4 hours ago
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The racing world has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of 19-year-old jockey Tommie Jakes at his home near Newmarket.
Widely considered one of the most promising young riders around, Jakes got his first winner at 16 on board a horse four years his junior.
The apprentice rider was also a much-loved member of the weighing room, and rode for top trainer George Boughey.
An IJF/PJA joint-statement 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.
Racing has been left devastated following the death of hugely promising jockey Tommie Jakes
The teenager was a much-loved member of the weighing room, and rode for George Boughey
'His parents Jeremy and Tonie ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.'
Jakes' final race was only on Wednesday afternoon at Nottingham, when he partnered the Ismail Mohammed-trained Guarantee to finish seventh of nine runners as a 125-1 outsider.
Jose Santos, assistant to Mohammed, said: 'We're really shocked. It’s hard to believe. I feel completely empty as he rode out for us twice a week and always seemed happy and positive. He never showed any signs of having any kind of problems.
'I know he didn’t smoke, I know he didn’t do drugs or drink, and for everyone in the yard it's a massive shock.'
In his first full season, Jakes rode 11 winners, backing that up with 29 in 2024. This year he was once again enjoying another wonderful season on the track, recording 19 wins from 188 runs to bring owners nearly £200,000 in prize money.
Jakes had a particularly strong record at Newcastle, including 16 winners from 102 rides. He struck up winning partnerships with trainers such as Linda Perratt, Boughey and Michael Attwater.
The British Horseracing Authority's acting CEO Brant Dunshea said in a statement: '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.'
