Royal Welsh Show 2025
The Highland cattle classes at the 2025 Royal Welsh Show were held under radiant skies and even brighter enthusiasm. The Royal Welsh Showground is located in the heart of Mid Wales in the market town of Builth Wells. Arguably one of the most picturesque areas of Wales.
Highland champions
The Highland cattle classes at this year’s show may have seen only 17 entries - a noticeably reduced number - but the quality of the animals and the passion of the exhibitors remained undiminished.
Due to ongoing bluetongue movement restrictions, only cattle residing within Wales were eligible to attend, limiting participation from folds beyond its borders. Despite these challenges, the commitment to showcasing the breed was stronger than ever.
Presiding over proceedings was Andrew Kirkpatrick of the renowned Glengarnock fold, whose thoughtful judging and deep appreciation of the breed shone through as he selected his champions.
Supreme champion, Marina Eve 3rd of Borland, owned and exhibited by Rhian Thomas and E Davies, bred by the late Keith Howman
A fine example of the breed, Marina Eve 3rd captivated the judge with her outstanding conformation and graceful presence - taking the title of Supreme Champion. This 3-year-old heifer is sired by Friseal Reachmhor of Strathellie out of Eve 4th of Borland. Her victory marked a touching tribute to her late breeder and underscored the continuity of excellence across generations.
Reserve champion, Aonghus Mhor of Taliaris fold, owned and bred by Ian Colledge and Nancy Eschler
Aonghus Mhor was not only Reserve Champion but also the Best Male exhibit. Sired by Stan of Glengoyne and out of Cairistiona Mor of Cladich, his presence in the ring showcased the enduring strength and appeal of Welsh-bred Highland cattle.
Despite the reduced entry numbers, camaraderie and celebration filled the cattle lines. Exhibitors rallied together, sharing their pride and joy in the animals they brought forward. The Highland section may have been small, but its heart was mighty.
Judge’s report
Judge Andrew Kirkpatrick
Thanks to the Royal Welsh Show for my invitation to judge their Highland Cattle section. I was especially pleased to receive the invitation for the 2025 show, as I had judged 18 years earlier and looked forward to being in Builth Wells again and seeing the changes that had been made and meeting breeders old and new.
It was a lovely sunny day without a cloud in the sky, a welcome change as we had been told to expect rain!
Numbers were down as restrictions due to Blue tongue had prevented Scottish and English breeders from showing their cattle, however there was a very enthusiastic presence of club members from the North of Scotland!
The 17 cattle on show were well presented and provided a good example of the breed.
My overall champion … Marina 3rd of Borland, a 3-year-old heifer from the Caradog fold. A good feminine heifer who walked well, had a good head, good through the shoulder, straight back and well filled out down the 2nd thigh.
Reserve champion … a yearling bull Aonghus Mhor of Taliaris fold. A well balanced young bull throughout, showing good potential.
Well done to all exhibitors who took the time to prepare their cattle for the show and thank you to the stewards.
Andrew Kirkpatrick
Full results
Bull, born on or before 31 December 2023
1st Scott of Caradog | Caradog fold
2nd Bomber of Llanerchydol | Gareth Davies
Bull, born on or after 1 January 2024
1st Aonghos Mhor of Taliaris | Taliaris fold | handled by Angus MacGillivray
2nd Caesar of Llanerchydol | Gareth Davies
3rd Geth of Caradog | Caradog fold
Male Champion
Aonghos Mhor of Taliaris | Taliaris fold
Reserve
Scott of Caradog | Caradog fold
Cow, any age in calf or with calf at foot
1st Gruagach 2nd of Caradog | Caradog fold
2nd Gruagach of Caradog | Caradog fold
3rd Cairistiona Cleo 7th of Celyn | Becky Rowlands
Heifer, born on or between 1 January and 31 December 2022
1st Marina Eve 3rd of Borland | Caradog fold
2nd Kirsty of Caradog | Caradog fold
3rd Princess 36th of Killochries | Gareth Davies
4th Lady Maya 7th of Ceylon | Becky Rowlands
Heifer, born on or between 1 January and 31 December 2023
1st Morag Mingeal of Glenaros | Taliaris fold | handled by Angus MacGillivray
2nd Wendy 3rd of Caradog | Caradog fold
3rd Frangag Melody 4th of Celyn | Becky Rowlands
Heifer born on or between 1 January and 31 December 2024
1st Freya Dhabi of Taliaris | Taliaris fold
2nd Lois of Pant Hwfa | Lois Glyn Roberts
3rd Casair Sila of Caradog | Caradog fold
4th Boideach of Caradog | Caradog fold
Best Pair of Heifers bred by an Exhibitor
Caradog fold
Best Group of Three
Taliaris fold
Reserve
Caradog fold
Overall Champion
Marina Eve 3rd of Borland | Caradog fold
Reserve
Aonghus Mhor of Taliaris | Taliaris fold
Our congratulations go to all exhibitors!
