Two noted herds achieved top money at the sale of females from the Claragh, Goldies, Haltcliffe, Gunneefleet and Lodge herds on Friday night. This much-anticipated event got off to a flying start when lot number one, Claragh Layla, was knocked down at 18,000gns in front of a crowded ringside. The bidding just kept on going for the January 2015 heifer, which is a daughter of Wildodge Vantastic and out of Haltcliffe Avon. Forward by JD Rainey of Kilrea in County Derry, she will join Gareth Small’s herd at Kilkeel in County Down.
Also at 18,000gns was April 2014 heifer, Haltcliffe Juniper, by Galant and out of Haltcliffe Fern. Messrs Ridley had travelled the short distance to the mart from Wigton in Cumbria and sold to John Richardson, who farms at Ghyll House near Appleby in the same county. Mr Richardson was also the purchaser of the next highest-priced lot at 15,000gns from the same vendor, which was Cloughhead Umpire daughter, Haltcliffe Justina. She was born in September 2014 and is out of Haltcliffe Duchess.
Averages:
- Claragh – 5 heifers averaged 7,182gns
- Goldie – 18 heifers averaged 4,666gns
- Haltcliffe – 16 heifers averaged 5,112gns
- Gunnerfleet – 18 heifers averaged 1,773gns
- Lodge – 5 cows and calves averaged 3,549gns;
- 15 heifers averaged 2,709gns
