Border Leicesters and Hampshire Downs recognised in interbreed competition

In the longwool division, Border Leicesters were recognised for their tone and structure, while Hampshire Downs were classed as the winners in the shortwool section for their volume of muscle.

Royal Melbourne Show Sheep Committee chair Gavin Wall said the event brought together less common breeds which were "equally important as the major breeds" in Australia's wool and sheep scene.

Shortwool judge and Detpa Grove White Suffolks principal David Pipkorn, Nhill, said it was one of the toughest interbreed competitions in recent years.

"Hampshire Downs should be commended simply because of the volume of muscle through the important cuts of meat ... the loin and hindquarter and their development has been simply wonderful," Mr Pipkorn, who is celebrating his 40^th year of stud breeding, said.

"Over an above that we were looking for structure, a neat, square mouth, good on their feet and legs and of course the development of red meat and lamb."

In the longwool division, judge and Baringa Sheep studs principal Brayden Gilmore, NSW, said structure was the theme of the event.

"From a longwool perspective the Border Leicesters have had an exceptional day here today and it came down to structure, evenness of fleece and power throughout the sheep," he said.

"Structures were exceptionally good in the longwools and that's reflective of the Border Leicester breed because there's quality in numbers and really all the studs who showed here today had excellent quality."