The Valais Blacknose breed has reached another important milestone, with its first-ever Interbreed Championship victory secured at Ballymena Show in Northern Ireland.
Having been awarded Supreme Champion in the breed classes earlier in the day, Diamond Mr Mars, exhibited by Irene and Geoffrey Gray, went on to make breed history by becoming the first Valais Blacknose sheep to win an Interbreed Championship. The achievement marks a significant moment in the breed’s development in the UK.
The success at Ballymena followed another notable result for the breed just one week earlier at the Fife Show in Scotland, where Spango Marmaduke, exhibited by Alistair and Craig Scott, was awarded Reserve Interbreed Champion.
Interbreed championships are among the most prestigious competitions at agricultural shows, bringing together champion sheep from different breed sections in a single competitive arena. Achievements at this level reflect both the quality of individual sheep and the dedication of Society members who have worked to establish, develop, and promote the Valais Blacknose over many years. They also highlight how far the breed has come and its ability to compete successfully at the highest levels of agricultural showing.
Reflecting on their success at Ballymena Show, Irene Gray commented:
“We were thrilled that our 11-month-old shearling, Diamond Mr Mars, won Supreme Champion, with our young gimmer taking Reserve. It was a real privilege to represent the breed in the Interbreed Championship, but Saturday afternoon was something extra special.
When Mr Mars made it to the final four under the esteemed judge Rachel Buckle Porter from Lanarkshire, Scotland, I was delighted. But when he was tapped out as Interbreed Champion from that amazing line-up of the best of every breed, it was a moment of real pride for our beautiful Valais Blacknose breed.
Rachel’s kind comments afterwards meant so much to us. Describing Mr Mars as having ‘tremendous ring presence’ in what was an extremely competitive interbreed class made the achievement even more special.
For Geoffrey and me, winning the first Interbreed Championship with a Valais Blacknose sheep makes a little piece of history, but we are so proud to fly the flag for the breed we love. It is also a great achievement for the hard work and dedication of breeders across the UK and Northern Ireland.”
Ballymena Show Interbreed Champion: Diamond Mr Mars – Irene & Geoffrey Gray
Fife Show Reserve Interbreed Champion: Spango Marmaduke – Alistair & Craig Scott
