The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Blelack Toplass claims the glory in photo finish
Bogles Field competition blessed with sunshine
The sun finally shone on east central Scotland’s 2017 summer show season when livestock, exhibitors and visitors basked in the heat at Bogles Field on the outskirts of Blairgowrie.
The good weather brought a relaxed approach to the judging which stretched well into the afternoon – and resulted in a draw for Alyth Show’s champion of champions sash.
Going head to head in the main ring were the cattle interbreed champion – an Aberdeen-Angus cow from Stuart Raeburn, Burnside of Tulloes, Letham – and the sheep interbreed winner, a Suffolk gimmer from Gordon Mackie, Drimmie, Forfar.
The judges of the horse, sheep and cattle interbreeds awarded points and the final nod eventually went to Stuart Raeburn’s Blelack Toplass which was female champion at Angus Show and is now en route to this week’s Royal Highland Show.
Gordon Mackie’s gimmer, sired by Strathbeg Allan, was champion at Fife Show and took the reserve place.
Pipped at the post was the show’s supreme champion horse, King Brex, from Hilary Mackie, The Old Chance Inn, Denside, Glenogil.
The event was a final dress rehearsal for the Royal Highland for many of the exhibitors from Perthshire, and an opportunity to get stock in prime condition for the national spotlight.
Hopes are running high for Wilson Peters’ commercial cattle winner, Miss Tees, which took the day’s championship and reserve beef interbreed award.
She has swept the boards at many of the local shows this season and will now go up against top commercial cattle from across the UK at Ingliston.
Taking the reserve interbreed award in the sheep section was a Blue Texel tup, Viewforth Angus, on his first outing, from David Soutar, Strathellie, Alyth.
A good show of Beef Shorthorn cattle was led by a two-year-old heifer from James Cameron Sr from Blairgowrie Road, Coupar Angus. Glenisla Desiree had her two-month-old calf, Glenardle Legend at foot, and he took a first prize in his own class.
Mr Cameron was delighted as the two animals comprise his entire Shorthorn collection.
“I brought my whole herd to the show,” he joked.
“I turned 70 last year and treated myself to a Shorthorn at last October’s Stirling sales. I’ve always liked the breed and Desiree was the only one at the sale I fancied.”
In the horse rings the Shetland pony champion was shown by Glendyburn Shetlands from Tillicoultry. Their winner was a seven-year-old mare, Mawcarse Lady Dionne which won the national stallion show as a three-yearold. She too is destined for the Highland Show.
The Highland pony champion was shown by Wendy Taylor from Strathkinness. Her filly, Royal Amber of Sunnyneuk, won the foal class at last year’s Royal Highland Show and took a first prize at Fife and the Highland Fells and Dales show at Brechin Castle.
The Clydesdale winner was Tulloes Blossom from A and J Greenhill, Upper Tulloes, Forfar, fresh from her championship success at Angus Show.