Haynes to end her training career after Chelmsford runners

Alice Haynes will saddle her final runners at Chelmsford on Thursday, citing the viability of racing’s current financial model as the reason for relinquishing her training licence.

The former rider has sent out over 200 winners since embarking on a training career in 2021, with her best season coming in 2024 when she registered 56 victories.

That has dipped to just 27 for the current year and in a statement posted on X, Haynes said: “Tonight at Chelmsford I will saddle my final runners as a trainer.

“It’s a sentence I never imagined I would have to say. Stepping away from something that has shaped my days and captured my heart has been an incredibly painful decision but the truth is that racing’s current financial model does not make it viable to continue.

“There are so many people to thank: my loyal staff, our vets, farrier, suppliers, sponsor Coral and to the owners who placed their trust, their horses and their hopes in my hands, thank you.

“And to my partner Kieran (O’Neill), who has stood beside me through every moment of this chapter, your support has been my anchor.

“As for what’s next, I’m taking a step back to reflect and see where the next chapter leads. I’d love to stay involved in the sport, perhaps through media work or any opportunities that come my way, and maybe one day I’ll train again.

“This is by no means a goodbye to a sport that has given me so much and that I love.”

Haynes enjoyed notable success alongside Amo Racing in the first three years of her training career with Lady Hollywood landing the Group Three Prix d’Arenberg in France before heading to America for an unsuccessful Breeders’ Cup run.

She also enjoyed Listed wins with Mr Professor and Fix You for Kia Joorabchian’s racing operation.

This season Haynes has overseen the preparations of former Ballydoyle inmate Cairo, who although never winning in the trainer’s name, placed twice in Dubai and in the Huxley Stakes before finishing third in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.