Ashland Pretty Lucy

Corlesmore Sue

Ballinalare Farm Moneypenny

Eprinex pair

Lisglass Rebecca

Omorga Regan

Ranfurley Shamus

Woodford Patricia

Woodhall Premier

Judges Report
By Mr A Houston

Before commenting on the cattle in front of me, I would like to thank the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for their invitation to judge the Simmentals. It was a real privilege, and as always the hospitality in Ireland made Lucy and me very welcome.

Whilst the number of cattle forward was disappointing, the quality was high at the top end. Congratulations to all exhibitors.

Class 452
The cow I placed first, Ballinalare Farm Moneypenny was a very correct outfit with a good top line and nice bull calf at foot. Whilst we have all seen more powerful show cows on the circuit, her breedlines and correctness made her an easy winner. Indeed she went on to be my Show Champion. The cow following her, Ballingar Hester was a good brood cow, but, just starting to show her age.

Class 453
This class have two rather different types. The first placed cow Woodford Patricia 2nd was longer and will make the bigger and in my view more productive breed cow. I would however have liked to seen her more complete in the top line. The second young cow, Woodford Paula carried fuller flesh, but was rather too short set for my type of female.

Class 454
There was only one heifer in this class, Lisglass Rebecca and a real powerhouse she was. Whilst there were a number of things to admire in this heifer, she was too overcooked for me for a breeding female and had lost her femininity through the shoulder, neck, brisket and head.

Class 455
I enjoyed this class and particularly liked my first placed heifer Ashland Pretty Lucy who was full of style, length and class. She also carries a right level of bone, so important in the heavy beef breeds. She went on to be my Reserve Champion. One for the future. The second, Killynure Rochelle and third, Celtic Rarity heifer were also useful heifers without quite the length and sparkle of the class winner.

Class 456
Another long, clean heifer was in front of me here to win this class. Corlesmore Sue should grow into a good cow. I would have liked to see greater width across the muzzle, head and in general. The two heifers following, Ballyvallough Shelia & Milton Star were again smart heifers, just lacking in the length of the first.

Class 457
Woodhall Premier a big strong bull winning his class today due to his power. His locomotion was good also for a bull of this size. The bull in second place, Omorga Regan was an attractive, long bull with good lines who looked a little raw and was simply outpowered on the day. He will have another day I am sure.

Class 458
Only one young bull in the class, Ranfurly Shamus who had good muscling, length and a clean undercut. He also moved freely. I was pleased with the line up in the Championship. The senior cow Ballinalare Farm Moneypenny won it for the reason already mentioned, a good breeding outfit and I later learned that Moneypenny is no stranger to the limelight here. The Reserve I gave to the stylish heifer Ashland Pretty Lucy whose progress I will follow with interest.

Thank you once again.