Third and out for George Baker but Barwick does trainer proud

George Baker had to settle for third place on the last run of his long career but stablemate Barwick ensured his yard's latest Channel Island raid was a success.

Ten-year-old George Baker, who is trained by one namesake and was occasionally ridden by another, heads into retirement after finishing third in the 1m1/2f handicap at Les Landes in Jersey.

"He ran a great race but the old legs were just crying enough when it really mattered," said his trainer.

"There was no disgrace, he was beaten three lengths by a couple of young bucks. It was a lovely note for him to go out on.

"That will definitely be it for him. We've had a lot of fun with the old boy and I don't want him running round just making up the numbers. He's given us a lot of fun and he will be with us forever."

Perfect fillip

Baker hopes that success in the 1m4f handicap on his first run in Jersey will be just the boost Barwick needs.

"He beat Aussie Lyrics, who is a decent horse and won the Jersey Derby," the trainer said. "I used to train him for Michael Watts, who owns Barwick.

"It was a good opportunity for him and these races give old horses a bit of confidence. He had shown at Epsom a couple of times this year that he's no back number and this could be the fillip he needs.

"Three years ago we took over I'm Harry, who looked as though he couldn't win a race, and he won and came back and ended up winning nine times in total."

Earlier on the card Noel Williams saddled Daliance to finish third in the 2m4f hurdle and Cecilator to fill the same position in the 1m2f handicap, while the Clare Ellam-trained National Service was second in the 6f handicap.