Barry Lynham
1883 - 1953
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Barrington Lynham (always known as Barry) was born at Chantilly on March 27, 1883.
Barrington Lynham (always known as Barry) was born at Chantilly on March 27, 1883.
His father, Fred - born in Somerset in 1855 - had himself been a jockey, his best win coming at Newmarket when landing the 1870 Cambridgeshire on Adonis. Fred had served his apprenticeship under Joseph Saxon at Saxon House Stables. Fred launched his training career in 1873 at the tender age of eighteen, primarily training for Mr G. F. Bentley. Later, he returned to Saxon House where he had once been an apprentice, taking over the operation. Fred's success in Lambourn provided the perfect stable environment for son Barry to begin his own career. Under his father's guidance, Barry's career flourished.
His father, Fred - born in Somerset in 1855 - had himself been a jockey, his best win coming at Newmarket when landing the 1870 Cambridgeshire on Adonis. Fred had served his apprenticeship under Joseph Saxon at Saxon House Stables. Fred launched his training career in 1873 at the tender age of eighteen, primarily training for Mr G. F. Bentley. Later, he returned to Saxon House where he had once been an apprentice, taking over the operation. Fred's success in Lambourn provided the perfect stable environment for son Barry to begin his own career. Under his father's guidance, Barry's career flourished.
The prolific Polar Star, unbeaten in twelve races in 1906
Numerically, he enjoyed his best season in 1906, riding 61 winners, 12 of those wins coming on one horse, the prolific Polar Star. The champion 2-Y-O of the year, Polar Star won such races as the Gimcrack and Criterion Stakes before progressing to make a decent 3-Y-O the following season, winning the Great Jubilee Handicap, among other races.
Numerically, he enjoyed his best season in 1906, riding 61 winners, 12 of those wins coming on one horse, the prolific Polar Star. The champion 2-Y-O of the year, Polar Star won such races as the Gimcrack and Criterion Stakes before progressing to make a decent 3-Y-O the following season, winning the Great Jubilee Handicap, among other races.
Polar Star being led to the start at Doncaster
The field of 18 fillies broke cleanly from the starter's flag. Barry Lynham, wearing the blue and white hooped silks of Hall Walker did not rush Witch Elm to the lead, instead tucking her into the second rank, allowing the more excitable fillies to exhaust themselves against the headwind.
As they reached the "Bushes"—the traditional turning point of the race where the ground begins to dip before the final climb—Barry made his move. While others began to use the whip, he remained remarkably still, simply "loosening the reins" to let Witch Elm find her stride.
In the final two furlongs, Witch Elm surged. She didn't just win; she dominated. The press reported that Barry won "with a good deal in hand," pulling away to win by two lengths from the runner-up, Strawberry Leaf.
A field of 13 fillies faced the starter. As the flag dropped, the pace was set at a blistering clip. For the first half of the mile, Barry kept Winkipop under a tight hold, tucked away behind the leaders to shield her from the wind.
The climax of the race began at the Abingdon Mile Bottom. As the horses hit the rising ground—the gruelling final climb to the winning post—the race turned into a private duel between the two Astor fillies. Maid of Corinth surged forward, looking every bit the winner, but, as they hit the final furlong, Maid of Corinth began to falter under the pressure of the climb. Winkipop responded with a sudden, devastating turn of foot. Barry, with perfect timing, guided her past her stable companion to win by one and a half lengths.
Witch End (left) wins the 1907 1,000 Guineas
Royal Hunt Cup 1905
Barry and Andover took up the running two furlongs out and never looked like getting caught.
Witch End returns in triumph
Barry & Winkipop
By 1911, Barry Lynham had established himself as a prominent figure on Newmarket High Street, specifically at No. 82 High Street, a site with a storied history (now known to locals as the site of the former Carlton Hotel).
Victoria Cinema: He was the proprietor of this "Picture House" at a time when cinema was a burgeoning, cutting-edge technology. The cinema was uniquely situated within the hotel’s grand ballroom and could seat roughly 550 people. It featured a 15-foot deep stage for variety shows between screenings.
Victoria Bar: In addition to the cinema, Barry ran the Victoria Bar, a public house that served as a social hub for the racing community.
Victoria Mansions: He lived on-site in the associated apartments. Records from 1926 show him residing at No. 1 Victoria Mansions, keeping him at the heart of his business operations.
Barry rode Dark Ronald to victory in the 1909 Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket.
Barry had a Newmarket road named after him.
Sadly, his son was killed in action in 1943.
Sadly, his son was killed in action in 1943.
Barrington Lynham died at Christchurch Hospital, Hampshire, on May 20, 1953, aged 70. He left £3,192.
Barrington Lynham died at Christchurch Hospital, Hampshire, on May 20, 1953, aged 70. He left £3,192.
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