Characters of Ayrburn – Ajax

Please understand that the tale of triumph you're about to read isn't an expression of hubris. I don't seek to claim credit for my many successes. Only to shed light on the almost dogged pursuit of excellence that led to my inception. Let me explain...

William and Robert Paterson had long coveted the title of 'best breeders'. Whether that label came in the form of a medal, a trophy or simply in the guise of a well-earned reputation - excellence was everything to them.

So father and son, set out to give the world the very best Romney. One that would be recognised far and wide as the pinnacle of ram breeding. One that would delight judges at country fairs and spark bidding wars at farming auctions. And they succeeded.

They christened me Ajax and later bestowed on me the title of 'Prize Romney'. One I earned in spades at A&P and Country Shows throughout the region. I was even crowned 'Best Ram' at the 1932 Lakes Country Fair. My many accolades laid the foundation for William and Robert's legacy. Their achievements quickly secured Ayrburn Romneys a formidable reputation throughout Otago and Southland.

And if you're thinking, "what a clever ram Ajax was, he even managed to pen his own biography", I'd say that you are taking this anecdote a little too literally. But that if they could have, the Patersons could have indeed given me literary powers.