The exceptional demand for quality Charolais bulls continued at the Stirling February sale, with trade soaring to 75,000gns – the top price of any breed at this spring round of sales. In all, 104 bulls sold to average £11,760, with no fewer than 41 lots hitting five-figure prices.
The pre-sale show was capably judged by Andrew Stott, whose choice of intermediate and overall champion, Goldies Vance, went onto top the sale at 75,000gns – achieving a herd record for Hamish Goldie. One of 16 bulls forward from his Dumfries-based herd, this 20-month-old, carrying a double copy of the F49L gene, is a son of the 14,000gns Caylers Rocky, which was also sire of several five-figure priced Goldies bulls at last February’s sale. Out of the Tweeddale Matador daughter, Goldies Redlady – one of 85 cows in the herd – Vance caught the eye of two well-known pedigree outfits, selling to the Smeaton family’s Bombax herd at Forfar and the Walter family’s Balthayock herd at Perth. The Goldies consignment achieving a total clearance and averaged out at £16,340.
Tracey Nicol, stockwoman at Balthayock, said that Vance had stood out to her immediately: “Bulls like that don’t come around very often,” she added. “He has tremendous style and character and is exactly what we’ve been looking for.”
Second top at 60,000gns was Glenericht Vespar, the reserve senior champion from Peter and Allen Drysdale’s 60-cow herd at Blairgowrie. Full of home-breeding, his sire is Glenericht Limpet, a Fleets Vibrant son that previously sired an £18,000 privately sold bull. The dam, Glenericht Mistique, by Maerdy Hwre, is a consistent breeder, with her last bull calf making 15,000gns. Surpassing the herd’s previous top of 25,000gns, Vespar set the tone of the trade early in the sale, selling in a two-way split to Danny Sawrij, for the Swalesmoor herd at Lauderdale and Charlie Boden’s Sportsmans herd in Cheshire. The six Glenericht bulls sold to average £22,015.
Late in the sale, the third-prize winning junior bull, Maerdy Veture, made 45,000gns for Esmor Evans, who runs 120 pedigree cows at Monfa, Mold. This is the herd’s joint second best price, having achieved a record 56,000gns for Maerdy Director, way back in 1989, and 45,000gns for Maerdy Express in 2011. This 17-month-old is by Maerdy Leopard, a bull imported from France five years ago, while the dam, Maerdy Paith, is by the 18,000gns Goldies Linford. Two pedigree herds teamed up to secure Veture, with the Campbells, of Thrunton, Alnwick, and Allen Drysdale, Glenericht, being the final bidders.
Archie and John MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, also had a successful day, with their reserve intermediate champion, Allanfauld Vanhalen, achieving a herd best of 38,000gns, selling to the Robbs’ Chalmerston herd at Mauchline. He is by the French-bred Harestone Oscar, which has previously bred sons to 11,000gns for Allanfauld, while the dam, Allanfauld Rubytini, is a daughter of the Irish-bred Kenaghan Ozzy. On his only other outing, Vanhalen stood overall senior champion at the Stars of the Future event in November.
The senior champion, Silvermere Vanquish, from Michelle Hanson and Darren Irvine, Upper Drakemyers, Keith, sold at 24,000gns, to RC and A Stevenson, Backakelday, Orkney, for pedigree and commercial use. His sire is the French-bred Falleninch Memo, while the dam, Silvermere Mahjong, is a daughter of Lochend Apache.
The first-prize winner, Goldies Venture, was the first of three bulls to hit the 20,000gns mark. This 22-month-old is by the 28,000gns Falleninch Stormzy, a Barnsford Ferny son which sired bulls to 30,000gns for the herd last May. Out of the Blelack Digger daughter, Goldies Jo, that one sold to B Keir and Son, Ladymill, Alford.
Also making 20,000gns was the second-prize winner, Glenericht Voltage, which sold to large-scale commercial producer, George Wordie, Cairnborrow, Huntly. He is by the privately-bought Caylers Oxford, while the dam, Glenericht Melrose, is by Maerdy Hwre.
Final 20,000gns seller was another from the Goldies consignment, Goldies Veto, a Falleninch Stormzy son, out of the Goldies Jetset daughter, Goldies Petra. Final bidder on that first-prize winner was Mike and Lisa Massie, for their Elrick herd at Mains of Elrick, Auchnagatt.
Best for Neil and Stuart Barclay’s Harestone entry, was an 18,000gns bid for Harestone Veteran, a son of the French-bred Harestone Rabelais, which had stood first in its class. Out of the Knockmahon Ireland daughter, Harestone Nivea, he sold jointly to the MacGregors at Allanfauld, Kilsyth, and the Milnes at Kennieshillock, Elgin.
Matching that 18,000gns price was Balthayock Vinnie, from the Walter family’s Balthayock herd at Perth. A son of the 24,000gns Harestone Ronaldinho, his dam, Balthayock Nessie, was inter-breed beef cattle champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2019. A third-prize winner in his class, Vinnie sold to K and J Mallarkey, Airdlin Mains, Ellon.
Just one lot prior to that one and making 17,000gns, was Marwood Vincent Company, from the Blyths’ Hartlepool-based herd. This first-prize winner is by the 16,000gns Balthayock Lineup, and out of Marwood Iona, by Sportsmans Columbo. He was knocked down to Lightshaw Farming Company, Muirkirk.
Goldies Victor, another Falleninch Stormzy son from Hamish Goldie, also made 17,000gns, selling to H MacDonald, Mains of Dalvey, Advie, Grantown. Taking a second prize at the show, he is out of Goldies Lexi, a Blelack Digger daughter.
Another 17,000gns seller was Allen Drysdale’s Glenericht Viking, a Glenericht Limpet son, out of the Moncur General daughter, Glenericht Perky. His full brother made 16,000gns at last February’s sale. Buyer was Alex Bayne and Son, Drumness, Auchterarder.
The reserve junior champion, Glenlivet Victor, from Michael Durno, Auchorachan, Glenlivet, sold at 16,000gns, to Caithness buyers JM Sutherland, Sibmister and Stainland, Thurso. That one is by the home-bred Glenlivet Laird, a bull sold privately, while the dam is the privately-bought Thurso Nicole, a Maerdy Ignition daughter.
Leading Matthew Milne’s Elgin consignment, was the second-prize winner Elgin Vic, which sold at 15,000gns to AL Davies and Sons, Park Farm, Powys. His sire, Thurso Paul, was bought privately, while the dam, Elgin Jenn, is by the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator.
Also making 15,000gns was Tweeddale Victorious, a bull from Jonathan Watson, Bowsden Moor, Berwick, which had stood fourth in its class. Selling to Burnton Farms, Laurencekirk, that one is by Fleurieu Napoleon and out of the Blelack Blackberet daughter, Tweeddale Special Princess.
The final 15,000gns seller was Brian Gilchrist’s first-prize winner Dundas Viscount, from Crimp Cramp, Crawford. His dam, Westcarse Ruler, has previously sired sons to 19,000gns, while the dam, Dundas Nutella, is by the past Stirling champion, Castellmawr Jackpot. That one sold to the Irish Charolais Cattle Society.
Best for Bill Bruce, Balmyle, Meigle, was a 14,000gns bid for the fifth-prize winner, Balmyle Vision, which sold to FA and PJ Pilkington and Son, Iveyash, Kniveton. Sired by the 11,000gns Balmyle Jasper, his dam is the Maerdy Governer daughter, Balmyle Nellie, which is also the dam of the 28,000gns Balmyle Sandy.
Matching that 14,000gns price was Hamish Goldie’s Goldies Vigil, sired by the 30,000gns Harestone Sandiego and out of the Kersknowe Jambo daughter, Goldies Raisin. He went to GP Udale and Son, Sideway Bank, Penrith.
Other leading prices:
13,000gns – R and H McNee’s Finlarg Vandam, by Elrick Obama, to Staplegrove Livestock, Devon.
13,000gns – JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Voltaire, by Baillieston Orcadian, to FT Walton, Flotterton, Morpeth.
12,000gns – JS Fraser’s Toremains Volvo, by Goldies Oasis, to WR Kirk, Hall of Drumpark, Irongray.
12,000gns – DFWH and NR Walter’s Balthayock Valdo, by Balthayock Regal, to Mountquhanie Farms, Cupar.
12,000gns – H Goldie’s Goldies Vicar, by Falleninch Stormzy, to R and L Howat, Kinnaird, Cupar.
12,000gns – I and D Goldie’s Solwayfirth Valiant, by Glenericht Majestic, to Peasbyhall Farming, Lockerbie.
12,000gns – RA Milne’s Elgin Vangogh, by Thurso Paul, to A and B Kerr, Meikle Hall, Fettercairn.
12,000gns – RF McCornick’s Ricnick Voodoo, by Goldstar Gentleman, to RG Farries, Byrecroft, Dumfries.
12,000gns – WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Virgil, by Ugie Echo, to WF Palmer, Trenestral, Cornwall.
11,000gns – MJ Massie’s Elrick Viper, by Ballinlare Phantom, to WJ Marshall, Starlaw, Bathgate.
11,000gns – WP Bruce’s Balmyle Vagabond, by Clenagh Lyle, to G McClanachan and Sons, Gairloch, Dumfries.
11,000gns – JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Voyager, by Rutherston Sonny, to Pearsbyhall Farming, Lockerbie.
11,000gns – H Goldie’s Goldies Veteran, by Falleninch Stormzy, to D Strachan and Son, East Shawtonhill, Chapelton.
11,000gns – JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Victory, by Thrunton Gladiator, to L and D Hair, Drumbreddan, Ardwell.
11,000gns – WK and P Drysdale’s Glenericht Vince, by Caylers Oxford, to L Armstrong, Dunsyre Mains, Dunsyre.
10,000gns – Ross Farm’s Roscoe Vellacott, by Hallbankgate Snowman, to G and S Stevenson, Rendull, Orkney.
10,000gns – MJ Massie’s Elrick Vadar, by Ballinlare Phantom, to M Leslie, Keithmore, Keith.
10,000gns – MJ Massie’s Elrick Voldemort, by Ballinlare Phantom, to A and J Wright, Traboyack, Girvan.
10,000gns – JHC Campbell and Sons’ Thrunton Victor, by Baillieston Orcadian, to M and I Steele, Wicker Inn, Banchory.
10,000gns – DE Evans’ Maerdy Vivant, by Maerdy Leopard, to Gartincaber Farms, Drymen.
10,000gns – H Goldie’s Goldies Valuable, by Goldies Romeo, to L and D Hair, Drumbreddan, Ardwell.
Show results:
Judge: Andrew Stott, Shawhead, Easton, Longtown
Class 1: Bull born on or between 12 March & 2 April 2024
1st – 711, Elrick Vadar, Mr MJ Massie
2nd – 702, Newlogie Volt, AJR Farms
3rd – 703, Toremains Volvo, Mr JS Fraser
4th – 710, Roscoe Vellacott, Ross Farm Co Ltd
5th – 704, Newlogie Victor, AJR Farms
Class 2: Bull born on or between 3 & 13 April 2024
1st – 716, Glenericht Vespar, WK & P Drysdale
2nd – 717, Elgin Vic, Mr RA Milne
3rd – 712, Elrick Viper, Mr MJ Massie
4th – 719, Elrick Voldemort, Mr MJ Massie
5th – 713, Glenericht Venus, WK & P Drysdale
Class 3: Bull born on or between 14 & 22 April 2024
1st – 730, Glenericht Viking, WK & P Drysdale
2nd – 727, Ellerton Venables, Mr A Brown
3rd – 726, Thrunton Voldemort, JHC Campbell & Sons
4th – 732, Tweeddale Vanhee, J Watson & Co
5th – 733, Marwood Victor Hugo, RA & J Blyth
Class 4: Bull born on or between 23 April & 1 May 2024
1st – 740, Maerdy Vivant, Mr DE Evans
2nd – 737, Thrunton Victor, JHC Campbell & Sons
3rd – 738, Balthayock Valdo, Major DFWH & NR Walter
4th – 743, Balthayock Vigoras, Major DFWH & NR Walter
5th – 736, Marwood Value, RA & J Blyth
Class 5: Bull born on or between 2 & 9 May 2024
1st – 749, Silvermere Vanquish, Miss MT Hanson
2nd – 748, Maerdy Volt, Mr DE Evans
3rd – 753, Goldies Vicar, Mr H Goldie
4th – 747, Inverlochy Victory, J Irvine & Son
5th – 754, Lagavaich Victor, A & A Wright
Class 6: Bull born on or between 10 & 17 May 2024
1st – 763, Marwood Vincent Company, RA & J Blyth
2nd – 769, Thrunton Verdi, JHC Campbell & Sons
3rd – 764, Balthayock Vinnie, Major DFWH & NR Walter
4th – 768, Solwayfirth Valiant, I & D Goldie
5th – 765, Balthayock Vortex, Major DFWH & NR Walter
Class 7: Bull born on or between 18 & 23 May 2024
1st – 771, Goldies Vale, Mr H Goldie
2nd – 774, Kurlycoat Viking, Jake Gregory
3rd – 778, Goldies Verb, Mr H Goldie
4th – 781, Elgin Vangogh, Mr RA Milne
5th – 780, Balthayock Voot, Major DFWH & NR Walter
Class 8: Bull born on or between 24 May & 7 June 2024
1st – 785, Goldies Venture, Mr H Goldie
2nd – 792A, Maerdy Vegan, Mr DE Evans
3rd – 791, Burradon Vernon, Messrs Curry
4th – 783, Inverlochy Vinny, J Irvine & Son
5th – 784, Finlarg Vandam, R & H McNee
Class 9: Bull born on or between 8 & 13 June 2024
1st – 804, Goldies Vance, Mr H Goldie
2nd – 801, Goldies Victor, Mr H Goldie
3rd – 795, Goldies Veteran, Mr H Goldie
4th – 799, Tweeddale Victorious, J Watson & Co
5th – 794, Balmyle Vision, WP Bruce Ltd
Class 10: Bull born on or between 14 June & 4 July 2024
1st – 812, Allanfauld Vanhalen, A MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd
2nd – 810, Glenericht Voltage, WK & P Drysdale
3rd – 816, Tweeddale Vintage, J Watson & Co
4th – 806, Balthayock Vampire, Major DFWH & NR Walter
5th – 815, Maerdy Venezuella, Mr DE Evans
Class 11: Bull born on or between 5 & 18 July 2024
1st – 820, Goldies Vito, Mr H Goldie
2nd – 822, Ricnick Voodoo, Mr RF McCornick
3rd – 826, Goldies Vintage, Mr H Goldie
4th – 819, Tweeddale Vandenberg, J Watson & Co
5th – 823, Burradon Viscount, Messrs Curry
Class 12 Bull born on or between 19 & 31 July 2024
1st – 830, Harestone Veteran, R & N Barclay
2nd – 831, Goldies Valuable, Mr H Goldie
3rd – 828, Harestone Vivaldi, R & N Barclay
4th – 836, Glenericht Vince, WK & P Drysdale
5th – 833, Burradon Vibrant, Messrs Curry
Class 13: Bull born on or between 1 & 23 August 2024
1st – 839, Dundas Viscount, Mrs JM Gilchrist
2nd – 841, Goldies Verdi, Mr H Goldie
3rd – 846, Goldies Voltage, Mr H Goldie
4th – 845, Goldies Vagabond, Mr H Goldie
5th – 842, Maerdy Vector, Mr DE Evans
Class 14: Bull born on or between 24 August & 17 September 2024
1st – 854, Glenlivet Victor, Mr MS Durno
2nd – 850, Glenericht Virgil, WK & P Drysdale
3rd – 853, Wensleydale Visa, Mr DK Timm
4th – 859, Elrick Vanguard, Mr MJ Massie
5th – 849, Wensleydale Viscount, Mr DK Timm
Class 15: Bull born on or after 18 September 2024
1st – 868, Hollywell Viking, J & S Middleton
2nd – 859, Elrick Vanguard, Mr MJ Massie
3rd – 858, Maerdy Veture, Mr DE Evans
4th – 866, Teme Viking, Mrs SM Corbett & Daughters
5th – 864, Bombax Verdi, C Smeaton & Sons
Senior Champion
Lot 749, Silvermere Vanquish, Miss MT Hanson
Reserve Senior Champion
Lot 716, Glenericht Vespar, WK & P Drysdale
Intermediate Champion
Lot 804, Goldies Vance, Mr H Goldie
Reserve Intermediate Champion
Lot 812, Allanfauld Vanhalen, A MacGregor (Allanfauld) Ltd
Junior Champion
Lot 868, Hollywell Viking, J & S Middleton
Reserve Junior Champion
Lot 854, Glenlivet Victor, Mr MS Durno
Overall Champion
Lot 804, Goldies Vance, Mr H Goldie
Reserve Overall Champion
Lot 868, Holywell Viking, J & S Middleton
Categories: News, Sales, Stirling Sales