Hall of Fame

 



william r. hayes

Year of Birth: 
1877
Immortal: 
Yes
OwnerBreeder: 
Yes
Executive Official: 
Yes
Owner: 
Yes
Executive: 
Yes
Elected as Immortal: 
1976
Year of Death: 
1952
Biography: 

While remembered for his many business concerns, including the presidency of the Du Quoin (Illinois) Coca-Cola Bottling Company, William R. Hayes was perhaps best known for his harness racing interests. He was a senior member of the Hayes Fair Acres Stable and president of the Du Quoin State Fair, until his death in 1952. Hayes stable housed a galaxy of stars, including Lusty Song, Pronto Don, Dudley Hanover and Mighty Fine. He and his sons Gene and Don built a harness racing dynasty in southern Illinois which grandson Bill Hayes, son of Gene, carried on.

Published in the Harness Racing Museum's 1994 book, The Immortals