A very strong contingent of Corriedale sheep entered in the 2020 Actew AGL Royal Canberra Show greeted judge Gordon Forsyth, Glen Iris Bond stud, Bethungra and his associate judge Katrina Abbott, Boolina, Wambool, via Bathurst.
The champion ram was shown by longtime Corriedale breeder Tony Manchester, Roseville, Kingsvale and had graduated from the one to two years woolly class.
Not previously shown, judge Gordon Forsyth said he was very impressed with the champion ram which displayed all the characteristics for which the breed is renowned.
"He is a beautifully balanced sheep, with a good underline, wonderful fleece which is soft and with a defined crimp," he said.
The reserve champion ram was exhibited by Rick Hoolihan, Glen-Esk Corriedales, Rydal and had come through the ram over two year woolly class.
Mr Forsyth considered the reserve a good example of the breed although he could have been a bit better in the bone.
"He has gutsy wool, and although a bit broader crimped it is still a very stylish wool with handle."
The champion shorn Corriedale ram was shown by Tony Manchester, Roseville, Kingsvale and associate judge Katrina Abbott said he was a nice type of ram.
"He stands well and is very strong through the loin," Ms Abbott said.
In the ewe classes, the championship was awarded to a ewe which had graduated from the two years and older class and exhibited by the Badgally stud, St Gregory's College, Campbelltown.
"She is a beautifully balanced ewe and covered with a very even fleece," was judge Gordon Forsyth's comments.
He awarded the reserve champion ewe sash to a two year and under ewe bred by Tony Manchester, Roseville, Kingsvale.
"I like this ewe," Mr Forsyth said.
"She has a dense heavy cutting fleece which is soft and handles well but just lacks the scale of the champion which is an exceptional sheep."
For the supreme exhibit for the breed, Mr Forsyth and Ms Abbott had little hesitation in awarded the sash to the champion ewe.
"She is an outstanding example of the Corriedale breed," Mr Forsyth said.
"She has a magnificent head and has a slightly better underline than the ram who has magnificent wool."
St Gregory's College, Campbelltown exhibited the breed group in the interbreed groups competition.
