Poll Dorset wins tiebreaker

A celebratory atmosphere pervaded the ring, as a Poll Dorset was crowned supreme champion British and Australasian sheep at this year's Wagin Woolorama.

A total of 11 breeds were scrutinised by six judges until the long wool and short wool grand champion sheep were decided.

A ram from Max Whyte's Brimfield White Suffolk stud in Kendenup was pitted against the grand champion Poll Dorset ewe from Curlew Creek, Gnowangerup, in a nail-biting finale.

Reflecting the strength of exhibitors at this year's Woolorama, a tie ensued. Peter Nalder, past White Suffolk breeder from Nalvin Park, in Wagin, was called upon to break the tie.

An extensive history of judging throughout Australia enabled Mr Nalder to award the supreme sash to Curlew Creek.

Curlew Creek are relative newcomers to the Poll Dorset ring, and their ewe had previously been described as outstanding.

Curlew Creek stud principal Collyn Garnett was elated with the accolade - his first supreme sash at Woolorama in either Poll Dorset or Merino classes.

"There were a lot of handy sheep in the class. It's really good to place first against studs that have been long-time stayers," Mr Garnett said.

He said the recognition was a highlight and consolidation was now a key priority for the stud.

"We are looking at expanding the stud. We may build core numbers to around 550 next year," Mr Garnett said.

The supreme champion ram, from Brimfield, was earlier praised by Mr Fairclough, who said it was very correct and would serve the breed well.

The interbreed pen of three was won by a powerhouse line-up from the Squiers' Shirlee Downs Prime SAMM stud, Quairading.

The group comprised one ram and two ewes, selected from the stud's previous class entries.

The total number of studs showing in the British and Australasian breed classes were down this year, numbering 41 over 11 breeds, compared with 43 last year.

Interbreed champions *

·Countryman supreme champion British and Australasian sheep: *Curlew Creek, Gnowangerup *

·Allstock (WA) supreme champion ram of all breeds: *Brimfield, Kendenup *

·Elders supreme champion ewe of all breeds: *Curlew Creek *

·Genstock interbreed champion group of three: *Shirlee Downs, *Quairading

·Campbell Nalder Memorial Trophy for most points: *Shirlee Downs *

·Fleur Barron Trophy for most successful new exhibitor: *Kohat *

·NAB Agribusiness champion short wool ram: *Brimfield *

·NAB Agribusiness champion short wool ewe: *Curlew Creek *

·NAB Agribusiness champion long wool ram: *Escholar, Esperance *

·NAB Agribusiness champion long wool ewe: *Coljac, Hyden *