Barbadian Runner back in training
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Barbadian Runner is back in training and preparing for his highly anticipated 4-year-old debut at Laurel Park. Trainer Henry Walters does not have any firm plans for the seasoned Maryland-bred, but all has gone well in two published workouts since March 29.
“He’s had a couple of easy breezes under his belt, just to get the juices flowing again,” Walters said. “I’ll probably work him again this weekend.”
Between his juvenile debut in June 2024 and last start in December, Barbadian Runner ran without a notable layoff and only seemed to improve over time. In an astounding 3-year-old campaign by modern standards, he made 12 starts and won six stakes.
In October, the gritty gelding pulled off a kingmaking upset in the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic, snapping Post Time’s historic 10-race undefeated streak at Laurel. Post Time got his revenge in the $100,000 Robert T. Manfuso in December, but Barbadian Runner ran even better in defeat that day, earning a 107 Beyer Speed Figure in his final race of the season. The figure was tied for the seventh highest among 3-year-olds in 2025.
Walters, who has always been patient with his prized gelding, finally gave him a deserved break, which helped him avoid brutal winter training conditions. On March 29, he breezed four furlongs in 51 seconds and completed a similar workout on April 4.
Walters said he does not want to rush Barbadian Runner back into stakes company and would rather find a conditioned allowance to ease him back into action. Though he has tried turf in the past, he will narrow his focus to dirt for now.
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