The exploits of early thoroughbred racing in Australia were challenging and also remarkable, and to prove this we need look no further than a black stallion known as The Barb. The horse is considered one of the earliest versions of an Australian thoroughbred Champion.

It is unclear whether his name was intended to evoke the spirit of the cavalry horses of the same name that were highly effective during the eighth century and were known for their enjoyment of combat. However, The Barb appeared to possess sufficient qualities of that nature to earn him the nickname "The Black Demon." It is believed that these characteristics may be attributed to an unfortunate incident where the horse was stolen and potentially mistreated by bush rangers during his early years as a foal at foot from Leeholme, NSW. Despite the reasons, he did indeed live up to his reputation by throwing his rider and fleeing the first time he was tested. Fortunately, Mr. 'Honest' John Tait, the owner and trainer, discovered a method to productively direct The Barb's wayward nature. So much so, in fact, that The Barb finished his 23 start career with 16 wins. (The historical accounts from that period may contain some inaccuracies that are open to debate). Bred by George Lee near Bathurst NSW, his sire was Sir Hercules, who sired 18 stakes winners, his Dam was Fair Ellen. Both were of predominantly British bloodlines, with the exception of one near predecessor of Sir Hercules, also of that name, who hailed from the Ireland.

After being recovered from his abductors, The Barb was sold for 200 guineas to 'honest' John Tait, a man who is sometimes credited with being the first to make horse galloping a commercial venture. The business of racing horses was apparently to his liking, as he fielded four Melbourne Cup winners as an owner, a record that has been tied but never surpassed, and includes Tait's 100-1 long-shot, The Pearl, who won the Cup in 1871. In his second year, The Barb's performance may have caused Tait to question the value of his investment. While there was an incident of bolting and a third-place finish, it is noteworthy that The Barb did achieve a victory in The Nursery Stakes in 1865.

The Barb appeared to exhibit a degree of composure following the application of a magical incantation. Upon his return at the age of three as a gelding, he demonstrated exceptional proficiency within his peer group. He won the AJC Derby first up, started and won as the favourite in the Melbourne Cup with W. Davis aboard. The Barb's unpredictable behaviour resurfaced briefly, potentially affecting his chances of securing a victory in the All Aged Stakes. Subsequently, he achieved an effortless triumph in the Australasian Champion Stakes.

The Barb continued to perform respectably in 1867, notching Group one wins in the Launceston Town Plate, the Port Phillip Stakes and the Sydney Cup. At the age of five he reached the pinnacle of his racing career, securing an impressive seven consecutive victories. Among his triumphs were a second Sydney Cup, Craven Plate, VRC Royal Parks Stakes, AJC Metropolitan Handicap, and Queens Plate. All this success resulted in The Barb being assigned a 73kg weight for the Melbourne Cup. Accustomed as he was to carrying great weight, Tait, not willing to risk losing lucrative stud fees, retired the horse, selling him to Charles Reynolds.

The stallion's tenure at Tocal Stud in the Hunter Valley did not yield any exceptionally successful progeny, falling short of his previous accomplishments. However, it is worth noting that some of his daughters went on to achieve recognition as notable broodmares. The Barb passed away in the year 1888 at a location called Mitta Mitta. At the time of his passing, he was 25 years of age, which could be considered a relatively advanced age given the challenging circumstances he faced during his early life. One criteria all horses who aspire to the Hall of Fame must meet is having run against top level competition. This was represented for The Barb by 1867 Melbourne Cup winner Tim Whiffler and Fishhook. Strong competition and an impeccable record, despite being hard to precisely ascertain, resulted in The Barb earning a place in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2004.

RACE RECORD - 23: 15-2-1

EARNINGS - over £18,000

Nursery Stakes (1865)

AJC Derby (1866)

Melbourne Cup (1866)

Australasian Champion Stakes (1866)

Launceston Town Plate (1867)

Port Phillip Stakes (1867)

Sydney Cup (1867, 1868)

Craven Plate (1868)

VRC Royal Park Stakes (1868)

AJC Metropolitan Handicap (1868)

Queens Plate (1868)

Stolen then recovered, the temperamental ‘Black Demon’ took it out on the racetrack