Haynes, steeplechase trainer, dies

Bruce Haynes, a steeplechase trainer whose charges included Grade 1 steeplechase winner Rowdy Irishman, died Jan. 24 in Holston Valley, Tenn. Haynes apparently suffered a heart attack while feeding the horses at his farm. He was 46.

Haynes grew up showing hunters and jumpers throughout the Southeast before taking up his career as a steeplechase trainer. His best-known runner, Rowdy Irishman, remains steeplechasing's fifth-ranked money winner of all time with $644,528. Haynes's other noteworthy runners over fences included Summer Island and, more recently, Shady Valley. Haynes trained the earners of almost $1.6 million and was one of only 22 steeplechase trainers in history to achieve total earnings of $1 million or more.

Haynes and his wife, Anne, owned Holston Hollow Farm in Holston Valley near Bristol, Tenn. The couple maintained a stable of racehorses with their sons, Russell Bruce Haynes and William Parker Haynes, both steeplechase jockeys, and David Aaron Haynes.

Funeral services took place Monday in Tennessee. The family suggests donations in Haynes's honor to an animal charity or to Rivers Way Outdoor Adventure Center, 889 Stoney Hollow Road, Bluff City, Tenn., 37618. Condolences may be posted at www.oakley-cook.com.