Barney's Blog

Farewell to an old friend...

MORNING all, Barney McGrew here again with my traditional pre-Christmas blog.

And I'm sorry to say, I’ve got to start on a sad note because we lost Ollie, the golden labrador, this week.

Dogs are strange creatures. They’re very low down compared to horses, so they get under your feet. They can also be a bit noisy, with all that barking nonsense, but I had a real soft spot for Ollie.

The old boy, who belonged to the Sophie human, was 14 years old and had a lovely life but we’re all going to miss him – especially Bruce and Bailey, the younger dogs at the yard.

Ollie had slowed down in recent years – a bit like me – but he was still handsome and had a reassuring, dignified presence around the yard.

Naturally, we all have to go at some stage, and I’m a tough old stick, but I confess to being among those who’ve shed the odd tear over the past few days.

Rest in peace, Ollie, old feller. Hope you’re enjoying a romp through the fields on the other side and there are plenty of treats up there.

In the meantime, I thought it would be nice to show some pictures of Ollie enjoying life in and around Denton…

ONTO happier matters and it was nice to get an update from the David Metcalfe human about my old pal, Mecca’s Angel.

What a great filly she was – making history by winning back-to-back Nunthorpe Stakes at the York Ebor Festival – under that nice Paul Mulrennan human.

She’s now a brood mare over at Coolmore Stud, in Ireland, where her suitors have included the likes of Frankel and Galileo, who were both nearly as good and handsome as me.

Anyway, David has sent me some pictures of Mecca’s Angel from his latest trip to see her, and I was taken by how much whiter she is these days.

The great jumper Desert Orchid was the same. He started off as a dark grey but was pure white by the time he ended his illustrious career. And I suppose, when you think about it, the same thing has happened with Paul Mulrennan over the years.

As you know, I like this blog to be educational, so I turned to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to find out why it happens. Here’s the answer: “Grey horses get whiter with age because a dominant gene causes their pigment cells (melanocytes) to progressively "burn out," slowing pigment production until the hair grows in white, a process similar to human hair turning grey but accelerated and more dramatic.”

Anyway, here are some nice pictures of Mecca’s Angel and David over in Ireland. To be fair to David Mecca, he’s still got a decent mane on him, hasn’t he? Going a bit grey though.

IN other news, how fantastic that our Travelling Head Lad, the Kenny Williams human, has made the shortlist for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.

Kenny, whose been around the stable block for a fair old while, is shortlisted for the dedication award. I know I take the mickey out of the old boy from time to time but, hand on heart, he’s an asset to the yard and nothing would make me happier than if he wins.

The 60 individuals from across British racing and breeding now enter the second stage of judging, where they will be vying for a place in the final at Ascot Racecourse on 23 February 2026.

Hosted by ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin, the 2026 ceremony will see a new cohort of award winners and the crowning of the Employee of the Year, with all finalists securing a share of the £128,500 prize money provided by Godolphin.

Good luck Kenny – we’re all rooting for ya!

https://www.britishhorseracing.com/press_releases/shortlists-revealed-for-2026-thoroughbred-industry-employee-awards-sponsored-by-godolphin/

ON the subject of the Ed Chamberlin human, did you see what the silly bugger did the other day?

Ed had taken part in an annual rounders competition between ITV Racing and Sky Bet. It clearly went well for ITV, because Chamberlin later decided to share a photo on his Instagram page of the winners' silver trophy on his bed.

What he didn’t realise was that the trophy acted like a mirror and the reflection showed he was naked when the picture was taken.

It’s a lesson to us all. I just hope Kenny Williams has taken note in case he wins a trophy for his dedication to the racing industry. For God's sake, keep ‘em on, Kenny – keep ‘em on!!!

FINALLY, still on the subject of the Kenny human, I’m sorry to have to reveal he’s been involved in a sordid sex scandal. I hope this doesn’t affect his chances of winning the award but it’s a story that needs telling…

For years, Kenny’s been having an affair with an Italian woman. One night, she told him she was pregnant. Not wanting to ruin his marriage or reputation, he offered her a large sum of money to return to Italy and have the baby in secret.

He promised he would send child support until the child turned 18. She agreed but asked how he’d know when the baby was born.

To keep things discreet, Kenny told her, “Just mail me a postcard and write ‘Spaghetti’ on the back. I’ll know what it means and start the payments.”

About nine months later, he came home to his very confused wife: “Honey,” she said, “you got the strangest postcard today.”

He took it, read it, turned white, and fainted.

On the card it said: “Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti. Two with meatballs, one without. Send extra sauce.”

ANYWAY, that’s all from me folks. Thanks for following the blog. Have a great Christmas and send carrots.

Lots of love, Barney.