Our Journey So Far

When continuing foot issues forced Johnny’s racing career to come to an end, we were able to turn adversity into an opportunity. We had such a wonderful racehorse that had an impressive track record, a great pedigree and, most importantly, a terrific heart and mind. We felt at the time that it would be sad if these attributes were not perpetuated and helped by the fact that Johnny had stamped his class within the French racing scene, Jake Warren was able to secure him a minor stallion role in France. It’s therefore been most pleasing to see that Johnny’s attributes can be recognised in his stock, which has already achieved notable success from small crop numbers. His first book of 45 foals produced the four-time winner and juvenile stakes-placed Maroon Six, while dual victor HAYEJOHN - from his second crop of just 40 foals - was an eye-catching winner of the Listed Prix des Jouvenceaux et des Jouvencelles at Vichy.

Without realising it at the time, the decision to stand Johnny Barnes became an important turning point for the operation as up to this point we had been entirely Racing focused. Within a few months, we had acquired three broodmares to support Johnny in his new stallion career which marked the start of the journey that has culminated in us becoming the “Owner Breeder” operation that we are today.

Sadly, Johnny Barnes died suddenly and quite unexpectedly on May 31st 2023. His spirit, successes on the track and of course his progeny mean he will always be a part of racing history and the Bermuda Racing story.

View a video of Bermudian institution Johnny Barnes here: