'Best Poll Dorset ewe I've seen in 40 years' rises to the top at NSW Sheep Show

Tattykeel proved untouchable in the ring, going undefeated through the Poll Dorset breed classes at the NSW Sheep Show at Dubbo.

The Black Springs stud claimed all ram and ewe broadribbons under judge Craig Henry, Kanoona Park, Curban. on Friday, May 30.

Supreme exhibit went to the ewe, Tattykeel 240015, who backed up her Peter Taylor Memorial Perpetual trophy honours at Sydney Royal.

She came through the pair of ewes under one-and-a-half years class, with Mr Henry impressed by her overall balance and shape.

"An unbelievably hard ewe to fault and she's probably the best Poll Dorset ewe I've seen in about 40 years," he said.

"She's got perfect shape, balance and is beautifully wide through that loin.

"She's good on her feet and parades very well."

James Gilmore, Tattykeel, said the excitement of breeding lay in the pursuit of producing an animal like that and the ongoing challenge of trying to replicate it.

Sired by Tattykeel 200034, out of Tattykeel 210004, and descended from Tattykeel 970080, the supreme ewe comes from an exceptional line of successful sheep.

"She's from nearly an entirely embryo-transferred line, and the depth of her pedigree is what's really exciting," he said.

"Her father was the supreme ram at Cowra Dorset [Championships] in 2021, and her grand sire, we put back through our stud four or five years ago.

"On her dam side, her mother was also a supreme at Sydney Royal."

Mr Gilmore said the ewe would be flushed in November.

The reserve champion ewe, Tattykeel 240036, also rose through thepair of ewes under one-and-a-half years class.

Sired by Tattykeel 220308 and out of Tattykeel 210550, Mr Henry credited her beautiful balance and style.

In the rams, Tattykeel 240088, climbed through the single shorn ram under one-and-a-half-year class to win the champion broadribbon.

The win follows his success as the champion Poll Dorset ram at Sydney Royal.

The ram's great grandsire on the dam's side, Tattykeel 150723, took out the supreme exhibit at Sydney in 2016.

"He has continued to come on since Sydney Royal," Mr Gilmore said.

"His grand sire is Tattykeel 217-2008, which is another ram we dropped back into the stud as we wanted to see how they'd do in a modern time and they stack up really well."

Mr Henry said the ram was a "standout and clear winner" in a very difficult section.

"He is a beautifully balanced and attractive sheep with great expression when he walks and stands square," he said.

Tattykeel 240061, was reserve, with Mr Henry noting the ram's tremendous carcase and early maturity.