From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Shelby D. "Pike" Barnes was inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame in 2011. He was a racehorse jockey who was born in Beaver Dam, KY, the son of Joseph Barnes and Susan Austin Barnes [source: Ohio County Marriage Record, for Shelby D. Barnes]. Pike Barnes became a jockey when he was 14 years old. Barnes had a number of noted achievements in the racing industry. In 1888, he won the first race of the Futurity aboard Proctor Knott. The win was one of his 206 victories in 1888, a record number of wins by a jockey in the United States for one year. Barnes also had the most wins in 1889 with 170. Barnes would go on to win other big races such as the Belmont Stakes, but he soon gave up racing due to his weight. 

In 1891, Barnes was living at the farm he owned in Beaver Dam, KY. He was contemplating whether he would ride again [source: "Epitome of horsemen," Freeman, 11/14/1891, p. 2]. In 1908, Barnes was living in Columbus, OH, where he was part owner of a saloon. He died in Columbus, OH, from consumption (tuberculosis) and he is buried in Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, OH.

The Paragraphic News column in the Washington Bee, 01/18/1908, p. 1, noted that "[i]t is reported that Shelby Barnes, better known as "Pike" Barnes, died without any money, not withstanding he won $100,000 as a jockey." Barnes is listed in the 1900 U.S. Federal Census as "Pike Barnes," the husband of Mary Barnes, a cook, who was born in August of 1873 in Kentucky. Her previous name was Mary C. Pennman, [correction] she was the daughter of James Pennman [source: Ohio County Marriage Records]. Pike and Mary Barnes married in 1897 and lived on E. Elm Street in Columbus, OH, according to the 1900 Census. However, their marriage certificate is dated June 16, 1906 [could be a typo]. 

Pike Barnes had been trained by Bob Tucker to become a jockey. He rode for Lucky Baldwin, Marcus Daly, J. B. Haggin, and others. In addition to his win with Proctor Knott, Barnes was also a noted winner riding Mathew and Firenzi.

For more see T. Genaro, "Shelby Pike Barnes to join the racing Hall of Fame on August 12," The Saratogian, 08/05/2011, Sports section; "Reported death of Pike Barnes," Daily Racing Form, 01/15/1908, p. 1; "Pike Barnes," The Cincinnati Enquirer, 01/08/1908, p.4; Shelby D. "Pike" Barnes at Find a Grave.