Meet Joy Haynes, a talented and determined individual who has defied the odds and overcome countless obstacles to pursue her dreams. With unwavering passion and perseverance, Haynes is on the cusp of achieving her goals in a sport that demands nothing but the best.

She wants to be a jockey, and is currently enrolled in the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Jockeys’ Training School.

Haynes doesn’t have any family involved in horse racing, and despite the lack of familial ties to the sport, her love for horses stems from childhood experiences, as she grew up around horses and has two brothers who shared the same passion. She acknowledges the tragic loss of two of her brothers but still expresses deep affection for the animals.

“I just love the horses,” Haynes said.

“Where I live, bushes were at the back of the house, so horses would go around there, but I am in love with the animals and I had brothers that were in love with the animals also.

“You know, it’s a dream come true for me to even be here [training school] and get through in the riding business,” Haynes added.

Hayne’s journey to becoming a professional jockey was fuelled by financial constraints during her high school years. To earn money and complete her education, she decided to pursue horse racing.

“There were certain circumstances why I chose the riding thing. When I was at high school [Spanish Town High], I didn’t have enough money to finish, so I said maybe I can become a jockey and make some money and finish my studying,” she explained.

Haynes’ introduction to the world of horses came through trainers Bernard Vincent and Anthony Smith but it was Smith who taught her the basics of horse racing. Her passion for horses grew when she witnessed the close bond between the grooms and the horses, inspiring her to learn the art of grooming.

“I had a grand uncle in the navy in Cuba who always encouraged me to become a rider. He introduced me to his friend Bernard Vincent at the track. Vincent then introduced me to Anthony Smith because he didn’t have any horses,” Haynes said.

“I started learning around Smith, knowing how to deal with horses, how to first look after them because when I came here, I fell in love with what the grooms did. I just love the way the horses know the grooms and so that’s the first thing I learned, to groom horses and that was in 2019.

“Although I don’t remember the name of the first horse I rode, I recall the trainer, Errol Burke, and the grey horse that stood out to me. I began riding and grooming horses simultaneously. My favourite horse,
El Cliente, was the first horse I learned to trot and navigate obstacles with,” she shared.

Haynes had a hand injury during a rainy morning, which occurred during a training session. Despite this setback, she remained determined and persevered through the recovery process. She said this incident highlighted her strong will and dedication to her riding career.

“I got injured and I am still here. I broke my hand on a rainy morning but I didn’t leave. I even came back and took off the plaster and I worked with my one hand and when I finished, I just put the plaster on back and that’s me,” Haynes said.

Haynes’ big break came when she was accepted into the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Jockeys’ Training Programme, where she is currently refining her techniques and gained the confidence she needs to compete at the highest levels.

“The jockeys’ school helped me a lot. I mean, a lot of things I didn’t know, I learned them in school. I feel more comfortable in the saddle and in my body also,” she explained.

Haynes shared her experience of riding in public for the first time when she competed in a four-furlong race that was designed for the apprentice jockeys in training on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Haynes finished second aboard Storm Boy behind Texas Metal (Eric Haughton).

Haynes described the experience as a positive and enjoyable event. While she didn’t win the race, she felt a sense of accomplishment due to the positive reception she received from racing fans, particularly the standing ovation she received upon returning from the race. This experience made her envision the feeling of winning and solidified her passion for racing.

“Well, the experience was really nice. The public was also really nice. I didn’t win, but I felt like I won because when I came back, the applause and standing ovation from the crowd were amazing. So, it felt like a win, so imagine what the winning feeling would feel like,” Haynes said.

“Most of the guys inspire me, when the school was taking participants, Samantha Fletcher said to me that I must apply for the school. Even after the race, I asked Andree Powell how I did and she said that I did well.

“I like Robert Halledeen, Tevin Foster, Reyan Lewis, Dane Nelson, Shane Ellis, and Linton Steadman. They helped me and they share their knowledge with me. If you are doing something wrong, they will let you know or they will try to correct it,” Haynes ended.