Glorious weather graced the showgrounds on the first day of the 2018 Royal Highland Show. As earlier reported, seven beef cattle breeds took to the ring this morning with this evening's programme, featuring a further five beef breeds as well as the commercial classes.

Below are some of the main breeds which hit the headlines.

Angus

While Angus numbers were back on the record numbers in attendance at the 2017 show, which coincided with the World Angus Forum, entries were still very healthy with nearly 15 in the biggest class. Leading the way in the ring was Miss Stephanie Dick with Crew Lady Jasmine S247. This heifer hit the market in Stirling February 2017 and has being a prominent part of the successful Stephick show team since. Bred by Samantha Allen and Allen Short, this heifer also experienced a recognised show career before being sold, securing overall champion at the Northern Ireland calf show. Sired by Netherton Fabulous Cruz, Jasmine is out of Mogeely Joe daughter Creagga Judy.

Limousin

The Limousin breed again witnessed a big entry of high-quality throughout the classes. Judge Robert Adam of Forfar after a strenuous three and a half hours judging eventually tapped out Grahams Naomi as the overall champion. This January 2017-born heifers breeding needs no introduction to Limousin breeders being out of Claragh Franco and Grahams Coffee. This cross has previously produced bulls selling to a high of 40,000gns and females to 38,000gns. This heifer was bred and exhibited by R&J Graham, with the duo also securing another first place on the day.

Belgian Blue

Top shot in the Belgian Blue ring was the day’s senior bull champion Sandyvale Jagerbomb. Originally bred by Evan Allen, Jagerbomb was exhibited by new owners R&M Patterson. Sired by Auchenlay Coll and out of Tamhorn Flowergirl, this rising four-year-old secured male champion at the show in 2017. This win marks the outfits first time ever wining the overall at the RHS.

Commercial

Having experienced a near-clean sweep at last month’s Balmoral Show, Dermot and Gareth Small were again out on top in the commercial ring of the Highland. The Balmoral commercial champion Flo-Jo was again the leading lady claiming the female and overall commercial championship. This all-black 11-month-old heifer is sired by the 17,000gns Trueman Idol while the dam is show cow Chanelle, a Charolais-Blue cross cow. The Small outfit didn’t stop there also claiming the reserve female champion with a Charolais cross heifer.

Tomorrow the dairy cattle take pride of place, stay tuned for further updates.