By Bill Finley
For parts of 2017 and 2018, Bob Haynes couldn't have been doing worse. He was in his mid-sixties and heart problems had left him struggling to deal with everyday life. He had no energy and spent his days lying in bed.
Today, that dark period in his life is just a memory. He has recovered mentally and physically and is optimistic about his future. He owes his turn of fortune to the doctors who performed open heart surgery on him and to those who worked with him during a four-month cardiac rehabilitation process. That and a horse.
In July, the 65-year-old Haynes made good on a 40-year dream of becoming a horse trainer. He ignored his age, the fact that he flunked his trainer's test the first time he took it and his lack of experience, and spent $5,000 to acquire a Maryland-bred gelding named Port Louis (Despite the Odds). Three starts later, Port Louis has earned $37,601 for his rookie trainer, has not been worse than second and won a $50,000 starter handicap race on the Maryland Million card at Laurel.
Best of all, Haynes has formed a bond with the horse, realizing that being around him is what keeps him going.
“I think this horse is saving my life,” he said.
Haynes tried being a jockey agent in 1974 but didn't last. Operating a company that fund-raised for police and fire departments, he became an owner and had his share of success. Running a medium-sized claiming outfit, his best horse was Heros Reward (Partner's Hero). He claimed him for $20,000 and the horse went on to win seven stakes and made it to the 2008 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, where he finished fifth. He claimed Due (Rinka Das) for $25,000 and later won the Maryland Million Classic with him.
Haynes enjoyed his success as an owner, but always wondered if he could make it as a trainer.
“I always wanted to be a trainer, probably for about 40 years,” he said. “I would go to book stores, read books about horses, books about how to be a trainer. I knew nothing about the backside. Being a jock's agent, I didn't learn the game.”
Finally, everything was aligned. He had overcome the heart problems and was healthy. He knew his girlfriend, exercise rider Vicki Irons, would be there to help him as a trainer. He studied diligently and passed the trainer's test on his second attempt. He spirits were lifted even higher with the birth of his first grandchild. All he needed was a horse.
Oftentimes, these stories don't end well and that appeared to be a possibility when Port Louis broke badly in the race he was claimed out of and was beaten 17 3/4 lengths. But the good thing about having one horse is that you can spend every hour at the barn focused on fine tuning and trying to improve that horse. Haynes said Port Louis dealt with ankle and bleeding issues and that he found ways to get both under control.
“He's a real happy horse now,” Haynes said. “His ankle is not bothering him and his airwaves are really good.”
Port Louis ran second in his first start for Haynes in another $5,000 claimer. Haynes then ran him in what looked like an impossible spot, the Maryland Million starter handicap race. Sent off at 67-1, Port Louis ran the best race of his life to win by 1 1/2 lengths. He came back last Saturday and ran a solid second in starter allowance company.
Haynes realizes he still has a lot to learn, and part of the process includes reaching out to established trainers for advice.
“It has been on-the-job training,” he said. “I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to do as a trainer. But I am focused and I've been around a long time and I ask questions. I'll ask Claudio Gonzalez, Dale Capuano, Donald Barr. I drive those guys crazy. A lot of people are willing to help someone new.”
The advice helps, but Haynes understands that his early success as a trainer would not be possible without Port Louis, a horse who has never been better. His former claimer may not be a star, but to Haynes he is more than he could have asked for. It's not just that Port Louis is running well, he has the sort of personality that has made his trainer devoted to his every need.
“It's an amazing feeling to be around an 1,100-pound animal that is so docile and so kind around you,” he said. “They're not always like that, but this particular animal is. I could have gotten a fractious horse or one that was nasty. This horse is like a gentle giant. I get up in the morning and every day I think about the responsibility I have. There is a heartbeat at Laurel Park that's depending on me. That means a lot. I have a moral responsibility to take care of this animal and do the best job that I possibly can.”
Port Louis has been claimed four times and Haynes believes that shuffling between barns is not good for any horse. For that reason, he has vowed not to drop Port Louis back into a claiming race and when the horse is no longer capable of performing at his best that he will give him a permanent home at his farm.
“He is happy and proud and feeling real good,” Haynes said. “I talk to the horse in my own way. I told him I won't run back for a tag. I'll take my time with him and will run him when he's fit and ready. When his career is over he's coming home.”
Haynes said he will look to get another horse or two, but doesn't expect to get one quite like Port Louis.
“For us, he is the perfect horse,” he said. “Training him is like my medicine, the best medicine there is.”
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