Alice Haynes Announces ‘Incredibly Painful’ Decision to Cease Training with Final Runners in the Spotlight

Alice Haynes, a prominent figure in horse training, is set to conclude her career as a trainer after Thursday evening’s races at Chelmsford. The 34-year-old trainer announced that she finds the current financial landscape of horse racing unsustainable, leading to her painful decision to step away from training. This comes after five seasons in the profession, where she witnessed both success and challenges.

Alice Haynes’ Journey in Horse Training

Haynes began her training career in 2021 after building a solid foundation as a pre-trainer and a successful jockey. Over her career, she achieved ten wins across Flat and jump races. Initially, she operated from Cadland Stables in Newmarket before moving to Machell Place Stables and eventually to Kremlin Cottage Stables, previously the headquarters of Hugo Palmer.

Significant Achievements

• In 2024, Haynes reached a personal best with 56 winners.
• She recorded her most notable win in 2022 with Lady Hollywood at the Group 3 Prix d’Arenberg in Longchamp.
• Haynes also secured victories in Italy with horses like Ziggy’s Dream and Naana’s Diamond.
• Her biggest prize money intake was over £85,000 when Cairo finished third in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot this June.

Despite these achievements, 2024 proved to be a tough year, with only 27 winners and earnings of £419,417, marking her lowest performance since her debut year. This decline contributed to her decision to leave the sport following a heartfelt farewell to her staff, sponsors, and supporters.

Future Aspirations

In her statement, Haynes expressed her desire to remain connected to horse racing, potentially through media involvement. She is open to exploring new opportunities while reflecting on her journey. “This is by no means a goodbye to the sport that has given me so much and that I love,” she said.

Support and Contributions

Throughout her tenure, Haynes received sponsorship from Coral. David Stevens, head of PR for Coral, praised her contributions and expressed gratitude for her relationship with the Coral Racing Club. Under her guidance, the club’s horse Aspire To Glory enjoyed six victories, solidifying Haynes’ legacy within the racing community.

As Haynes prepares to bid farewell to training, she leaves behind a rich history filled with accomplishments and heartfelt connections within the racing world. Her future endeavors, whatever they may be, are highly anticipated by her supporters and the racing community alike.