Barney's Blog

Exciting beginnings, a frosty atmosphere, and desert island fantasies...

Evening all,

What an exciting day we have in store tomorrow with Mecca’s Angel’s first foal, Hudson River, running over in Ireland.

We always got on well, me and Mecca’s Angel. She was a canny lass and she certainly helped to put the yard on the map. To be honest, I always thought she fancied me a bit – most of ‘em do – but I was never that fussed once I’d had the snip, and greys aren't my type anyway. That said, we had some nice chats on the way to the gallops.

I suppose she’s done alright for herself in the end.  Imagine having your first foal with the legendary Galileo! It’s like the girl next door getting off with Brad Pitt. Anyway, hopefully Hudson River will live up to his breeding…

Hasn’t it been hot and stormy lately? Too hot for my liking at times. Did you see those pictures of people packed onto Bournemouth beach? So much for social distancing, eh? I don’t even get too close to the sheep in my field, but humans can be a bit barmy if you ask me. That’s one thing about the gaffer – the Michael human – he’s been very careful about this coronavirus business right from the start…

Anyway, it might have been boiling in the sunshine, but the atmosphere around here has been on the frosty side since last Monday when that Que Amoro won up at Ayr and Queens Gift came fifth in the same race. Don’t get me wrong, they’re both lovely, and very talented, but there’s a lot of rivalry among the fillies, and they can get a bit sniffy.  

The bottom line, as far as I can tell, is that Queens Gift didn’t get off to the best of starts and Que Amoro’s winning time was very quick, so that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. They haven’t been talking for the past week but I’m sure they’ll make it up. I dare say it won’t be the last time they’ll be in the same race, so they’ll have to get used to it, won’t they? They remind me of Kate and Megan…

On a lighter note, I was pleased to see Jawwaal get his nose in front at Doncaster, and one of the two-year-olds, Magisterium, won really well at Redcar today. I like to see the young ‘uns do well…

Finally, did you hear last week’s Desert Island Discs on the wireless with that Mark Johnston human? Very interesting, I thought, and it got me wondering why I’ve never been asked to do it. Let’s face it, I’m more of a celebrity than him (even if he is a record-breaking trainer) and my taste in music is miles better.

I’d probably start with Foal If You Think It’s Over, by Chris Rea, when I was talking about being born in Ireland.

I couldn’t avoid the indignity of being gelded, so The First Cut Is The Deepest, by Rod Stewart, would come next.

I’d also have to include The Winner Takes It All, by Abba, and You Win Again by The Bee Gee-Gees to underline the fact that I won nine races in a memorable career.

Whole Trot Of Love, by Led Zeppelin, is another possibility, because I like a bit of raunchy rock. Ride Like The Wind, by Christopher Cross, is catchy, and Neigh Jude, by The Beatles, is an absolute classic.

Oh, and I’d have to finish with my funeral song – Saddle Be The Day That I Die, by Buddy Holly.

As for the luxury I’d take on the desert island, it would probably be a massage rug. I go all tingly when the Carole human puts one of those on me. You should try it sometime – it’s bloody lovely.

Well, that’s all from me for another week. Take care and stay safe. Lots of love,