Barney's Blog

There's more to it than roar talent for Ralphy

EVENING all, the magnificent Barney McGrew here with a new blog.

Let’s start with my old mate Roaring Ralph who scored a hat-trick in impressive style at Southwell this week, with that nice Sean Kirrane human doing the riding.

A lot of my readers have sent messages asking: “What the bloody hell has happened to Ralphy - he's turning into Frankel?"

Just to recap, since the turn of the year, he’s been second twice and won three on the trot – all at Southwell. The hat-trick win on Thursday looked very easy but don't tell the handicapper.

Anyway, here’s my theory...Everyone knows that Ralphy is the favourite of the Chloe human who spoils him rotten. All you hear is Ralphy bloody this and Ralphy bloody that. "Ooh, you're my favourite, Ralphy - have another carrot." It makes you feel sick the way she goes on.

Therefore, I don’t think it’s any coincidence that Ralphy started his winning streak while Chloe was away in Bahrain. Think about it. He’s had a couple of months having to knuckle down to work instead of being molly-coddled and fed too many carrots and Polos.

I’ve said to The Gaffer: “The secret to Roaring Ralph winning races is to send Chloe away again. It’s clearly good for him!”

It’s not rocket-science, is it? I should be the trainer round here.

By the way, in case you're wondering what the B stands for in Sean's middle name, it's Bernard.

AMONGST the messages of congratulations for Ralphy on the yard’s Facebook page, was a question from a human called Sean Thorpe.

“Please may I ask, has Stallone retired? Loved that horse – had a few paydays with the red hood.”

I'm not sure why Sean was wearing a red hood but that's beside the point. Stallone was a good pal of mine who won seven times in 87 runs and finished his days running for the Dods Racing Club.

Well, the answer to Sean’s question is that yes, Stallone has retired - and been rehomed. I still get the odd postcard from him and he’s loving life.

Thanks for the question, Sean. Bring carrots - and don't wear a hood, so I know it's you. 

DID anyone see the story in the news the other day about an expensive colt called Windbreaker getting loose and ending up in the reception area of a Newmarket hotel?

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/staff-left-shocked-after-racehorse-36906405

It reminded me of the time a four-year-old grey filly named Rosamaria got loose at Redcar Racecourse in May 2017 and wandered into the stable lads' canteen, before helping herself to a pan of soup.

These things happen. It’s called making the most of free horsepitality.

FINALLY, the Kenny Williams human has been at it again with trying to find a new way of making a living instead of driving the horsebox all over the country.

He’s launched a freelance bakery business and has been flogging his cakes to staff around the yard.

“How much are yer cakes, Kenny?” asked the Andrew Miller human.

“They’re all £3.50 apart from that one,” replied Kenny, pointing to a cake with a sign saying: “£5 a slice.”

How come that one’s more expensive?” asked Miller with that puzzled look he frequently wears.

“That’s madeira cake,” explained Kenny.

"Ah, fair enough," nodded Miller.

That’s all from me for another blog, folks. Don’t forget that Barney loves you all. Bring carrots!