Royal Welsh Show 2026
The Royal Welsh Show 2026 proved to be an absolute scorcher, with some of the hottest conditions of the show season bringing their own challenges for exhibitors and cattle alike. Despite the heat, the Highland Cattle classes attracted exhibitors from across the country, with breeders travelling from the north of Scotland to the south of England, alongside a strong turnout from across Wales.
Female and overall champion, Macie of Thistle
The quality of cattle forward provided plenty for the judge Donald Macnaughton to consider, with Macie of Thistle, exhibited by Katie Hodges, taking the Female Championship and Overall Championship. This three year old yellow heifer was bred by Annie Perkins, sired by Domhnull 2nd of Strathellie and out of Skye 8th of Rannoch.
The Reserve Female Champion was awarded to Cadrann 4th of Eilean Mor, exhibited by Coul Estate, while Conan Dubh of Blingery (Cameron Dubh of Kelby ex Fiona 2nd of Dumyat), also exhibited by Coul Estate, took the Male Championship and Reserve Overall Champion. In the males, the reserve awarded was also claimed by Coul Estates, with their youngster Seumus Dubh 1st Of Coul who has enjoyed a very successful show season this year. The young classes also offered a strong display of the breed, with Jack of Yarchester, from Guy Mumford, taking the Best Calf award.
Male champion and reserve overall, Conan Dubh of Blingery
Congratulations to all the exhibitors and prize winners who made the journey and turned out their cattle in such demanding conditions, as well as keeping them all cool and comfortable for the duration of the show.
Away from the show ring, the Royal Welsh was a fantastic opportunity for members to come together and celebrate everything about the breed. The Welsh Highland Cattle Club ensured the Society Breed Stand was buzzing with activity throughout all four days, welcoming a huge number of members and visitors. There were plenty of opportunities to catch up with fellow breeders, enjoy some social time and share experiences, with some excellent catering organised by Annie Perkins adding to the hospitality.
A big thank you also goes to Julian and Olwyn Ford, who helped man the stand throughout the four days. Their local knowledge, Welsh insights and translation skills were invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to all the prize winners, and thanks to everyone who exhibited, supported the Breed Stand and helped make the week such a success.
Full results
Bull, born on or before 31 December 2024
1st Conan Dubh of Blingery | Coul Estate
2nd Duke Dubh of West Edmondsley | S and E Haley
Bull, born on or after 1 January 2025
1st Seumus Dubh 1st of Coul | Coul Estate
Male Champion
Conan Dubh of Blingery | Coul Estate
Reserve
Seumus Dubh 1st of Coul | Coul Estate
Cow, any age in calf or with calf at foot
1st Cadrann 4th of Eilean Mor | Coul Estate
2nd Kirsty of Caradog | Caradog Fold
3rd Ceitidh of Llanerchydol | Gareth Davies
4th Jubilee Tilly of Thistle | Annie Perkins
5th Ellie Dhubh of Thistle | Annie Perkins
6th Princess 36th of Killochries | Gareth Davies
7th Urshula Faith 6th of Yarchester | Guy Mumford
Heifer, born on or between 1 January and 31 December 2023
1st Macie of Thistle | Katie Hodges
2nd Wendy 3rd of Caradog | Caradog Fold
3rd Turfrida Dubh of Chadwich | John Monk
4th Eiteag 2nd of Innisard | Robert Jenkins
5th Boidheach Ruadh 11th of Broomrigg | Coul Estate
6th Ava of Thistle | Annie Perkins
Heifer, born on or between 1 January and 31 December 2024
1st Casair Sila of Caradog | Caradog Fold
2nd Harriet of Yarchester | Guy Mumford
3rd Freya Dhubh of Taliaris | Ian Colledge
4th Kindy Dubh of Eolhc-Lash | Chloe Roberts
5th Lois of Pant Hwfa | Lois Glyn Roberts
6th Sorn Dubh 3rd of Ardentraive | Katie Hodges
7th Rose Dhubh of Thistle | Annie Perkins
8th Marina of Caradog | Caradog Fold
9th Urshula Hilda 7th of Yarchester | Guy Mumford
10th Princess Honey of Chadwich | John Monk
Heifer born on or between 1 January and 31 December 2025
1st Hillary Ruadh 2nd of Taliaris | Ian Colledge
2nd Amber Jenny of Thistle | Annie Perkins
3rd Lorna 2nd of Tippetcraig | Ian Colledge
4th Isabelle of Yarchester | B and J Sutton
5th Cairistiona Cerys 12th of Celyn | Becky Rowlands
6th Urshula Iona 9th of Yarchester | Guy Mumford
7th Freya Ruadh 2nd of Taliaris | Ian Colledge
8th Lady Melyn 9th of Celyn | Eirian Rowlands
9th Lady Annabel of Acre Fold | Steven and Louisa Jordan
10th Cairistiona Clover 11th of Celyn 3463 | Becky Rowlands
Best Calf, born on or after 1 January 2026
1st Jack of Yarchester | Guy Mumford
2nd Llion of Caradog 3465 | Caradog Fold
3rd Fraser of Thistle | Annie Perkins
4th Merlin of Thistle | Annie Perkins
Female Champion
Macie of Thistle | Katie Hodges
Reserve
Cadrann 4th of Eilean Mor | Coul Estate
Best Pair of Heifers bred by an Exhibitor
1st Caradog Fold
2nd John Monk
Best Group of Three
1st Katie Hodges
2nd Caradog Fold
Overall Champion
Macie of Thistle | Katie Hodges
Reserve
Conan Dubh of Blingery 3416 | Coul Estate
