On a hot glorious day in the grounds of Antrim's Shane Castle, the Bluefaced Leicester's third Northern Ireland Progeny show took place. There was some hot competition as well as hot sunshine, as the classes were full and close. Judge David Cruickshank had a busy day, not only judging the Leicesters and progeny groups he was also judging the Mule classes and the Beltex classes too. A man for all sheep!

Winning the championship in the Bluefaced Leicester section was Michelle Wright from the Mullaghwee flock, with a three year old ewe by the Millenium Show Tup Champion, Fell View R1. It's the second time she has been shown this season, taking her second championship after winning in Ballymena.

Reserve in the BFL section was a tup from T Wray & McCormick Bros bred at Auchafoy and bought at Ballymena, sired by T33 Carryhouse. He has done a great job in the flock, with tup lambs and gimmer lambs winning the progeny classes last year sired by him and also proving once again his quality as he sired the three gimmers which won the progeny championship this year too, making that a 100% record for Timothy since the classes started three years ago and the Knockstaken flock have taken every progeny championship! The tups next outing will be at the Ballymena sales this back end.

Runner up in the progeny section was Alistair Christie with a two shear tup alongside his ram lamb progeny. The tup, Ty-Gwyn Z3 was the top priced shearling at Ballymena last year when Robert Loughbridge sold him for £4200. He has certainly left his stamp as his three tup lambs stood out for power and scope. The lambs will be heading for Ballymena later on this backend.