The 46-year-old Brown was a new face at the races and in the harness guide in the Sunshine State after making an unexpected return to the bike in recent weeks.
In 2000 Brown was based on the Gold Coast and rode for Barnes who trained out of the area.
Harness racing brought Brown to the US soon after, where he raced at tracks like the Meadowlands before spending about 17 years away from the sport.
Fast forward to the end of 2025 and Brown is back, delivering winners for his old friend Barnes.
“I’ve always wanted to get back into it,” says Brown.
“The opportunity arose to come here and help Al, while also bringing some horses from Victoria.
“When I heard that Al was a crook, I wanted to give him a hand and see if I could help.
“The idea was to have some fun. It was a huge lifestyle change, but I’m enjoying it.”
Although Brown hasn’t raced since the 2006-07 season, he has stayed connected to the game by owning stock breeding stock.
He picked up his first winner since the 2002-03 campaign last week when trotter Lizzies Son got the money at Albion Park.
Brown managed to take the victory on his seventh ride since his return.
Brown’s last winner was in December 2002 when he teamed with Pouch to win at Kilmore.
To make the outcome even sweeter, Brown co-owns the square cover next to Barnes’ Northview Park business.
The five-year-old gelding is only a newcomer to the Barnes team having previously competed in Victoria.
Lizzies Son is back at the races on Thursday afternoon and the returning rider believes he can quickly double.
“It was great and good to get that first one out of the way, especially with one we own,” he said of last week’s win.
“We bought this horse specifically to target these races because of its rating.
“We thought he could do a job and it looks like he has a bright future.
“The draw on Thursday is perfect; he just likes to be clear so he can get away safely.
“He should definitely be in the finish.
“It looks like a winnable race as he drops a bit in class since his last start with a test in between. He will be good.”
In 2000, Brown headed north to the Gold Coast to drive a horse for Barnes and stayed in the Sunshine State for a year.
He has since kept in touch with popular Queensland rider Barnes.
In his time away from the sport, Brown ran an excavating business in Bendigo in regional Victoria.
He has now put those business interests on hold, while he once again makes an attempt to be bold.
Having not raced competitively since the 2006-07 season, Brown says a lot has changed on the track and he is doing his best to adapt.
“It took me a lot of training with all the new whip rules and carts, as well as the riding styles,” he said.
“It took a lot of track work and trials, and even a lot of racing, to get back into the feeling.
“I definitely feel more comfortable about it now.
“I’m just starting to get used to the driving style of today, which is hyper-aggressive and very different from what I’m used to. It’s just flat out all the time.”
Barnes, 53, is preparing a team of about ten at Fairney View.
Brown says he is not actively looking for external ramps from Barnes’ barn, but would happily take some if offered.
Through Jordan Gerrans for Racing Queensland
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