By Martha Claussen

SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA- FEBRUARY 15, 2026–Vann Haywood has a prominent history in Louisiana Quarter Horse racing, but just a select few know about his many accomplishments.

That is the way he likes it!

Born and raised in Fairmont, North Carolina, Haywood grew up around horses. His father shod horses, and by the time he was in high school, Vann had pretty much set his career path. In the early stages of his career, he hauled horses from North Carolina to Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.

The All American Congress was a highly respected Quarter Horse event, and Haywood shared that in 2003 he saddled the winners of the Futurity, Derby, and Maturity on the same day.

Well before he and his wife, Mary Ann, purchased a farm and residence in Vinton, Louisiana, Haywood’s horses ran at Toomey Downs, the mixed meet at Delta Downs, and Manor Downs near Austin, Texas.

His association with owner Kris Locklear began in 2002. Locklear, also from North Carolina,  gave Haywood the green light to claim Louisiana-bred Worlds on High for $10,000 on May 30, 2009.

“I felt he was a nice horse and told Kris that he could be a good 870-yard runner,” recalled Haywood.

Not only did he set a track record at that distance, but the son of Game Patriot by Sissyisonahigh also made 69 starts with a record of 16 wins, 16 seconds, and 9 third-place finishes. He earned $303,253 and remains the top earner for Haywood.

“I have been fortunate to have many exceptional owners, but Kris has always had faith in me,” stated Haywood. “He never tells me where to run his horses; from the beginning, Kris has always told me that my job is to make those decisions.”

Worlds on High made his final start at Louisiana Downs on March 14, 2018. He is enjoying retirement on the Haywood farm in Vinton and shares a pasture with Heza Gand Ds Dash, a son of Heza Fast Dash, owned by Haywood’s son Casey.

Haywood closed out 2025 on a high note, winning the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile (G2) on December 20 at Evangeline Downs with Atta Boy Slim. The son of The Louisiana Cartel was bred by Wade Loup and owned by Emily Loup.

Rider Federico Vargas had the call and surged to a neck-victory in the 350-yard stakes in 17.845 seconds. The talented juvenile pulled off the biggest upset of the Louisiana Million stakes-filled card, paying $31.80 for his proud connections, owner Emily Loup and her husband Wade, who bred the gelding.

“It was a very emotional win for Emily and Wade,” acknowledged. Haywood. “They are super people, and that horse means a lot to them.”

Atta Boy Slim was foaled on the Loup farm in Folsom, Louisiana, on January 3, 2023. Emily remembers the mark on his forehead that looked like a teardrop, and she immediately thought of her son, Michael, who had died unexpectedly on December 11, 2022.

“Michael was just 23 years old, and there are no words to describe the shock of losing a child,  said Emily. “He played baseball from the time he was eight to 16, and I was in the stands for what seemed to be 1,000 of his games! His nickname was “Slim,” and I always cheered him on, saying, “Atta Boy Slim!”

When Michael was eight, he saved his birthday money and bought his mom a ring with a heart that holds tremendous sentimental value.

Atta Boy Slim was consigned to the 2024 LQHBA Yearling Sale, and an understandably emotional Emily watched as he entered the sale ring.

“I remember telling Wade that there was no way that yearling could be sold; he just meant too much to Emily,” Haywood said.

Wade came through, and via a $24,000 repurchase, Atta Boy Slim remained with the Loups and Haywood. He broke his maiden at first-asking last March at Louisiana Downs and followed that with a victory in his Laddie Futurity trial. He finished third in the $288,895 Laddie Futurity (RG2), won by the sensational Rf Fast Dash N Blood on May 24. Of course, Emily, who is a pediatric speech therapist, has watched each of Atta Boy Slim’s races.

“His win at Evangeline was so incredible,” said Emily. “He showed his grit and heart, and Michael’s sister, Blair, came in from California, which made it even more special!”

Atta Boy Slim won two of his seven starts in his juvenile season. His earnings stand at $94,644, and he will return for his 3-year-old season in trials for the Mardi Gras Derby.

Currently stabled at Louisiana Downs, Haywood remains one of the most popular trainers on the backside. He enjoys caring for his horses and joking with pretty much everyone.

“I just try to stay happy and enjoy what I do. Overthinking things can drive you crazy.”

Haywood took a moment to respond to a question about young trainers entering the industry.

“We need some younger people in our sport to replace the older guys,” he replied. “Most people do not understand the demands of training horses. It is not a nine-to-five type of job, but winning races for great owners is well worth the time and energy it takes.”

Haywood’s longevity is valued by many, including Misty Coats, LQHBA’s assistant executive director.

“Vann is a respected member of the Louisiana racing community,” stated Coats. “He is a very capable trainer who has guided many owners looking for a quality Louisiana-bred prospect at our annual LQHBA Yearling Sale. We certainly appreciate him!”

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Martha Claussen has been involved in racing since 1997, when she served as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park for ten years. She continues to be active in writing, fan education and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana, Indiana and other regions in North America.

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