Ewe beauty

David Gray, of Sunnycroft, was presented with the Champion of Champions trophy for his prized texel at Peeblesshire Agricultural’s Society’s Grand Open Show at Nether Horsburgh Farm, by Cardrona..

It followed his success at the Border Union Show in Kelso where he was also awarded the top prize for another of his flock..

Speaking on the showfield following the prize-giving ceremony at Peebles Show, David said: “It’s great, very unexpected, and the fact that she is from the same family as the Kelso show champion makes the family more predominent, it’s a very important family in our flock.

“When you are competing against other people who have spent the time and effort to put their sheep forward and to win is a big honour. I’m delighted.” With a hectic week ahead, the Selkirk farmer revealed he hadn’t had time to think up a name for the sheep, whose father is the aptly named Razzle Dazzle.

But, referring to the headline of our report on the win for the similarly spectacularly named Utterly Butterly at Kelso Show, he announced he would name her “Ewe beauty”.

“She’s a very good example of the texels,” David said. “She’s for stock, we’ll be keeping her and we’ll be taking embryos out of her.” And, pausing for a moment, he added: “What’s a good name for her? Ewe beauty!” The Reserve Champion went to the cattle champion, Green Hole Independence Day, shown by John Green, of Crag Farm, Lilliesleaf. It was male continental champion at Kelso last month, the only other time he’s been shown.

John said: “It’s only the second time we’ve shown here. His brother, Franklin Roosevelt, made 11,000 two years ago. I’m pleased, very pleased.” Other champions taking part in the Grand Parade included previous winners Clive Storey, light horse champion and donkey champion Claire Armet, from Heriot, as well as dog champion Sheila Hogg, from Lindean.

John Elliot, of Roxburgh Mains, Kelso, judged the Champion of Champions. He said: “The standard of entries has been very, very good. I’m not actually allowed to go down the sheep lines before I see the eventual champion but it’s a terrifically big show.

“The texel is a very good sheep commercially, and that’s the first thing I look for, a sheep that’s a good carcass, absolutely spot on on her legs. She’s got that little bit of style that you can go a long way to find, it isn’t easy to get that.

“When it comes to the sheep especially, Peebles is up there with every show in the country, no doubt.” It is the second year in a row the show has been staged at Nether Horsburgh after drainage works forced it to move from its original venue last year. And, with more space for spectators and competitors alike, organisers haven’t ruled out it moving there permanently.

Show President Robert Barr said: “It’’s been another successful show and we think increased entry in just about every section this year.

“A lot of people have come, I think maybe word has spread that this is a popular venue, and we are very happy with the way things have gone.

“It’s a big honour to be President. You only get to do it for two years and then you retire for life, it’s a once in a lifetime thing. It’s a lot of work, a lot of meetings but it’s a great honour.

“The highlight for me is leading the parade, it’s like the Peebles Cornet going down the High Street. The job’s done then. And the rain has stayed off.”