Canadian Champion Charlie Barley Dies at 24

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Photo: Michael Burns

Charlie Barley in the 1989 Toronto Cup.

Charlie Barley, Canada’s champion turf horse of 1989, died Sept. 9 due to the infirmities of age at trainer-owner Gail Woods’ farm in Ontario. The son of Affirmed--Au Printemps, by Dancing Champ, was 24.

"He died of old age," John Haney, who owned the horse along with Scott Abbott, said in a statement. "He was the highlight of Scott’s and my racing career. He was a super horse. It was a great experience. We were very lucky to be associated with such a great talent."

In his Sovereign Award campaign, Charlie Barley won four races, along with four seconds and two thirds, from 11 starts. He was also the runner-up to With Approval for Canadian champion 3-year-old male in 1989.

A $50,000 yearling purchase, Charlie Barley retired from racing in 1990, completing a career in which he won 10 of 24 starts, including eight stakes, with 10 placings, and $922,943 in earnings.

Upon his retirement, Charlie Barley stood at stud in Canada and Illinois. From 12 crops of racing age, he was represented by offspring that earned more than $5.6 million. Among his six stakes winners was Canadian grade III winner Barlee Mist.

The Charlie Barley Stakes, run annually in early July at Woodbine, was inaugurated in 2001.

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