Richard “Racehorse” Haynes
April 3, 1927 – April 28, 2017
Rising from the legal arena, Richard “Racehorse” Haynes was a true Texas legend! In 1999 befitting his formidable reputation, I photographed him on the Houston courthouse steps with his signature pipe, cowboy boots, and briefcase (the one he used for 30+ years). His popularity among his peers was evidenced by the fact that everyone who passed by while I was photographing him (bailiffs, sheriffs, lawyers) came up to shake his hand or give him a hug. He was admired and he had his own special way of connecting with people both in and out of the courtroom.
A Houston native and decorated war hero, Haynes earned both college and law degrees at the University of Houston. His achievements in the courtroom as a Texas criminal defense attorney included notable cases like The State of Texas vs. John Hill, the basis for the book Blood and Money by Tommy Thompson and a made-for-TV movie, “Prescription Murder”. The trials of T. Cullen Davis, said to be the wealthiest man ever tried for murder, were the basis for Texas vs. Davis by Mike Cochran and Blood Will Tell by Gary Cartwright. Haynes represented Vicki Daniel, who was accused of killing her husband, Price Daniel Jr., Texas Speaker of the House. Deadly Blessing by Paul Salerno was based on this case. In a book by Emily Couric, The Trial Layers, Haynes was listed as one of the 10 best trial lawyers in America, won numerous awards, and was a highly sought after speaker. Haynes spent much of his time, when not in trial, addressing organizations nationwide. He continued to practice law well into his 80s, a racehorse to the end.
