Veteran steeplechase trainer Bruce Haynes died Jan. 24 while caring for horses at his family's farm near Bristol, Tenn.
Haynes, 46, trained on the National Steeplechase Association circuit since 1993 and conditioned the earners of more than $1.5 million, including multiple grade I winner Rowdy Irishman. Owned by Haynes and Vesta Balestiere, the son of Erins Isle twice won the Breeders' Cup Grand National Hurdle, Temple Gwathmey, and Iroquois on the way to $644,528 in earnings (fifth on the career list of American steeplechasers). Other notable Haynes winners included Summer Island, Rarity Bay, and Shady Valley.
Haynes lived in the Bristol area his whole life. He rode in horse shows throughout the Southeast before turning to Thoroughbreds (mainly steeplechasers) in the 1990s. He and his wife, Anne, and sons Russell, Will, and Aaron operated from their Holston Hollow farm near Bristol.
Though he never found another Rowdy Irishman, Haynes continued to train and produced numerous successful horses. The past two seasons, Russell and Will Haynes rode many of the stable's horses.
Haynes-trained horses made 98 starts on the NSA circuit in 2007, third-highest total to Jonathan Sheppard and Jack Fisher.
Haynes' survivors also include his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to a charity of choice, to an animal charity, or to River's Way Outdoor Adventure Center, 889 Stoney Hollow Road, Bluff City, Tenn. 37618.
