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.’
Jakes got the first win of his career at the age of only 16, ridding a horse that was only four years his junior.
In total, his 59 winners came from 522 career rides and saw the young jockey amass impressive prize money earnings of more than £500,000.
The teenager was recently apprenticed to the aforementioned young trainer Boughey at his Craven House yard in Newmarket.
In a statement on X, George Boughey Racing wrote: ‘We are heartbroken by the news that our apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has passed away.
‘Tommie has been an integral and much-loved member of our team. He was not only a hugely talented young rider with so much to look forward to, but an incredibly kind, popular and hard-working young man.
‘We will miss him immensely. Our thoughts are firmly with Tommie’s family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.’
Black armbands were worn by jockeys and a minute’s silence held before this evening’s racing in Southwell in memory of Jakes.
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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