Sweeting smelling success as Hillhead Rose clinches Blonde Championship.

The return of Balmoral show saw breeders from across the country battling it out to see who would be crowned, 2021 Blonde champion. The Rodgers family from Ballynahinch took the honours on this occasion with their April 2020 born heifer, Hillhead Rose sired by Allacott Herbert. Rose also went on to win the Junior Championship on the day.

Taking the reserve championship was Shanvalley Penrose from the Savage Family with their February 2019 born heifer sired by Abricot, who also went on to win the senior heifer class.

Claiming the male championship and junior bull class, was another entry from the Rodgers Family. This time it was Hillhead Ranger to the fore. Ranger was born in June 2020 and again was sired by Allacott Herbert.

Money Scalp Blondes owned by the McClelland family was awarded the top spot with Budore Liza, sired by Budore Floyd in the senior cow class. Their success didn’t stop there as they also picked up the award for best senior bull with their February 2018 stock bull Bridge Obama, who is sired by Aaron.

Hillhead Rose and Hillhead Rachel joined forces for the pair’s competition before being tapped out by breed Judge Nick Rogers as best pair of blondes on the day.

In the Interbreed section, Blondes again made their mark, with Hillhead Rose and Hillhead Ranger taking second reserve in the interbreed pairs class before being joined by Hillhead Rachel for the interbreed group of three class, where they were awarded Reserve champion group of three. The winning didn’t stop there as they later teamed up with exhibits from the Farrell family and the Dorman Family and went on to clinch the Reserve interbreed group of five at the show.

Society Chairman Willie McElroy said, it was great to see the show back in all its glory after what has been a challenging year for everyone. The September show was a bit different but we were blessed with the good weather and I think everyone was just glad to see a bit of normality. The breed once again made its mark across the show rings, highlighting the breed qualities. I would like to congratulate all those who exhibited at the event and look forward to seeing them all back again in May 2022 at the Balmoral show.