Ewe beauty best Poll Dorset

For the first time in his judging career, Poll Dorset judge Dale Moore of the Penrise stud in Tasmania selected a ewe over a ram as supreme champion.

Mr Moore, judging for his first time at Woolorama, could not go past the Shirlee Downs ewe, which first appeared in the ewe under one year, showing milk teeth, category.

Mr Moore said he liked the ewe in the initial line-up and did not change his mind as she returned for the champion ewe and supreme judging.

"She has very clean points and heaps of meat through the loin and outside thighs," he said.

Mr Moore said she won for overall completeness, also complimenting her lovely neck extension, good top line and the fact she was good on her feet.

"Her femininity is outstanding and she has a lovely fleece," he said.

The judge also responded favourably to the reserve champion ewe, belonging to Jolma.

Mr Moore said the two top ewes were very similar in terms of body length and width, but the winning ewe featured a "bit more meat and a fraction more leg".

The champion ewe also won the ewe lamb category at last year's Perth Royal Show, according to Chris Squiers who has been breeding Poll Dorsets since 1968.

He said traits sought at the stud included being good on their feet and offering as much meat as possible.

Meanwhile, a Jolma ewe earned the title of reserve champion ewe.

Mr Moore said his selection of the ewe as supreme champion was intended to take nothing away from the champion Poll Dorset ram, which came from Willow Park.

He said the ram, also aged under one year, was particularly good on its feet. The ram also won the subjective class award.

The reserve champion ram sash was won by Curlew Creek, for a ram under one year showing milk teeth, with a maximum wool length of 1.5cm.

Champions *

·Champion ewe: *Shirlee Downs, Quairading *

·Champion ram: *Willow Park, Mardella *