Army wins battle for supreme at Stoney Park

A BEEF Shorthorn bull full of "presence and style" reigned supreme at the 117th renewal of the Okehampton Show.

- ATHWENNA IRONS

Getting the nod from interbreed beef judge and auctioneer Ted Ogden was Muiresk Tartan Army, exhibited by Chris and Mel Ruby from Quethiock near Liskeard.

Handled in the ring by Chris' nephew, Jack Moon, this April 2023-born bull's "correct locomotion" and "look at me" character proved the deciding factor for Mr Odgen, who travelled down from North Yorkshire for the event on Thursday, August 14, held at the Stoney Park Showground.

Sired by Alvie Galaxy and out of Muiresk Lancaster Roxy, Tartan Army joined the Ruby family's Quethiock herd of Beef Shorthorns in February, having been bought in Stirling from breeder Stuart G Mair & Sons, and up until the day of the show was running with 30 cows.

Only lightly shown this year, his accolades include breed champion at the Devon County Show and reserve male champion at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Pipped at the post was the British Blue and continental champion, Highland Blues Spruce, from local Okehampton-based Andrew Luxton.