Michael and Melanie Alford, of the Foxhill Herd, Devon, took the top Aberdeen-Angus honours at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show with Blelack Princess Carina X125, securing the Female and Overall Championships.
Judging the Aberdeen-Angus classes this year was Mr Tom Beadle of the Noir Herd, who selected his champions from the cattle forward at the Royal Welsh.
Taking the Female and Overall Championships was Blelack Princess Carina X125 from Michael and Melanie Alford. Born in May 2021, she is sired by Kilmaluag Eriskay T203 and out of Blelack Princess Carina U902. Carina won the cow class before progressing through the Female Championship and going on to take the Overall Aberdeen-Angus Championship.
Standing Reserve Overall Champion was Retties Laura B375 from Brailes Livestock. The April 2025-born heifer also secured the Reserve Female Championship after winning her class. She is sired by Tonley Ronald X800 and out of Weeton Laura T509.
The Male Championship went to Wensleydale Black Voltage Y140 from Michael and Melanie Alford. The December 2022-born bull, sired by Gretnahouse Blackboot V082 and out of Wensleydale Black Vision V148, had earlier won the senior bull class.
Reserve Male Champion was Foxhill Prince Evolution B192, also from Michael and Melanie Alford. Born in January 2025, he is sired by Weeton Evolution R447 and out of Blelack Princess Carina X125. He won his class and was also awarded the RWAS Special Rosette for the best male exhibit born on or after 1st January 2025.
Michael and Melanie Alford also took first place in the Group of Three Animals – property of the same exhibitor.
There was further success for Aberdeen-Angus in the interbreed classes, with Blelack Princess Carina X125 and Wensleydale Black Voltage Y140 securing the RWAS Fitzhugh Interbreed Beef Pairs Championship for Michael and Melanie Alford.
Aberdeen-Angus also came out on top in the Native Exhibitor Team of Three Championship, with Wensleydale Black Voltage Y140, Foxhill Prince Evolution B192 and Blelack Princess Carina X125 securing the title for the Alfords.
The Society’s Members’ Reception on Monday afternoon was a great opportunity for members to meet up and enjoy time together during the Royal Welsh Show. Members were also able to meet and catch up with Society President Matthew Currie, Senior Vice President Bill Taylor and CEO Robert Gilchrist.
