Frank Hayes (1901 – 4 June 1923) was an Irish horse trainer and jockey who, on 4 June 1923, at Belmont Park racetrack in Elmont, New York,[2][better source needed] won a steeplechase despite suffering a fatal heart attack in the latter part of the race.

[3] Hayes had never won a race before,[4] as by profession he was not a jockey but a horse trainer and stableman.

It was suggested that the fatal heart attack may have been brought on by Hayes' extreme efforts to meet the weight requirements,[7] as a newspaper reported he had slimmed down from 142 pounds (64 kg) to 130 pounds (59 kg) in a very short time.

[8] After the discovery of Hayes' death, all further post-race formalities were waived by the Jockey Club, the result being declared official without the weighing in.

Hayes was buried three days later,[4] dressed in his racing silks at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York City.