Junior exhibits Southern Cross Walks On Water and Roly Park Work of Art claim grand champion Shorthorn honours at the 2026 Royal Queensland Show
Summary
Junior exhibits claimed the major honours in the Shorthorn judging at the 2026 Royal Queensland Show, with Southern Cross Walks On Water named grand champion male and Roly Park Work of Art taking out grand champion female. A total of 18 exhibits were assessed by the appointed judge from Elite Cattle Company. The grand champion male, a junior bull shown by Southern Cross Grazing of Purlewaugh, New South Wales, went head-to-head with senior champion male The Bank U Son Of A Gun before earning the top ribbon. Sired by Polldale Zz Trigger, the young bull weighed 646 kilograms, recorded P8 and rib fat scans of 11 and seven millimetres respectively, and measured an eye muscle area of 111 square centimetres. The judge praised his weight for age, moderate frame, maturity pattern and overall balance, noting the potential to make an impact in a seedstock operation. The bull, a half-brother to a previous show winner, is set to be offered for sale next year after being exhibited at Beef 2027. In the female competition, grand champion Roly Park Work of Art, sired by Ronelle Park Slurpie, was judged ahead of senior champion female The Bank U Can't Touch This U24. The judge highlighted both females' structure, capacity, femininity and depth of flank, describing them as animals with significant relevance to the Shorthorn breed. Reserve honours and breeders group awards rounded out a competition that underlined the strength of junior cattle across the Shorthorn ring at this year's show.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Exhibits judged | 18 |
| Champion bull weight | 646kg |
| P8 fat scan | 11mm |
| Rib fat scan | 7mm |
| Eye muscle area | 111 sq cm |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which animals won the top Shorthorn honours at the 2026 Royal Queensland Show?
Southern Cross Walks On Water was named grand champion male and Roly Park Work of Art took grand champion female. Both were junior exhibits.
How many exhibits were judged?
A total of 18 Shorthorn exhibits were assessed. They were judged by a Simmental breeder representing Elite Cattle Company.
What were the champion bull's measurements?
The junior bull weighed 646 kilograms, with P8 and rib fat scans of 11 and seven millimetres respectively. It recorded an eye muscle area of 111 square centimetres.
What is the champion bull's breeding?
Southern Cross Walks On Water was sired by Polldale Zz Trigger. The bull is also a half-brother to a previous winner at the show.
What are the plans for the grand champion male?
The bull is set to be offered for sale next year, after being shown at Beef 2027. A decision on whether it will go to a national sale or an on-property sale had not been finalised.
Which animal was the grand champion female and what is its breeding?
Roly Park Work of Art was named grand champion female. It was sired by Ronelle Park Slurpie.
What did the judge value in the champion animals?
The judge praised the champion bull's weight for age, moderate frame and maturity, and its potential for a seedstock operation. The champion females were commended for their structure, capacity, femininity and depth of flank.
