Promising apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has died aged 19, just hours after his final race.
Jakes had established a growing reputation as a member of George Boughey’s racing team, having ridden 59 winners over the past three years.
The 19-year-old, who was based in Suffolk, had recorded 19 wins so far this year, most recently aboard Boughey’s Fouroneohfever at Catterick on October 18.
Jakes had ridden at Nottingham on Wednesday – finishing seventh of nine aboard the Ismail Mohammed-trained Guarantee – and was booked to ride at Chelmsford on Thursday.
A joint statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) read: ‘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.’
The British Horseracing Authority’s acting chief executive Brant Dunshea added: ‘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.’
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