Barney's Blog

Six of the best

Evening all,

It’s been a funny old week, hasn’t it? The humans seem to be very upset about this coronavirus business dragging on and, on that subject, Shaun Sewell has asked the following question:

“Dear Barney, I was wondering how these new Covid restrictions are affecting you. Who would you have in your support bubble?”

Very good question Shaun, and I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. As things stand, there’s no evidence that the virus can spread between humans and horses. Therefore, it hasn’t really bothered me. I try to stay away from humans anyway because most of them are a bit stupid.

As for my bubble of six, here you go:

1. First choice has to be the Carole human. She’s always giving me treats and a nice brush down. She’s besotted with me, so I could never leave her out of my bubble.
2. Enable. Not only is she one of the greatest fillies we’ve ever seen, she’s also stunningly beautiful. Despite having had my little operation, I’d be happy looking at her all day.
3. Frankel. In my opinion, the greatest racehorse we’ve ever seen, apart from me. I think legends should be together, so I’d definitely want him in my bubble.
4. Get Knotted – or Knotty as I call him – is probably my best buddy round here. We’ve both been around the block a bit and we know what it’s like to lose our manhood. When you have something like that in common, there tends to be a natural bond.
5. I’d want to have the stable’s vet, Phil Cramp. At my age, things start to go wrong, so it’s always useful to have him nearby. He’s got very soft hands too.
6. Finally, I’d opt for the actor Tom Hardy. Handsome, all the ladies love him, and a perfect choice for doing my voice-over when they finally get round to making Barney The Movie. (Mind you, I think ithe final choice might be more about keeping the Carole human happy while she's in the bubble. Here you go Carole - I've posted a nice picture of him just for you).

On a serious note, we all have to play our part in getting this bloody virus under control, so be as careful as possible and stay safe.

ONE person I definitely wouldn’t want in my bubble is Whistling Steve, the yard manager.

I had a bit of a go at him last week for always whistling out of tune. I was only saying what everyone else thinks, but he was a bit miffed. He came onto the Facebook page with a message for me: “Tell Barney not to expect any food on Monday!”

The cheeky bugger wouldn’t dare not give me any food. The Carole human would set the dogs on him. He’d soon be whistling if he had Bruce the Alsatian’s teeth round his arse.

ON a more positive note, congratulations to one of the young ‘uns, Blackrod, who looked a really nice prospect when he won his first race up at Hamilton the other day (see below).

I always love it when I see the red colours of the human David Armstrong doing well. It reminds me of Mabs Cross. She was a lovely mare and I really miss her since she went off to stud. Hope she’s having a nice time – I must send her a postcard.

AND well done to Billy No Mates for winning for a second time on the trot at Haydock. I knew he’d click sooner or later. Shame about his name – he’s actually got quite a few friends round here.

My favourite picture of the week was owner John Sagar and his wife Alwyn celebrating after Billy's win. Good on 'em - lovely people. They've won a few quid lately so maybe they can afford to pop over to my stable with a few packets of Polos next time they're passing!

And then the next day, Commanche Falls won at Haydock (see below). That's three wins this season for him and he's going from strength to strength.Well done Commy mate - keep it going.

FINALLY, it’s the Arc De Triomphe this weekend – one of the biggest races of the year.

I’m pretty sure I could have won it when I was in my prime in 2009 – the year Sea The Stars was victorious – but they didn’t enter me. Big mistake by the gaffer that was.

Anyway, here’s a bit of Arc history for you. The first running was in 1920 and was won by a horse called Comrade that cost just 25 guineas. He was trained by a fella called Peter Gilpin who also trained fillies’ triple crown winner Pretty Polly, and Derby winner Spearmint. After his filly Clarehaven won the Cesarawitch Handicap in 1900, he used the proceeds to build Clarehaven stables at Newmarket – now occupied by John Gosden.

All of which brings me back to the Gosden-trained Enable. My head says Aiden O’Brien’s filly Love will be too strong, but I’d love to see Enable go out on a high and win her third Arc.

Then she can come to Denton and enjoy her retirement in my bubble. Swoon.

Lots of love everyone,