First Sons of Record-Breaking Bull to Enter Sale Ring at Castle Douglas

First Sons of Record-Breaking Bull to Enter Sale Ring at Castle Douglas

 

Four bulls sired by 26,000gns world record breaker Blackcraig Dyker will be among the standout entries at the Galloway Cattle Society’s Spring Show and Sale

 

The offspring of one of Galloway breeding’s most expensive bulls will take centre stage when the Galloway Cattle Society holds its annual Spring Show and Sale at Wallets Mart, Castle Douglas on 12th and 13th February 2026.

 

Glenrath Farms Ltd will present four bulls sired by Blackcraig Dyker, the bull that commanded a world record price of 26,000gns when Glenrath purchased him at the 2023 Castle Douglas sale, smashing the previous 22,000gns world record that had stood for 34 years. 

 

Thor, Titan, Topgun and Tornado of Glenrath represent the first crop of bulls from this exceptional sire to enter the sale ring, offering breeders a rare opportunity to invest in proven elite genetics.

 

When Glenrath Farms purchased him three years ago, they were making a bold statement about their commitment to the future of Galloway cattle. That investment is now bearing fruit, with these four young bulls demonstrating the quality and consistency that justified his record-breaking price.

 

Glenrath’s success story continued in 2025 when they set a new world record of 27,000gns with Swagger of Glenrath, cementing their position as serious investors in top Galloway genetics. Their string of bulls this year will be closely watched by breeders seeking bloodlines that combine proven performance with championship potential.

 

Notable Entries Across All Classes

The sale will feature 39 bulls and 17 heifers from established and newer breeders across Scotland, northern England and beyond. Among the other standout entries are:

 

Lot 39: Gunner of Kilnstown, the first son of Newton Cracker, the 2025 Reserve Bull Champion at the Royal Highland Show. 

 

Lots 6, 7, 8: Three bulls from Society Chairman Robert McTurk’s renowned Barlaes herd, the oldest recorded herd of any breed of cattle in the world, traceable back to Lady of Barlae in 1866. The sale marks Mr McTurk’s first Castle Douglas Spring Sale since taking on the chairmanship.

 

Lots 19, 20: Two bulls from Skelfhill, sired by Quartz of Trolossé, representing the continued success of Ali and Leisa Warden’s relatively new Galloway venture. The Wardens made headlines at the 2025 sale when their debut bull Skelfhill Fortnum achieved 24,000gns.

 

Lots 45, 49: Two heifers from Rogan, including progeny from their carefully selected Blackcraig and Troloss bloodlines.

 

Lot 1: Vinny of Hottbank from J.R.F Pattinson & Son represents cross-border interest in Galloways, coming from Northumberland. Already proven in service during 2025, this Kirkstead Yeoman son brings established breeding credentials to the sale.

 

Lot 23: Cardona Hercules from Robbie Galloway continues the strong Perthshire presence at Castle Douglas, with this Kirkstead Commodore son out of Klondyke Lassie.

 

Experienced Judges Bring Fresh Perspectives

The quality of entries will be assessed by two highly respected judges. 

 

David Cornthwaite of Balgray, Lockerbie, will judge the bulls, bringing decades of experience breeding both commercial and pedigree cattle. Mr Cornthwaite and his wife Rosemarie built the Balgray herd into a byword for quality and consistency, achieving significant success at agricultural shows and on-farm competitions throughout their career. Recently retired from active farming, his lifelong dedication to the breed makes him an ideal judge for this prestigious event.

 

Fiona Gilligan of High Creoch, Gatehouse of Fleet, will judge the females. The Gilligan family has been farming at High Creoch for over 52 years, with Fiona taking over day-to-day management two years ago. The farm runs 50 pedigree Galloway cows, predominantly Black with some White and Belted Galloways kept pure. Despite not showing cattle since the early 2000s, the High Creoch herd enjoyed considerable success during the late 1980s and 1990s, winning championship honours at major shows including Carlisle and Castle Douglas.

 

Douglas Waugh of Kilnstown, Bewcastle, will serve as shadow judge. The Waugh family has maintained Galloways at Kilnstown for more than 140 years, running 35 pure-bred Galloways alongside a 75-strong commercial herd.

 

A Sale With Strong Fundamentals

Dorothy Goldie, Breed Secretary of the Galloway Cattle Society, said: 

“The quality of entries this year reflects the continued confidence in Galloway cattle as the ideal breed for sustainable, profitable farming. Having the first sons of Blackcraig Dyker come forward is particularly exciting and demonstrates how our established breeders continue to invest in moving the breed forward.

 

“We’re also delighted to welcome our judges this year. Both David Cornthwaite and Fiona Gilligan bring decades of practical experience and a deep understanding of what makes a good Galloway. As a breed that has proven itself time and again as a low-input, high-output breed that delivers premium beef from marginal land, these cattle are increasingly recognised as natural capital assets, and we are looking forward to the Spring Sale and Show celebrating the very best of what the Galloway breed has to offer.”

 

The Show begins at 10:30am on Thursday 12th February, with the Sale taking place on Friday 13th February from 11am, preceded by the Parade of Bulls at 10am.