The Hayes Brothers Are Writing Their Own Era
Ben, JD, and Will Hayes were born into one of racing’s most successful families, but they’re not relying on reputation. They’re building a results profile that stands on its own.
Since Ben and JD officially partnered in June 2021, with Will joining them in August 2023, their strike rate in stakes class races has surpassed every Hayes training era back to at least 2005, when David returned from Hong Kong.
A look at the numbers shows just how strong the current operation is performing:
Stakes Class Performance Since 2005
David Hayes (2005–2014): 172 wins from 2,128 runners, an 8.1% strike rate and a negative 18% profit on turnover (POT).
David Hayes & Tom Dabernig (2014–2020, incl. Ben Hayes from 2016): 151 wins from 1,904 runners, a 7.9% strike rate and minus 18.8% POT.
Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes (2020–2021): 13 wins from 147 runners, an 8.8 percent strike rate and minus 9% POT.
Hayes Brothers (June 2021–current): 65 wins from 515 runners, a 12.6% strike rate and plus 5.3% POT, the third-best return of 22 Australian trainers with 250 or more stakes runners in that period.
Even removing Mr Brightside, who has delivered 13 stakes wins from 33 starts, the stable still sits at a highly impressive 10.8% strike rate, ahead of previous Hayes eras and several major stables nationwide.
They deserve full credit for Mr Brightside’s career, too. Since February 2023, he has contested 23 Group 1 races (including the All-Star Mile), winning 9 and placing in another 10, with 9 runner-up finishes. That level of management and consistency is exceptional.
The numbers speak clearly. The Hayes brothers have maintained the family tradition while also carving out a distinct era of their own. If they can sustain this trajectory, their chapter in the Hayes story may end up being one of the most successful yet.
