Barnaby passes prep test in style; Nunes eyes Jamaica Cup

THERE is nothing like a prep race that answers every question. Barnaby did just that on Saturday, September 26, 2026, turning the $1.75-million Distinctly Irish Trophy into a one-horse exhibition, crushing past rivals by 28 lengths in a performance that was as commanding as it was cruel.

In a reduced five-horse field after the scratch of King Piye, the Anthony Nunes-trained chestnut broke calmly and was content to track from last while Run Julie Run (Tajay Suckoo) led the field around the clubhouse turn, pressed by Neo Star (Shane Richardson) and Don Kwesi (Jaheim Anderson).

Down the backstretch, Raddesh Roman just let him breathe — a big, effortless gallo — and never really asked him for anything. Then as the halfmile (800m) turn approached, Roman squeezed and it was over.