Leading the ram lamb trade at the English National Texel Sale, Worcester, was a 7800gns bid for Robert Cockburn’s Knap Jingle Bells.
This first prize winner and reserve male champion from the pre-sale show is by Duncryne Hakuna Matata and out of a dam by New View Electrifying. After a frantic bidding battle he was bought by Hydes Farming, Thaxted, for the Hydes flock.
Next best on a trade that achieved a record average of £1738, was one from Robert Laird and family, Cambwell Juggernaut at 6000gns. This son of Deveronvale Fastrac is out of a dam by Cowal Escobar and sold with a top 5% index. Having been second in the pre-sale show he was bought by the judge, Peter Gray, Scrogtonhead.
Robert Cockburn then took 5500gns for Knap Joy Rider. This one is also by Duncryne Hakuna Matata and is out of a dam by Auldhouseburn Gazza. He was knocked down to Mark Davis, Canalside.
At the same money was one from Gordon Gray, Ettrick Jeronimo. This is a son of the homebred Ettrick Inferno out of a dam by Ettrick Grey Goose. Selling with a top 10% index and having been first in the pre-sale show he went home with Frankie Kunica, for the Kunica flock.
Then making 5200gns was Auldhouseburn Jingles from Alan Blackwood. He’s by Midlock Inferno and out of a Rhaeadr First Choice daughter and was taken by Matthew Coles, Peartree.
Top ram lamb averages
| Prefix | Number Sold | Average |
| Knap | Five | £3948 |
| Auldhouseburn | Two | £3465 |
| Cambwell | Six | £2537 |
| Ettrick | Five | £2310 |
| Thornbury | Eight | £2231 |
| Milnbank | Six | £2143 |
| Ellen Valley | Three | £2012 |
| Tima | Two | £1575 |
Following close behind at 5000gns was third prize winner Milnbank Jackhammer from Robbie Wilson. This son of Auldhouseburn Imperial King is out of a dam by Clanfield Golden and was the pick of Tomos Evans, Ffrydbrook.
A 3800gns call then secured Topwood Jack Flash from Ellie Owens. Sired by the £22,000 Allanfauld Here Goes, he’s out of a Sportsmans-bred dam by Rhaeadr First Choice and was shared by Ian and Fiona Andrews, Cattistock and Steve and Becca McLean, Fordwell.
After that at 3500gns was George Wilkinson’s second prize winner Ellen Valley Jethro. This is a son of Garngour Gladiator and out of a dam by the homebred Ellen Valley Defender. Taking this one home were the Hardman family for the Oak Farm flock.
A 3200gns sale came next when Nick Legge sold Thornbury Jack Sparrow. He’s by the 19,000gns Thornbury Ironside and out of a dam by Usk Vale Champagne Charlie and sold to Ross Sizmur, Devon with a top 25% index.
And wrapping up the leading prices at 3000gns was another from Robert Cockburn, Knap Jolly Roger. Sired by Auldhouseburn Illusion this one is out of a dam by Haddo Falcon and found a new home with Peter Mitchell and family, Avon Vale.
Average; 78 ram lambs £1738 (McCartneys).