Jockey Frank Hayes rode his first and last winner, Sweet Kiss, in a two-mile steeplechase at Belmont Park, New York City on June 4, 1923. However, as verified by Guinness World Records, Hayes has the distinction of being the only jockey to win a race after dying. Hayes, 35, reportedly wasted down to 9st 4lb to take the ride, losing 10lb in the previous 24 hours by exercising vigorously and reducing his fluid intake. Consequently, by the time he climbed aboard Sweet Kiss, he was tired, weak and dehydrated.
Nevertheless, Sweet Kiss tackled the favourite, Gimme, at the top of the home straight, led over the final fence and held on to win by a length and a half in a driving finish. However, the exertion and excitement was too much for Hayes; at some point after taking the lead, he suffered a fatal heart attack, such that he was dead when Sweet Kiss crossed the finishing line in first place. Shortly afterwards, Hayes swayed and crumpled in the saddle and pitched, face-first, into the turf. He was immediately attended by the racecourse doctor, who pronounced him dead at the scene. His death was attributed to heart disease, exacerbated by his weakened condition, and was instantaneous,
Jockey Frank Hayes rode his first and last winner, Sweet Kiss, in a two-mile steeplechase at Belmont Park, New York City on June 4, 1923. However, as verified by Guinness World Records, Hayes has the distinction of being the only jockey to win a race after dying. Hayes, 35, reportedly wasted down to 9st 4lb to take the ride, losing 10lb in the previous 24 hours by exercising vigorously and reducing his fluid intake. Consequently, by the time he climbed aboard Sweet Kiss, he was tired, weak and dehydrated.
Nevertheless, Sweet Kiss tackled the favourite, Gimme, at the top of the home straight, led over the final fence and held on to win by a length and a half in a driving finish. However, the exertion and excitement was too much for Hayes; at some point after taking the lead, he suffered a fatal heart attack, such that he was dead when Sweet Kiss crossed the finishing line in first place. Shortly afterwards, Hayes swayed and crumpled in the saddle and pitched, face-first, into the turf. He was immediately attended by the racecourse doctor, who pronounced him dead at the scene. His death was attributed to heart disease, exacerbated by his weakened condition, and was instantaneous,