Liz Ikin, Bannister, NSW, presents the sash to exhibitor Tom Honner, Minlacowie Poll Herefords, Brentwood, SA, for the senior champion Poll Hereford bull, MInlacowie Jubilant J123. Looking on is RAS councillor Stuart Davies. The bull went on to win the interbreed championship.
A Poll Hereford bull with star quality plucked from a mob of 40 yearlings has gone onto claim the nation’s most prestigious show title of interbreed champion bull at the 2016 Sydney Royal.
Minlacowie Jubilant J123 emerged from a total of 344 bulls on the Sydney RAS ground to be selected for the prestigious award.
Owner and breeder Tom Honner, Minlacowie Poll Herefords, Brentwood, SA, exhibited the single entry at Sydney but was forced to fly home before the interbreed judging.
Stacey Allan, Queanbeyan, took over the halter duties for the judging on March 21.
Jubilant has now been earmarked for the Herefords Australia National Show and Sale at Wodonga on May 11-12.
Mr Honner said the story behind the bull was a remarkable one and he carried the bloodlines of the mighty Doonbiddie Hustler, grand champion at five major royal shows in 1998.
He said the investment in genetics over the years by Minlacowie was now being recouped.
“He was bred in the driest state in the driest continent in the world and plucked from a mob of 40 bulls,’’ Mr Honner said.
“He was a standout bull from weaning and as a yearling – he had natural sire presence, brilliant neck extension, a great head carriage, phenomenal length, mobility and that star quality.
“Every visitor to the farm wanted to buy him so I’m ecstatic we were able to showcase him to the whole of Australia.
“It’s something you don’t want to miss – the Melbourne Cup of the cattle world.
“It’s a massive win for the breed.’’
Weighing 1102kg at Sydney, Jubilant scanned with a raw eye muscle area of 139sqcm, 15mm on the rump and 10mm at the rib.
He was sired by the Sydney Royal junior champion Allendale Waterloo B50 and debuted in the show ring at the 2015 Adelaide Royal Hereford Feature winning reserve senior champion bull.
“The bull did everything right in Sydney as he has a tremendous temperament, making it easier for him to adjust to the surroundings,’’ Mr Honner said.
“I could feel the bull getting better and he knew his moment had come.’’
Minlacowie has calves on the ground by Jubilant with more due plus semen collected.
“He has never been given the star treatment so it was a reflection of the judges ability to pick an industry leading bull with raw talent,’’ Mr Honner said.
“He could go straight in to a mob of 50 females – that’s how we sell bulls.’’
A maternal brother of Jubilant will be offered by Minlacowie at the Herefords Australia National Show and Sale at Dubbo on June 6-7.