The world of Irish racing recently mourned the passing of Jimmy Hayes, a name synonymous with sharp wit, unparalleled form knowledge, and a legendary partnership that forever etched his place in the annals of bookmaking.
Hayes, who died at the age of 74, wasn’t just a bookmaker; he was an institution, a figure whose quiet demeanor belied a formidable intelligence that made him one of the most respected, and indeed feared, individuals in the betting ring.
The Sad Passing of a Racing Icon
News of Jimmy Hayes’s death sent shockwaves through the Irish racing community. He suffered a bleed to the brain following a fall in the grandstand during racing at Tipperary on a Thursday evening and sadly passed away the following Friday morning.
The tributes that poured in from all corners of the industry were a testament to the profound impact he had on countless lives. Ray Mulvaney, chairman of the Irish National Bookmakers Association, led these heartfelt commemorations, describing Hayes as a “legendary” layer and a dear friend.
“It’s shocking news,” Mulvaney stated, expressing his deepest sympathies to Jimmy’s wife Sally and his children Richard, Jane, and Niall.
The Formidable Partnership: Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid
What truly set Jimmy Hayes apart, and what will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of his legacy, was his extraordinary gambling partnership with JP McManus. Today, McManus is renowned as the pre-eminent jumps owner in Britain and Ireland, a titan of the sport. But before his ownership ascendancy, he and Hayes forged an alliance that became the stuff of legend. Their collaboration stemmed from a shared realization: they frequently found themselves backing the same horses in races as individuals. Recognizing the power in unity, they decided to team up, effectively taking on the bookmakers as a formidable duo.
This strategic partnership quickly earned them the moniker “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid,” a nod to the iconic outlaw stars of the classic 1960s Western film. The comparison perfectly captured their daring, their shared vision, and their uncanny ability to outmaneuver their opponents. As Mulvaney recalled, “When those two became a partnership, they were really feared. He knew the form book inside out.”
The synergy between Hayes and McManus was undeniable. Hayes’s deep, almost encyclopedic knowledge of form, combined with McManus’s shrewd betting instincts, created an unstoppable force. They were more than just gamblers; they were strategists, meticulously analyzing races and identifying opportunities that others missed. This partnership wasn’t just about winning money; it was about the intellectual challenge, the battle of wits against the bookmaking establishment.
A Man Ahead of His Time
Those who knew Jimmy Hayes well often spoke of his quiet nature. He wasn’t one for grand pronouncements, but when he did speak, people listened. His words carried weight, born from years of experience and an acute understanding of the intricacies of horse racing. Mulvaney fondly remembered Hayes’s analytical prowess: “He didn’t say much but when he did say something you listened. He was good fun, too, and always had a few drinks with us, but when it came to the form book, especially when I was a kid going racing in the 80s, he was unbelievable. He was ahead of his time.”
In an era before widespread mobile phones and the internet, access to information was limited, and success in the betting ring often came down to raw intellect, experience, and an unparalleled ability to digest and interpret data. Hayes excelled in this environment. He possessed an innate understanding of horses, jockeys, trainers, and track conditions, meticulously processing information that would give him an edge. This dedication to his craft, and his reliance on his own “wits,” as Mulvaney put it, solidified his reputation as a true master of the game.
Johnny Dineen, co-host of the Racing Post’s flagship YouTube show Upping The Ante and a former colleague of Hayes in the Irish betting ring, echoed these sentiments. He described Hayes as “a very decent man, a tough adversary in the betting ring but an extremely honourable and fair man who took both winning and losing in the exact same manner.” This speaks volumes about Hayes’s character – competitive, yes, but always fair and respectful.
The Unwritten Stories
The betting ring, particularly in its golden age, was a world of whispers, secrets, and incredible stories. As Mulvaney aptly put it, “The fellas in those days knew how to keep a secret. There were no mobile phones, no internet, but he had the form book and his wits about him. The stories we will never know would make a great movie and some amount of books!”
One can only imagine the tales of audacious bets, cunning strategies, and near misses that unfolded behind the scenes, known only to a select few. The partnership with JP McManus, in particular, must have generated countless anecdotes of high-stakes gambling and strategic brilliance. These unwritten chapters of Jimmy Hayes’s life add to his mystique, transforming him from a mere bookmaker into a figure of almost mythical status. His legacy isn’t just about the money won or lost, but about the era he represented – an era of raw talent, shrewd intuition, and a deep, abiding love for the sport of kings.
A Legacy That Endures
Jimmy Hayes’s passing leaves a void in the Irish racing community, but his influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt for generations to come. He embodied the spirit of the true professional gambler – intelligent, disciplined, and utterly dedicated to his craft. His partnership with JP McManus remains a benchmark for strategic alliances in the world of racing.
He was, as Ray Mulvaney so definitively stated, a legend. This title isn’t bestowed lightly in the competitive world of bookmaking, but for Jimmy Hayes, it was entirely fitting. He was a pioneer, a quiet giant who left an indelible mark on an industry he loved. While the stories he kept close may never be fully revealed, his reputation as a brilliant mind and an honorable man will endure.
To learn more about the fascinating world of JP McManus and his journey to becoming a titan of Irish racing, you can delve deeper into his story here: JP McManus: The Billionaire, The Gambler, and The King of Irish Racing
Did you know Jimmy Hayes or have any stories about his time in the betting ring? Share your memories in the comments below!
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