Born on December 1, 1964, Willie Hayes's career was beset by injuries.
Having spent long periods out of action due to injuries in recent seasons, he went to Virginia in the Spring of 1989 to ride for owner-trainer Paul Fout, but suffered two more bad falls resulting in a broken hand, concussion and a broken collarbone.
'I didn't really settle there, I love racing in England,' Willie said.
On his return to Britain, he found efforts to relaunch his career being hampered by the Jockey Club.
The 24 year old jockey had ridden 30 winners on the Flat and over jumps and applied to the jockey Club in June 1989 to renew his licence to ride on the Flat.
However, despite letters of recommendation from trainers John Hills, Sally Oliver and Paul Burgoyne, the Jockey Club asked for more information on probable rides.
A Jockey Club spokesman said that because Hayes had less than 25 mounts on the Flat the previous season, the licensing committee required guarantees from trainers willing to give him future rides.
Guarantees given, the Jockey Club relented and issued a licence.
However, despite assurances and promises of backup from several trainers, it just didn't happen.
Willie struggled for rides until, on Saturday, February 24, 1990, accepting that the game was up.
He rode for the last time that day, finishing unplaced on Sally Oliver's Wildnite at Stratford.