born Grangewood Ringo. By Overhill House Neil, Ringo is out of Grangewood Mabel, a Ranfurly Impeccable daughter. In the pre-sale show, this bull had placed first in his class and went on to be the Overall Reserve Champion in front of the judge Emma McAlister who runs the Islabute herd at Coxhill Farm, Falkirk. Commenting on her Reserve Champion Emma said: “My Reserve Champion was a very good big Simmental bull with plenty of length, was clean through the middle, and was very correct. He walked well, had a lot of character and style, with a very good breed head.
Grangewood Ringo 12,000gns
Buying this bull was Richard Elliott who runs 240 three quarter bred Simmental suckler cows at High Moor Farm, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire. Commenting on his purchase Mr Elliott said: “This is a very well bred bull who is just full of potential and will grow on. He’s a very correct bull and with a super Simmental head. He’ll be introduced to the herd and with the aim of breeding first quality heifers.”
Judge Emma McAlister
The second Grangewood bull at 12,000gns from the Leedhams was Grangewood Sylvester. Again by Overhill House Neil 22 EX 92, and this time out of Grangewood Polly’s Kit Kat VG 87, this bull sold to the North East of England and AJ&R Ord from Newton Greens, Newton on the Moon, Morpeth , Northumberland.
Grangewood Sylvester 12,000gns
For the Leedhams, the first six sons at sale sired by Overhill House Neil 22 EX 92, have now averaged a terrific 16,000gns.
Newbiemains Rockafella 11,000gns
Well-known local breeders Jim & Patricia Goldie, Newbie Mains Farm, Annan, Dumfriesshire, made 11,000gns when selling Newbiemains Rockafella. Sired by Auchorachan Kennedy 19 EX 92, this November 2024 born bull is out of the Woodhall fantastic daughter, Newbiemains Isa EX 90. A dark red bull with good figures and plenty of EX classified animals in his pedigree, Newbiemains Rockafella was bought by JC Innes & Sons from Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Two bulls made 10,000gns. Leading the way, and the first bull in the ring, was the day’s Overall Supreme Champion in the shape of Habton Reacher 24 from North Yorkshire breeder AJ Bulmer, Coultas Farm, Malton. A well bred bull Habton Reacher 24 is sired by Islavale Lockdown and is out of Corskie Leah, an Aultmore Franco 14 EX 93 daughter. Of her Champion, the judge Emma McAlister said: “With a real power to him this was a well put together bull, level right through, and with a good end. He walked really well and had plenty of style.” Again going commercially, the day’s Champion was bought by D Whiteford & Co, Borewell Farm, Scremerston, Berwick on Tweed.
Habton Reacher 10,000gns
For the fast establishing Habton herd this was a memorable sale debut at Carlisle picking up the Championship, and their top sale price to date. Speaking afterwards Alex Bulmer said: “Reacher is the typical type of Simmental bull we’re aiming to breed. He’s well balanced, good on his plates, walks out well, and has plenty of breed character with a good head. We’re really delighted to win the Championship within what was a very good show of Simmental bulls, and to then go on and attain a five figure price.” The Habton herd’s first bull at a Society Sale was in Stirling and where they made 9000gns.
Coolcran Spartan 10,000gns
Making the successful trip over from Northern Ireland was Shane and Paul McDonald, Tempo, Co Fermanagh, who made 10,000gns when selling Coolcran Spartan. This January 2025 born bull is by the noted AI sire Denizes Hamish, and is out of Ashland Topaz Mair who herself had won the Reserve Junior Interbreed at the Royal Ulster Balmoral Show in 2022, as well as Reserve Supreme Champion at the NI Simmental National show in the same year. Coolcran Spartan 25 went to the Borders when being bought by S Ramsey from Falsidehill Farm, Kelso, Roxburghshire.
The demand for the Simmental bulls forward continued through the catalogue and with the youngest bull offered, Popes Sentry 25 from the Wood family, Dutton, Preston, Lancashire making 9000gns. Another by the noted Denizes Hamish, and out of the Clonagh Latin Lover sired Popes Diamonds Nella, this bull combining breeding along with figures across the traits, was bought by Christina Johnson, Fowberry Farm Bamburgh Ltd, Northumberland. The previous lot and the similarly bred Popes Someboy, another Hamish son, made 8000gns when selling to Atkin Brothers who run an extensive Simmental x Red Angus suckler herd at The Grange, Barrow on Trent, Derbyshire.
Thorncliff Rocket 8000gns
Another first time seller at Carlisle was Wayne Mosley, Thorncliff, Chelmorton, Derbyshire, and who sold the March 2024 born Thorncliff Rocket for 8000gns. This bull was yet another Denizes Hamish son, and out of Thorncliff Moya. With strong calving ease figures, Thorncliff Rocket 24 was bought by JB&EJ Peile Ltd, Greystoke Castle Farm, Penrith, Cumbria.
Up from Cornwall, and selling at 7000gns was Killiworgie Razzamatazz from Steve & Gill Gummow, Higher Killiworgie Farm, Newquay. The Senior Champion at the 2025 Agrifest South West, this September 2024 born bull is by the 19,000gns Grangewood Baron, and is out of Killiworgie Ivys Maria VG 88, an Islavale Jericho 18 EX 93 daughter. This bull, with a terrific top 1% Maternal (Milk) figure of +14, was another bought by JC Innes & So, Dunscroft, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
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