On June 4, 1923, a thirty five year old horse trainer named Frank Hayes lined up at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Hayes had never won a race in his life as a jockey, but he was determined to ride a twenty to one longshot horse named Sweet Kiss.
During the steeplechase event, Hayes suffered a fatal heart attack mid race. Incredibly, his body remained firmly upright in the saddle throughout the jumps and turns around the track. Sweet Kiss crossed the finish line first by a head, winning the competition.
Track officials and the horse owner rushed over to congratulate Hayes on his breakthrough victory. They quickly discovered he was no longer breathing. The Jockey Club waived the post race weigh in rules, making Hayes the only known jockey in history to win a race after passing away.
Sweet Kiss never raced again, earning the lifelong nickname Sweet Kiss of Death. Frank Hayes was buried three days later in his colorful racing silks.
#sportsfacts #horseracing #belmontpark #sportsreels #weirdhistory #athletestories
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and entertainment purposes. The historical facts are sourced from public archives and imagery is used for illustrative purposes.
