Barney's Blog

Getting fit...and knitwits

Evening all, Barney McGrew, the thoroughly decent thoroughbred, here again.

I know it's been a while since my last blog but I'll be coming up to my 22nd birthday soon and, quite frankly, I couldn't be arsed writing one til now.

However, I've been spurred into action by so many people asking me for news of my pal Rhys Elliott, who suffered multiple injuries in a fall from Masterpainter at Newcastle in October.

Rhys is at home with his mother in the Scottish borders and I sent him a message this week, asking how he is. This is the message I got back:

"Hi Barney. The good news is that the rehab is going really well - the best I could have hoped for. I'm going to Jack Berry House on Monday, November 25, to plan the next stage of my rehab that will get me back on the road to full fitness.

"I hope to be back riding out by the first few weeks of January. I'm missing everyone at the yard, especially my favourites, Midnight Lir and, of course, Barney.

"Thank you all so much for the messages of support and phone calls. I can't wait to be back racing as soon as possible."

So there you have it - straight from the lad himself. I'm a bit miffed that he mentioned Midnight Lir before me but it's bloody good news that he's sounding so positive, and we all look forward to him getting back in the saddle where he belongs. He's such a cracking lad, and was doing so well on the track, but I have no doubt whatsoever that he'll bounce back better than ever.

Oh, and if you're reading this, Rhys, remember to bring carrots with you next time you come down - for me, not Midnight Bloody Lir. There's a good lad.

MEANWHILE, I can't believe what those stupid bloody humans here at Denton Hall have been getting up to this week.

Wait for it - they've only gone and launched a "shop" with ‘Michael Dods Racing’ branded clothing on sale. There’s a woolly hat (called a ‘beanie’ for some bizarre reason), a bodywarmer, and a jacket.

We all know humans are known for being wimps who feel the cold more than us horses. Put them out in a field for a few minutes and they’re bleating like bloody sheep.

OK, the gear looks smart and decent enough quality, but we're supposed to be a racing stable, not bloody Marks and Spencer.

Anyway, the bunch of knitwits clearly missed a trick. What they should have done is to have some Barney McGrew branded clothing for sale. That’s the name that would really sell, not bloody ‘Michael Dods’. Let’s face it, he’s no fashion icon, is he? I mean, look at that shirt he's wearing in the photo below. More like a bloody table-cloth.

Anyway, I'm pleased to say my entrepreneurial instincts have come to the fore again – just as they did when I launched my own brand of Barney McGrow Yer Own Carrots in time for the open day in September. 

Today, I’m proud to unveil my own Barney McGrew range of branded clothing (see below for examples). It’s not in the shop just yet but I’ll see how many orders come in after this blog and go from there. I especially like the Polo shirt, which has a Polo mint logo. How clever is that?

In the meantime, if you really do want to buy a Michael Dods Racing hat, bodywarmer, or jacket, go to www.michaeldodsracing.co.uk and click on the ‘shop’ tab.

I ALWAYS like to hear news of my old mates after they leave the yard and that nice Victoria Greetham human has sent me this picture of Motawaazy, who retired this season, after winning seven times. That's not bad for a horse with bad feet.

Since he quit racing in the summer, Waazy - as I liked to call him - has been enjoying life down at Victoria's place in West Yorkshire, where he relishes the company of her little human girl, Zara.

And, he's clearly making the most of retirement. "He just never stops eating," says Victoria. "He's wanting to give Barney a run for his money in the stomach department." 

Bloody cheek!

FINALLY, in other news, the word is that The Gaffer is looking for a new farrier, and he’s arranged interviews at the job centre in Darlington.

I’m told that Kenny Williams human has applied because he's sick of driving the horsebox all over the country, and he wants to learn a new skill before it’s too late.

“Have you ever shooed a horse?” asked the job centre manager.

“No,” replied Kenny. “But I did once tell a donkey to bugger off.”

Anyway, that's all for now, folks. Send carrots. And Polos. And clothing orders. Lots of love,