Apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has tragically died at the age of 19, with the racing community paying tribute to the talented young rider
Tommie Jakes has tragically passed away(Image: PA)
The racing world is in mourning following the tragic death of apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes, who has passed away at just 19 years of age.
The Injured Jockeys’ Fund and Professional Jockeys Association issued a joint statement on Thursday afternoon.
They said: “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of licenced apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes, 19, who tragically died at home this morning near Newmarket.
“Tommie was a much-loved son and brother, and a popular member of George Boughey’s racing team.
“His parents Jeremy and Tonie ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time,” reports the Mirror.
Jakes, who had competed at Nottingham yesterday, was scheduled to ride for trainer Ismail Mohammed on two horses at Chelmsford this evening.
Regarded as one of the most talented young riders in the weighing room, the teenager had secured 59 victories since 2023, across 519 rides.
His maiden success as an apprentice came on Jane Chapple-Hyam’s veteran Suzi’s Connoisseur at Lingfield in March of that year.
Coming from a racing family, Jakes followed his father into the sport, after Jeremy had ridden work for Michael Dickinson, who famously trained the first five finishers in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Jakes had dominated by 12 lengths aboard Two The Manor Born at Warwick during his sole outing on the pony racing circuit.
On October 18, he claimed what would prove to be his final winner on Classic-winning trainer Boughey’s Fouroneohfever at Catterick. Jakes also enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with Scottish trainer Linda Perratt and spent part of his career working alongside Newmarket-based Alice Haynes.
Brant Dunshea, the British Horseracing Authority’s acting chief executive, expressed his shock: “We are devastated to hear the news about Tommie. He was a talented young rider with the world at his feet, and had earned great praise from trainers for his horsemanship and attitude in just the last few months.
“His family and friends, colleagues at the George Boughey yard and everyone who worked with him in Newmarket will be grieving today, and all of us in the racing community will share that pain.
“The sport’s support services and the BHA will provide care and support to those close to Tommie, and welcome and encourage calls from anyone affected by this.
“There will be marks of respect at Chelmsford and Southwell this evening and at racecourses tomorrow.”
The IJF and PJA confirmed that assistance is accessible through the jockey’s helpline (07780 008877), Racing Welfare (0800 6300443) and Samaritans (116 123).
