Barney's Blog

Barney McGrew - Remember Me?

Hello everyone. It’s Barney here – Barney McGrew. Remember me? I was named after one of the firemen in Trumpton – along with Pugh, Pugh, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub. That’s going back a bit.

Anyway, suffice to say, I’ve been around the block a few times and I’m knocking on a bit at 17, so I know what this game’s all about.

These young ‘uns don’t know how lucky they are, living in a place like this. I was watching the two-year-olds go past my field on the way to the gallops the other day and they’re spoilt rotten if you ask me. They’ve got all the mod cons – there’s even a spa for goodness sake! And a massage rug! What do they think it is – Center Parcs?

I’m not being funny, but we had to make do with a bucket of cold water chucked over us in my day, and a pat down the neck. I can’t imagine what my mum and dad – Mark of Esteem and Success Story – would have made of it all.

That said, it’s been a funny old time, hasn’t it? I keep hearing the humans talk about something called ‘coronavirus’ that’s delayed everything. I don’t know much about it other than the horses have been getting off lightly, without having to go to the races and earn their corn. Jammy beggars. I ran 82 times during my career – won nine, and placed 16 times. Now that’s what you call hard work.

At least I’m enjoying a nice retirement here at Denton Hall now. It’s not bad, I suppose, and that human called Carole is always doting on me. I’ve got her just where I want her – she’s putty in my hooves. Mind you, it’s nothing I don’t deserve given all I’ve done.

That’s all for now but I’ll be keeping you up to date with what’s going on round here from time to time. Not much gets past me and I love a bit of gossip.

All the best.