The Barb was by Sir Hercules, his dam Fair Ellen (also known as Young Gulnare) was by Doctor (GB).

As a spring three-year-old, The Barb won the sixth AJC Derby by two lengths at his first start from a spell.

The Barb continued to show he was the best horse in Australia and won the Sydney Cup in 1868 and 1869 (under the huge weight of 10 st 8 lb).

After The Barb was retired from racing, owner John Tait sold him to Charles Reynolds who sent him to stand at Tocal Stud in the Hunter Valley.

His best horses were: The Barb was a good sire of broodmares and a granddaughter was the dam of Wallace, Carbine's best racehorse son in Australia.