THE British Limousin Cattle Society's Autumn Bull Show & Sale at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, saw a top price of 40,000gns and a total of 83 bulls averaging £5,826 – up £246 on the year with a clearance rate of 64 per cent.

Ampertaine Opportunity from WJ & J McKay, of Maghera, took his fourth overall championship at Carlisle when he became junior and supreme champion. May 2018-born, he led the trade at 40,000gns when purchased jointly for three pedigree herds – Newhouse, Spittalton & Goldies.

At the pre-sale show, judge John Lynch, of Dovea Genetics, Republic of Ireland, described him as his "stand-out bull, functionally correct and with a super body and back end".

Nine bulls made three figures with 20 in the 5,000gns – 8,000gns bracket. More than 50 sold between 2,000gns and 5,000gns with an excellent choice of stock sires for all budgets.

The third leading price of 11,500gns went to Ian Nimmo, Wishaw, for Maraiscote Oxford, a bull with top one per cent growth traits, who stood second in his class to the intermediate champion. He is the first son offered at auction by the 50,000gns Bassingfield Machoman, and was bought by commercial producer Neill & Partners, Jedburgh.

Two bulls made 11,000gns. Whinfellpark Oz from Messrs Jenkinson, Penrith, sold to Thorndean Farms Hailsham, East Sussex, while Brontemoor Oasis consigned by JM & SM Priestley, Brampton, Cumbria, sold to commercial buyer R&J Johnston, Orkney.

Senior champion and reserve overall was the 10,500gns Barrons Oslo from Willie Barron, Morrow Edge Farm, Burnhope, Co Durham. Sired by the Lowerffrydd Empire son, Homebyres Jamie, and out of Barrons Icho (by Wilodge Cerberus) he sold to CV & E Lewis, Welshpool. The judge said: "A worthy winner in the senior section, this was a modern bull, very square with super plates."

A bull at 9,000gns was Impulsive Orlando from Steven Wilson at Corby Hill, Carlisle. He was bought by DA Harrison, Wigton.

Making 8,200gns was Petteril Oz from Stephen and Ann Morley, Wreay, Carlisle. He sold to C Fearon, Grange, Keswick.

J Leiper & Sons, Middleton, Morpeth took home the 8,000gns reserve junior champion Loosebeare Owen from EW Quick & Sons of Crediton, Devn.

Averages: 24 senior bulls, £4,861; 32 intermediate bulls, £5952; 28 junior bulls, £6489. Overall 83 bulls, £5826. Auctioneers: Harrison & Hetherington