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A tearful trainer has announced a decision ‘I never imagined I would have to say’ by revealing she is quitting. Alice Haynes, a former jockey, set up a successful pre-training business before taking out a licence in Newmarket in 2021. The 34-year-old enjoyed immediate success and improved her score every year until a drop-off in numbers in 2025.

She recorded her biggest win when Lady Hollywood, owned by Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing, won the Prix d’Arenberg and ran at the 2022 Breeders’ Cup. Her 2025 score of 27, out of a career total of 207, was her lowest since her debut campaign and she revealed her seven runners at Chelmsford on Thursday will be her last.

She saddled Cairo to be placed in four Group races including in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot where he finished third at odds of 100-1.

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In a social media post, Haynes said: "Tonight at Chelmsford I will saddle my final runners as a trainer. It's a sentence I never imagined I would have to say.

"Stepping away from something that has shaped my days and captured my heart has been an incredibly painful decision, but the truth is that racing's current financial model does not make it viable to continue.

"There are so many people to thank: my loyal staff, our vets, farrier, suppliers, sponsors Coral and to the owners who placed their trust, their horses and their hopes in my hands. Thank you.

“To my partner, Kieran [O'Neill], who has stood beside me through every moment of this chapter – your support has been my anchor.

"As for what's next, I'm taking a step back to reflect and see where the next chapter leads. I'd love to stay involved in the sport, perhaps through media work or any opportunities that come my way – and maybe one day I'll train again.

“This is no means a goodbye to the sport that has given me so much and that I love."