Barnfield On Air is a name synonymous with excellence in the world of greyhound racing. Celebrated as one of the greatest racers of his generation, his illustrious career was filled with unforgettable victories, record-breaking performances, and major wins. Much like the iconic Westmead Hawk, Barnfield On Air transcended the sport, capturing the attention of the mainstream media and winning the admiration of fans and critics alike. His legacy stands as a testament to his extraordinary abilities.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Barnfield On Air’s rise to stardom didn’t come without challenges. Expectations were high for him from the start, but before he could claim his spot as a top contender, he had to prove that he was worthy of the hype. Born in February 2005 to Pacific Mile and Always On Air, both accomplished greyhounds, Barnfield On Air possessed the pedigree to succeed.
The saying "class always shows" held true for Barnfield On Air, as his natural talent soon began to shine through, earning him a place among the elite in greyhound racing.
Initial Success in Ireland
Initially named On Air Always, the greyhound made an impressive debut in Ireland, where he quickly built a reputation comparable to the legendary Ballyregan Bob. With his new ownership and a string of victories on Irish tracks such as Thurles, Newbridge, and Harold’s Cross, On Air Always was quickly gaining recognition.
Notable Irish performances:
- Thurles: Victory
- Newbridge: Victory
- Harold's Cross: Victory
His success earned him a spot in the 2006 Irish Puppy Derby Final, held in Dublin. Although he faced a difficult run and didn’t win the race, this setback only fueled his future achievements.
Move to England
Following his impressive stint in Ireland, the greyhound was transferred to the care of trainer Sam Poots at Essex Kennels. With this move, he was renamed Barnfield On Air and embarked on the next phase of his career.
Ownership Team: 'Barnfield Trio'
- Sam Poots (Trainer)
- Darryl Bear
- Mark Hodgson
- Steve Murphy
The ownership group, known as the "Barnfield Trio," worked closely with Poots to guide Barnfield On Air’s career to even greater heights.
Thriving in the UK
Barnfield On Air’s start in the UK was not without bumps, as he faced initial defeats. However, he quickly rebounded with victories, making his mark as a serious contender in the 2007 Greyhound Derby at Wimbledon.
Key UK performances:
- Coventry: Defeat in the debut race
- Brandon: Victory
- 2007 Greyhound Derby, Wimbledon: Impressive first-round win
Although the Wimbledon track didn’t favour Barnfield On Air, causing him to falter in the second round, he soon showcased his brilliance at Hove, clocking an impressive time of 29.32 seconds. A minor setback at Wimbledon did little to hinder his progress, as he returned to form in the Sussex Cup.
Sussex Cup Highlights
- First heat: Victory
- Semi-final: Victory
- Final: Record-breaking time of 29.20 seconds
He continued to demonstrate his abilities by setting a new track record at Walthamstow (28.15 seconds) over a 475-metre stretch. Barnfield On Air also set records at Belle Vue during the Laurels heats and semifinals, further cementing his status as a top greyhound.
At Coventry, he claimed the Blue Square 480 Cup Final (Coventry Derby), setting another record for the 480-metre course.
Media Recognition
Barnfield On Air’s achievements didn’t go unnoticed, as he received significant media attention. The Daily Mirror hailed him as a “wonderdog,” while the Observer likened him to Mick the Miller, calling him a “national treasure.”
Notable accolades:
- Named GBGB Standard Distance Dog of the Year (2007)
Though he was narrowly beaten by Spiridon Louis for the prestigious Greyhound of the Year title, Barnfield On Air’s accomplishments were undeniable.
The Final Chapter
In 2008, Barnfield On Air’s attempt at securing the triple crown ended when he was eliminated from the Scottish Derby semi-finals. Despite this setback, he remained a standout performer at Wimbledon. Unfortunately, a recurring wrist injury forced him into retirement in 2009 after a brief return to the track following a seven-month break.
Retirement and Legacy
Barnfield On Air’s incredible career concluded after a remarkable run of 27 victories and several track records. His notable wins included the Coral Sussex Cup, Betfred Select Stakes, and the Blue Square 480. Throughout his career, he amassed £53,110 in prize money.
Sportswriter Richard Birch, in his “Greyhound Greats” column, praised Barnfield On Air’s dominance, comparing him to legendary athletes like Usain Bolt. Birch noted that despite missing out on a Derby win, Barnfield On Air’s consistent excellence cemented his status as a greyhound racing legend.
Post-Racing Life
After retiring, Barnfield On Air, affectionately known as “Jack” or “The Boss,” enjoyed his final years at Peaceful Kennels in Essex, under the care of Olivia and Beth Noble. Sadly, a leg injury in 2017 led to the difficult decision to end his suffering. Barnfield On Air passed away on January 26, 2017, but his legacy lives on, inspiring greyhound racing fans and athletes alike.