A Shocking Victory
On June 4, 1923, 22-year-old jockey Frank Hayes rode a horse named Sweet Kiss at Belmont Park in New York. The race was a steeplechase event, requiring riders to navigate multiple obstacles. Hayes, a stable hand and part-time jockey, was not expected to win, as Sweet Kiss was a longshot at 20-1 odds.
A Fatal Collapse on the Track
During the race, Hayes suffered a fatal heart attack, possibly triggered by extreme exertion and weight loss. Despite his death, his body remained in the saddle as Sweet Kiss cleared the final jumps and crossed the finish line in first place. Officials and spectators only realized what had happened after the race ended.
A First in Racing History
Frank Hayes became the first and only jockey to win a horse race while dead. Racing officials confirmed the victory, and bets on Sweet Kiss were paid out. Due to the unusual nature of the event, no autopsy was performed, and Hayes was buried days later.
Sweet Kiss Never Raced Again
After the event, Sweet Kiss was reportedly retired and nicknamed the “Horse That Killed Its Jockey” by stable workers. The incident remains one of the most unusual moments in horse racing history.
On June 4, 1923, at Belmont Park, jockey Frank Hayes made history in a shocking way. Riding a 20-1 longshot named Sweet Kiss, he crossed the finish line first. But as the crowd cheered, the truth emerged—Hayes had died mid-race, making him the only jockey to win while dead.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/InBaowBNgl
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) February 24, 2025