Record average for Texel rams lambs in Ballymena

The first 10,000gns bid came for the champion from the pre-sale show, Forkins Hawkeye from Alastair Gault, Newtownabbey. This son of the 100,000gns Strathbogie Gypsy King  out of a dam by Sportsmans Dare Devil has a texelplus index in the top 5% of the breed.

It sold in a five-way split to James Wilkinson, Ballygroogan, John Trimble, Curley, Adrian Liggett, Corbo, Philip Whyte, Innisrush and Stanley and Martin Warnock, Straidarran.

Next at 10,000gns was the first of two from Jonny Cubitt, Ballymena, in the form of Drumcon Hall of Fame. Again by Gypsy King out of a Rhaeadr-bred dam by Teiglum Younggun and a maternal brother to the 160,000gns Rhaeadr First Choice, it sold to Stephen Etherson, Killans, with a half share retained.

The other at this price was Drumcon History Maker, another by Gypsy King. Out of another Rhaeadr-bred dam, this time by Garngour Envoy II, it sold to Douganhill Farms, Castle Douglas, and Nick Legge, Leominster.

Next at 6,000gns was the reserve overall champion from Ivanna Strawbridge, Coleraine. This was Lynbrook Hercules, another by Strathbogie Gypsy King out of a dam by Strathbogie Dirty Dancer. It was bought by the judge, John Greene. Co Donegal.

Shearling rams peaked at 4,000gns for Artnagullion Godfather from Brian and William McAllister, Kells. The son of Blackadder Doddie out of a dam by Midlock Yohann sold to A. J. Robinson, Downpatrick.

At 3,600gns from Henry Gamble, Co Down, was the first prize shearling, Springwell GI, a Ballydesland Eddie son which was bought by T. Hynes, Newry.

Leading the female trade at 7,500gns was the section champion, a Coniston Equinox daughter out of a Knap-bred dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball from Mark Priestley's Seaforde flock, Downpatrick. The buyer was Alan Blackwood, Muirkirk.

At 3,000gns from Martin McConville's Glenhone flock, Co Down, was a Sportsmans Dare Devil daughter which bought by W M Doherty, Glebe, Co Donegal.

Averages -189 ram lambs, £1,509.17; 66 shearling rams, £1,399.20; 13 gimmers, £1,530.58.

Auctioneers: J A McClelland and Son.

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