With the news that BARNEY ROY has been retired to Dalham Hall Stud, we reflect on what an incredible racehorse he was and the year he has had. Having won at Haydock on his sole start as a two year old he came back in April with a bang and beat a strong field in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury under James Doyle. This proved to be the solid partnership that culminated with success on the biggest stage in the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. His enormous stride and power meant he surged to the front and proved himself right at the top of the three year old division. He set a track record and showed the racing world he is a force to be reckoned with. Having also run a solid second in the Guineas where nothing went to plan, he went into the Eclipse at Sandown on a high and had to prove himself against the older horses. He got headed close to home and due to his giant will to win he managed to get back up sides Ullysses and head him after the line. In what was the tightest of finishes he went down by a nose but this proved he was a proper horse in the making. His third in the Juddmonte was a great performance on ground that was not ideal for him.
‘He is by far the best colt I have ever trained and I feel very privileged to have trained a Royal Ascot winner for Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin. I look forward to seeing his progeny in years to come and hopefully will have the pleasure of training a few.’