(Left) Reserve Champion, Winsfield Ivy League (Right) Champion, Merryboro I'm Unstoppable
Whatmore Hairspray, sold for 4000gns
Thursday 11th December
Judge - Chrissy Davies
The Welshpool In-Lamb Sale rolled around once again, delivering another strong showcase of quality Dutch Spotted sheep, with the Whatmore flock setting the standard on the day by selling four shearlings at over 3000gns apiece.
Proceedings began with a well-supported pre-sale show, judged by Chrissy Davies, who was presented with an impressive entry across three competitive classes: Aged Ewes, Shearling Ewes and Ewe Lambs. With depth of quality evident throughout, Davies faced a challenging task in selecting the day’s top honours.
After careful consideration, the Champion of the Day title was awarded to a standout Ewe Lamb bred by T & L Nash. Merryboro I’m Unstoppable, sired by McDermotts Fireman and out of the homebred ewe Merryboro Diamond, impressed with her style and carcass. Once she entered the sale ring, bidding was swift and competitive, with the hammer finally falling at 2500gns to Lora Jen Pritchard.
Reserve Champion went to Winsfield Ivy League, bred by J Bowen. Sired by Ty-Gwyn High Flyer and out of Diamond Gretal—herself a daughter of the renowned Saveoak Espresso Martini—this shearling ewe sold for 2000gns to J Radnor.
Strong interest surrounded a particular shearling ewe from S Gibbons, Whatmore flock, bred from two well-known names within the Dutch Spotted breed: Whatmore Forty Winx and Whatmore EllieMae. Whatmore Hairspray was scanned in lamb with twins to Tri-Lands High Tower, she made a major impact in the ring and was secured by J Radnor for 4000gns. Momentum continued for the Whatmore flock, with their remaining shearlings selling for 3800gns, 3500gns and 3200gns, underlining a highly successful day.
In the Aged Ewe class, first place went to Johanna, an imported ewe shown by J Harris. Scanned in lamb with triplets, she impressed both the judge and buyers alike, eventually selling for 1300gns to A M Jones.
Overall, the Welshpool In-Lamb Sale once again demonstrated the strength, consistency and quality of the Dutch Spotted breed. Exceptional results from the Whatmore flock, combined with strong competition throughout the catalogue, highlighted growing confidence in the breed’s breeding potential. With established breeders and newcomers alike actively participating, the future looks bright for Dutch Spotted sheep both locally and further afield.
Sale Averages
13 Aged Ewes - 550gns
21 Shearling Ewes - 1448gns
29 Ewe Lambs - 599gns
