Joey runs hot in latest trial but Al and Hayden need to be cool to pass latest COVID-19 test

Racing Queensland will introduce mandatory temperature testing on Tuesday when Lincoln Farms’ next kid on the block Joey Lincoln will attempt to qualify.

Before trainer Al Barnes or his driver son Hayden can even pass through the gates at Albion Park they will have their temperatures taken in the latest measure to keep racing going during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only key personnel are now allowed on course during race meetings in the state, with no public or owners, and those attending will now be denied access if their temperature is above 37.8 deg C.

Racing Queensland has also abandoned its winter carnival, reduced the number of horses which can compete at its meetings and introduced regional racing where limited tracks are used and competitors cannot move between zones.

Harness racing will continue at Albion Park, Redcliffe and Marburg where strict biosecurity protocols are now in place.

Racing Queensland’s CEO Brendan Parnell said unprecedented times called for unprecedented measures.

“We must do everything within our powers to provide for the 40,000 Queenslanders who participate across the state.

“These are their livelihoods that are at stake.

Regional racing model

“By introducing a regional racing model, we are able to further support the Queensland Government’s direction to stay local, reduce non-essential travel and to limit the spread of this insidious virus.”

Harness drivers will now use their own colours on racedays, so stable silks are not passed from one person to the next.

Al Barnes is thankful that racing can continue in the state, unlike in New Zealand where no racing is allowed while the country remains on Covid level 4 alert, and will not be possible for some time after that with most horses now turned out.

And in Joey Lincoln he believes he has a horse who can win first-up when he decides to push that button.

In his latest educational trial at Albion Park last Friday, Barnes tried the Sweet Lou three-year-old in front for the first time and, while still a little green, he showed his ability when scoring a comfortable five length win.

Joey Lincoln is well clear and travelling easily in his latest educational trial at Albion Park.“He did it nicely and Hayden didn’t knock him around - he went a 2:02 mile rate and came home in 29. It’s the first time Hayden has been able to slap him on the bum, and the horse responded well.

“He’ll qualify on Tuesday and we might give him a couple of trials before he goes to the races as I won’t start him until he’s 100 percent ready when he can run 55.”

Barnes says he’s always liked Joey Lincoln even though he wasn’t much liked at Lincoln Farms in Pukekohe where trainer Ray Green said he’d need a bit of time to find himself.

“He’s got speed but he’s just needed that time. I’ve given him a lot of long, slow work to give him confidence.

“He used to drive through from behind and touch himself. That would make him scared and he’d take off and the more he pulled, the more he hit himself.”

Barnes has helped rectify the fault by fitting the horse behind with aluminium shoes elevated by three degrees.

Joey Lincoln is out of the Bettor’s Delight mare Bettabe Fast who won only two races.

“I’m confident he can win first-up and I’m hoping he can win a couple of races quite quickly.”