Charles Edward Barnes
Ceb Barnes, the Federal Minister for Territories from 1963-72, was one of Australia’s most prominent pioneering Thoroughbred breeders. He went on to become one of Queensland and Australian racing’s most colourful participants.
Ceb Barnes was born in Sydney on November 13, 1901, the son of wealthy grazier and racehorse breeder/owner JHS Barnes and the former Miss Sarah Mytton. He grew up on Lyndhurst Station near Hughenden before the family moved in 1917 to Canning Downs Station near Warwick, in southeastern Queensland.
Ceb purchased Canning Downs from his father at the end of World War II, and developed it into a successful stud. One of the most influential stallions selected by Ceb to stand at Canning Downs was Dalray. This New Zealand Derby and 1960 Melbourne Cup winner went on to become one of Australia’s leading sires. His progeny included Tails, which, wearing the famous Barnes pink and black racing colours, became one of the country’s best and most popular post-war gallopers.
While Ceb Barnes continued to successfully breed and race quality horses, he contributed to racing administration as a committee member of the Queensland Turf Club. He was president of the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society from 1949 to 1961.
Ceb Barnes raced horses, including The Druidess with Toowoomba trainer Jim Denman, until his death at Canning Downs in 1998, aged 96. Jim Denman described Mr Barnes as a terrific man, who knew everything about his horses, declaring there wouldn’t be anyone with more knowledge of racing.
He was also described as a quintessential Australian country gentleman, keen to preserve the traditions of the bush and in particular horsemen and women.