It was a good sale at Builth, with a good solid trade, no highs like last years, but certainly not as many lows, as the auctioneers reported much firmer bidding for Leicester tups, especially at the bottom end, created a good sensible demand.

The champion from M C Roberts, Myfyrian was the joint sale leader. Judged the night before by a Scottish team of Matt Drummond and Neill Laing, this classy lamb, on his first outing, caught their eye and they saw their pick justified as he sold for 1500 gns to judge Matt Drummond. He is by the X41 Clennell, going back to the old T4 Carryhouse and out of a ewe by the X3 Watersyke.

The second 1500 gns bid went to the Lower Down flock, established over 30 years ago by R P Williams & Son. They scooped fourth prize with their tup lamb, which was by the A15 Myfrian E+, which is the full brother to the champion lamb at the sale, and sold to David Cruickshank for the highest ever price the flock has received to date.

Two breeders who always catch the eye at this sale both did well too. Aled Jones from the Craig Yr Orsedd flock brought in his renowned T29 Scrainwood E+ tup which has done well for him over the years, siring many champions including the female champion at the sale. Its reputation brought it a good price, with it being knocked down for 1250 gns and travelled north to the Ashes flock of Frank Johnson. Aled also sold a lamb by Z3 Addingham for 1200 gns to DW Harries, Hope flock.

Michael James has a growing reputation amongst the Leicester and Mule world, and his batch at Builth were no exception. With some strong well made shearlings Michael hit a good solid trade for his sheep, topping at 1200 gns for a shearling by T14 Dalehead out of a ewe by the massive R3 Duhonw, selling to former breed chairman Dennis Lumley, Hexham.

Craig Yr Orsedd - 1200 gns

Female Champion