Record price for Winston

The Red Angus steer that visited local landmarks and schools to raise mental health awareness has sold at auction for a Perth Royal Show record of $11,000.

Winston the steer set a new show-record when he was auctioned yesterday at the Show, with all proceeds going to the Black Dog Ride.

The winning bidder was Harvey Beef, which got behind the important cause by paying top price for the steer.

In the lead up to his auction, Winston and a Charolais heifer called Clementine were taken to Mt Barker Community College, Clontarf Foundation, North Albany Senior High School, and Bethel Christian School to spark conversations about mental health.

Winston also visited the Brig Amity and other well-known landmarks to get people talking.

Kildarra Red Angus stud owners Trevlyn and Graeme Smith donated Winston to the Black Dog Ride. Their son Sean, 12, worked to get the steer ready for show.

Each year a new Winston and Clementine are auctioned as part of a project started in 2011 by Dardanup cattle breeder Peter Milton.

Mrs Smith said that the previous record price for a steer at the Perth Royal Show was $10,250, set in 2004.

Winston and Sean also stole the show as the winners of the under-15 Archie McLaren preparation handlers competition.

The competition is based on the grooming, brushing, halter change and a parade in the ring.

Kildarra Red Angus also performed well at the show, receiving supreme exhibit for their two showing bulls.

Winston will be now be sold as beef at the Bunbury Farmers Market.