Barney's Blog

The Great Bucket Scandal

EVENING all, Barney McGrew here again. The horse of a lifetime.

Well, there are a few things I need to tell you about since my last blog, starting with a very unsavoury incident at Redcar the other day…

Our travelling head lad, the Kenny Williams human, was caught on camera, using a big yellow bucket to attack Peter Barron, that nice, devilishly good-looking human who does The Gaffer’s press and public relations and helps me write this blog.

For some reason, Kenny doesn’t like publicity and takes exception to being mentioned in my blog. Probably something to do with that appearance on Crimewatch in 2007.

Nevertheless, there was no excuse for the way he reacted when he was approached by Peter in the parade ring at Redcar after Billy No Mates came a strong-finishing third.

“Have you got a comment for Barney McGrew’s blog?” Peter innocently asked Kenny.

“No, bugger off,” shouted Kenny, and suddenly lunged at the poor reporter with the large bucket in a way that suggests he’s out of control.

Naturally, the stewards called an inquiry and considered the shocking photographic evidence below.

They then heard evidence from the well-respected member of the press, Peter Andrew Barron Esq.

“I’ve been a journalist for more than 40 years, but this is the first time I’ve had to duck a bucket," Peter told them. "All I remember is seeing this huge, yellow object getting closer and closer. For a second, I thought it was a total eclipse of the sun. I’ve been having flashbacks and will probably need phsycotherapy.”

When Kenny was called in, he tried to weasel his way out of the bucket-load of trouble, telling the the Chief Steward: "It wasn't an attack, your honour - I just thought Mr Barron looked like he needed a drink."

The Andrew Miller human, who'd been leading up Billy No Mates, was then called in, but claimed he didn't see a thing. "I'm in a difficult position, your honour," he said. "Kenny drives the horsebox and I need a lift home! As far as I'm concerned, he's innocent."

However, when asked about Kenny’s disgraceful behaviour, the Michael Dods human - The Gaffer - pledged that anger management training would be arranged for Kenny, and that the wayward employee would be banned from going near any buckets for the next six months.

“Behaviour like this is beyond the pail,” he said.

ON a more positive note, I need to congratulate the Doug Graham human on Arapaho Gold’s debut win at Thirsk in the yellow, white and black colours made famous by Dakota Gold and Commanche Falls.

Those two old mates of mine are getting a bit long in the tooth these days, so it’s great to see a young un’ coming through who can keep the silks flying. That's him below, with the Connor Beasley human, winning at Thirsk.

I’ve been watching Arapaho Gold on the gallops and I reckon he’s got definite potential. He was green as grass at Thirsk but he still won easily enough once the penny dropped.

He’s by Bayside Boy, who won the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes for Roger Varian on Champions Day in 2022, so the breeding's definitely there. There’s surely more to come from Arapaho Gold – or Rappy as I like to call him. I hope so because Doug’s a lovely human – bit on the tight side – but I’m delighted he’s got a new horse to look forward to.

In the meantime, we definitely haven’t seen the last of Goldy and Commy, so I think Doug’s in for a good season.

Bring carrots, Doug – there’s a good lad.

IT'S always nice to hear from old friends, so I was thrilled to have been contacted by the nice Victoria Greetham human, who owns my old mucker, Motawaazy.

Waazy, who's retired now and living with Victoria and her lovely daughter Zara, won seven times and was such a specialist at Catterick - winning four of his 11 races at the track - that he's been made their equine ambassador.

As part of his ambassadorial work, he's just completed his first school visit as part of the Racing To School charity. The charity enables childrento get up close with horses and learn about the racing world.

Waazy visited a school in Newcastle and, with it being his first time, he was accompanied by his best friend Echo of Lightning (aka Nipper) - another retired racehorse who ran 57 times for Victoria.

According to Victoria, Waazy loved all the attention: "The children took it in turns to give the horses carrots, polos, apples and lots of cuddles."

Waazy's such a gentle soul and it's lovely to see him being put to such good use. Here's a picture of him at the school.

P.S. If anyone else has any pictures of retired horses from Denton Hall, please send them.

P.P.S. I only wish some humans round here would go back to school.They might learn something!

ANYWAY, one last little bit of news about the aforementioned Kenny Williams.

On his way back from the Redcar bucket saga, the horsebox was behind a lorry that shed its load of sinus sprays.

"We were expecting big delays but police said there'd be no congestion for three-four hours," reported Kenny.

THAT'S all from me for now, folks. Breathe easy and have a great week. Bring carrots. Lots of love,