Ken Barker

Ken Barker

Article by Alan Trout 

Kenneth John Barker did not ride any winners but he did have the distinction of finishing second to the mighty Bula, albeit in a match. 

He was apprenticed to leading trainer Jack Clayton on the Flat in the mid-1960s but was not successful. Turning to jumping he had his first ride at Nottingham on December 8, 1975 and was lying third but well beaten when his mount, Last Trick, fell at the second last fence. With the other four starters out of the race he was able to remount and claim third prize. 

He did even better on his next ride when finishing second on King Cloud at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, although they were beaten 12 lengths by Ken White on Double Negative.  

It was on Last Trick that he tackled Bula in the Fairlawne Chase at Windsor on February 25, 1976. The race had cut up to just two runners and the gulf in ability between the horses was considered so great that there was no betting. Former dual Champion Hurdler Bula had already won twice over fences earlier that season, beating Red Rum and The Dikler among others. Trained by Fred Winter and partnered by John Francome, Bula was never in danger of defeat and won by a distance. However, Last Trick was allowed to lead on a couple of occasions, got round safely and earned £615 for his connections.

Ken also finished second on Last Trick at Sandown Park’s Grand Military meeting on 15 March, seven lengths behind the indomitable Duke of Albuquerque on Nereo. 

He had a few rides the following season, the last coming on Craigie Burn, finishing eighth of 23 starters in the Lilac Novices’ Hurdle (Division 3) at Sandown Park on March 11, 1977. His career over jumps had lasted less than 18 months, but at least he could claim that he once finished second to the mighty Bula.