''A fitting end'' as Kinaston Greylace tops the market at 5100gns.

Roy's Daughter Lorraine and Son Neil, presenting a Jeroboam of Bollinger Champagne which was donated on behalf of Roy, for the top priced animal which was purchased by Whitty Blondes, Charlotte and Belle Needham are pictured receiving this along side breed secretary Caroline Jackson.

The dispersal of the noted and highly successful Kinaston herd of Blonde cattle following the untimely death of Roy Kinnish resulted in brisk and feverish bidding throughout from a massive crowd of buyers from not only the locality but from all countries in the United Kingdom.

Top call of the day came from local breeder GR Needham, Kinver, Staffs for ‘Kinaston Greylace’ – a 6 year old cow by Doncombe Sebastian with a June born heifer calf at foot by ‘Kinaston Henry VIII’ - the cow had previously won Junior Champion, Royal Welsh 2013 and was secured at 5,100gns. Messrs Needham were strong supporters at the sale buying a total of 14 lots with next highest priced female on their account at 3,100gns for ‘Kinaston Joy’ a 3 year old heifer with heifer calf at foot by ‘Kinaston Galloway’ and back in calf to the same bull.

Cows and calves were the feature of the day and all sold exceptionally well. ‘Kinaston Inga’ a 4 year old daughter of ‘Bridge ET’ suckling an April born heifer calf enjoyed a strong following selling at 4,700gns to J. Wilson & Son, Tamworth, Staffs. A 6 year old cow ‘Kinaston Gelasia’ with heifer calf at foot and 4 months back in calf to ‘Bridge ET’ also found favour with the buyers and was knocked down at 3,000gns to P. Parry, Brecon, Powys.

In calf cows and heifers were closely followed peaking at a very creditable 2,2509gns for ‘Kinaston Lark’ an In Calf Heifer, 5 months in calf to Bridge ET and taken by M. Reynolds, Chesham, Bucks.

Maiden Heifers enjoyed sharp and consistent bidding throughout topping at 1,680gns for an 18 months old Bridge ET daughter ‘Kinaston Manuka’ secured by D. Skinner, Beaworthy, Devon. Two other Bridge ET daughters sold firmly, both to 1,480gns at W.E. & N.J. Powell, Craswall, Hereford and GR Needham, Kinver, Staffs respectively.

A number of breeding bulls were on offer and peaked at 3,000gns for ‘Kinaston Minister’, an 18 months old son of ‘Kinaston Idris’ and out of a Doncombe Sebastian daughter Kinaston Hatsuzie, spirited bidding finished with RW Harper, Nantwich, Cheshire taking the chequered flag.

The whole sale saw a packed ringside with an estimated 400 breeders, buyers and friends supporting one of the most well-known and respected herds in the breed.

Averages: 44 Cows & Calves £2,515.22 7 In Calf Cows £2,182.50 26 Maiden Heifers £1,242.23 10 Bulls £2,029.65