Barney Curley is a name that is synonymous with UK and Irish horse racing. Admired by many, Curley was known as a chancer and a risk taker.
In the 1970s, Curley was the man behind one of the most audacious racing stings of all-time. He took a lot of pride in beating the bookies and the ‘system.’
Since he passed in 2021, Curley’s legendary career is fondly remembered by some of racing’s biggest names and stars.
Who Was Barney Curley?
Bernard Joseph Curley was a Northern Irish gambler, horse racing trainer and philanthropist. Born in Irvinestown in 1939, Curley decided on a career in horse racing after previously working in the hospitality and music industry.
Curley was very shrewd and mischievous when it came to betting. He became very successful – and well off – from his escapades and was considered as a type of Robin Hood.
In his years as a trainer, he is credited as helping develop the careers of jockeys Frankie Dettori and Tom Queally. Curley founded the charity Direct Aid For Africa in the 1990s to support the underprivileged.
Yellow Sam Coup
In 1975, Curley was the brains and mastermind by the famous Yellow Sam betting coup. Bellewstown Racecourse was the destination where Curley earned himself legendary status after his plot paid off. Big time.
Yellow Sam was a severely unfancied 20-1 long shot, who Curley had deliberately ran on courses not suited to help drive up the price.
With an estimated 100 people working alongside him, Curley and his team essentially blocked the phone lines between the on-site and off site bookies.
Small and unsuspecting wagers were placed on Yellow Sam as not to raise suspicion at the course, with larger bets placed in land-based shops.
Normally, the bookies would communicate as to what was happening but Curley made sure that wasn’t possible and Yellow Sam stormed to victory.
Curley and his entourage made the equivalent of £2 million in today’s money. It was too late for the bookmakers to realise what was happening and Curley had earned legendary status.
Barney Curley And John McCririck
Back in 2005, Barney Curley interrupted a live At The Races broadcast in Folkestone after he took offence to John McCririck’s comments.
Cristoforo, who was trained by Curley, was set to go off as the odds-on favourite but drifted out to 11-4 before eventually pulling up before the last.
McCririck was incensed and demanded an inquiry, before Curley caught wind of what was happening an delivered an epic rant at the former racing pundit and broadcaster Luke Harvey.
Curley’s lambasting of the duo certainly livened up what was a normal day’s viewing of the racing. Even to this day, it has remained one of racing’s most memorable television moments ever since.
Barney Curley Legacy
Some may have mixed views on Barney Curley but something that is certain is the lasting impression he has made on UK and Irish horse racing.
Yellow Sam was his most prominent feat and Curley will always be remembered as someone who gave a little something back to the community.
When he passed, the likes of Jonjo O’Neill, John Butler, AP McCoy and Frankie Dettori all spoke out about their love and admiration for Curley.
During his later years, Curley put most of his attentions on the charity he founded Direct Aid For Africa. In Zambia, the charity helped build schools and hospitals.
NOTE: We have all the best UK horse racing tips for today’s meetings.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
