Johnny Barnes, the Bermuda-owned thoroughbred, finished fifth in his first race of the season at the Listed Heron Stakes at Sandown Park in Surrey yesterday.

Ridden by Frankie Dettori, a three-times champion jockey, Johnny Barnes was competitive throughout the mile contest despite the ground being slightly too quick for his liking. The three-year-old colt broke well from the gates with Dettori happy to settle towards the rear of the field.

Johnny Barnes looked well-set three furlongs out but got boxed in when White Lake made a move on his outside effectively ending his chances of finishing in the places.

It’s understood that both Dettori and trainer John Gosden were impressed with Johnny Barnes who was only beaten by 5¼ lengths.

Consort, the favourite, finished strongly to win by 2½ lengths. Several of the Bermuda Thoroughbred Racing Limited owners, including chairman Simon Scupham, also own shares in Consort.

Horseshoe Bay, who is part of the same Longtail account as Johnny Barnes, will race in the Devil’s Dyke Maiden Stakes over a 1½ miles at Newmarket, Suffolk today.