ONE of the owners of Britain's most expensive sheep has paid tribute to the animal after it died at a farm in Scotland.
Tophill Joe, who broke all previous records when he was sold for £128,000 six years ago, is thought to have been badly affected by the heatwave that hit Britain earlier in the summer.
He was snapped up by a consortium of five Scottish farmers in 2
003, who were impressed by his perfectly shaped head and legs, tight skin and top-quality fleece.
And the record-breaking ram went on to prove his worth during his time at Mid Haddo Farm in Fyvie, near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, siring generations of Textel lambs worth more than £1 million in his lifetime.
Tophill Joe produced more than 1,000 offspring, including a ram that was sold for £327,000.
Many of his progeny also picked up prizes at the prestigious Royal Highland Show.
One of his owners, Bruce Mair, of Turriff, said: "He had particularly good characteristics. He was active right up until the end.
"He could be a bit of a pain sometimes – he had an aggressive streak, particularly during the mating season, but he will be missed. Sadly, he didn't survive the very hot weather. The hot weather is tough going for a ram and this summer had some very hot spells."
