Trainer has “links” with USA winner

A spur of the moment decision by Queensland harness racing trainer-driver Al Barnes may just prove to be the catalyst for bigger and better things.

Barnes raced a handy pacer a few years ago in Lincolns Girl (Lincoln Royal-Tania Tandias (Falcon Seelster) before she was sold to the USA.

“She was a lovely horse who was very strong. I remember one night at Albion Park, Hayden (one of Barnes’ sons) sent her three-wide into the chair and she got the money in 1.53,” Al said.

“Lincoln’s Girl was bred by Lincoln Farms in NZ and was later sold to USA interests. She’s done really well over there and combined with her Australian victories, she would have now won over 20 races,” he said.

When Barnes noticed Lincoln’s Girl had been put in a $7,500 claiming race, he didn’t hesitate to swing into action.

“I just thought while she would continue to be competitive, down the track she would make a great broodmare,” he said.

“So, I got in contact with some friends, Austin Siegelman and his partner Leah Posner, who live in Pennsylvania. I was successful with putting in a claim and Austin and Leah then asked if they could be partners.

“Lincoln’s Girl won first-up at Harrington Raceway — and I fulfilled a lifelong dream of getting a winner in America as an owner. I’m just so proud and it’s awesome to share the ride with Austin, who drives her, and Leah.”

The victory has whetted the appetite for Barnes to “dip his toe” into the market of buying and selling Standardbreds.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but I’ll just take it slowly and gradually work from the bottom up. I’ve got a strong network and the idea of sourcing and recommending horses is exciting,” he said.

“I’m hoping that prospective owners will see it as an opportunity to deal with someone who has raced, trained and driven horses.

“I’ve been doing it for 31 years and while I still love horses, I’ve probably lost a little bit of drive. These days I enjoy watching my boys (Brendan and Hayden) out there driving and I love my full-time job working at Albion Park.”

Barnes said the success of a generous gesture by Brendan’s boss, Logan Village trainer Jack Butler, had enabled him to pursue his ambition of buying and selling horses.

“When the property I was based at got sold I had nowhere to go with the horses. I couldn’t even get a house to live in!” Barnes said.

“Jack and his wife Tara offered to take my six horses. They have done a terrific job and in two months, they’ve won 12 races for me. They all work hard, and Brendan also does the race driving.

“This has really presented the opening to go into ‘wheeling and dealing’ on a small scale. I’m off to NZ this week and hope to find a few nice ones.”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink