Royal County of Berkshire Show gears up for National Aberdeen Angus Show

BREEDERS from across the country are expected to flock to The Royal County of Berkshire Show (19-20 September) as the show will play host to the National Aberdeen Angus Show for the first time.

There will be an extensive range of classes with a top prize of £1000 going to the overall champion. Judging starts at 8.30am on the Saturday morning.

The judge for this year’s championship is Neil Massie who put his Blelack Farm, near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire on the map 45 years ago when he established his own Aberdeen Angus herd.

Contenders for the top prizes include Rob Bishop’s Warrenho Dalmigavie, winner of the last ever championship at the Royal Show. By Nightingale Dalmigavie, the bull will be the one to beat. Described at The Royal as having a "great future" it was praised by Stoneleigh judge Alistair Clark as being a "long, clean, good mover".

Henley-based Secretary of the South East section of The Aberdeen Angus Society, Mike Spooner is a regular exhibitor at the Royal County of Berkshire Show.

He said: "We always have a good entry at the Newbury showground but this year is going to be exceptional. With 139 entries we have more than exceeded our hoped-for target of 100."

He added: "We will be well represented by some good exhibitors in the South East as one or two did very well at the Royal Show but there will be some strong competition from north of the border."

Judith Marcham, Chairman of the Royal County of Berkshire Show’s Cattle Committee added: "The Newbury and District Agricultural Society which organizes the Show is 100 years old this year and we are also celebrating 100 years since the first show was held.

"To be hosting such a prestigious event in the cattle breeding and showing calendar as the Aberdeen Angus National Show makes this anniversary even more special. The breed is one of the most recognizable to the general public and I am sure arenas will be ringed with spectators. Of course we will be delighted to welcome exhibitors of other breeds for all our other classes as usual. "

This will be a busy weekend for exhibitors with the final of the Tamworth pig championship also taking place at the Newbury Showground.

Tickets can be purchased at The Corn Exchange, Newbury on 01635 522733. Other local outlets are also selling tickets, details can be found at www.berkshireshow.co.uk