Apprentice jockey Jakes dies aged 19

The Injured Jockeys Fund and the Professional Jockeys Association announced that Apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes had passed away at the age of 19.

Jakes rode 59 riders on the British Flat over the course of his final three years, all of whom passed away at home on Thursday.

They included 19 2025 winners, the most recent of which was on the George Boughey-trained Fouroneohfever at Catterick on October 18, 20.

The teenager was scheduled to ride in Chelmsford on Thursday after taking two rides at Nottingham on Wednesday.

Tommie Jakes, 19, a licensed apprentice jockey, tragically passed away at home this morning near Newmarket, according to a joint statement from the IJF and PJA.

Tommie was a well-liked son and brother, as well as a well-liked member of George Boughey’s racing team. His parents, Jeremy and Tonie, request that their privacy is preserved at this terrible time.

We are heartbroken by the news that our apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has passed away, wrote George Boughey Racing in a statement on X.

Tommie made up our team, and she has always been a valued one. He was a incredibly kind, popular, and hard-working young man who had a lot to look forward to as well as being a incredibly talented young rider.

This year, trainer Brian Meehan gave Jakes three winners. He used to ride his bike to work for me a few times each week, he said.

He was a lovely lad when he arrived last Thursday. He had great potential and won the Epsom Nursery with Gascony in Sangster colors.

Everyone who knew him was shocked by this terrible news.

We are devastated to learn about Tommie, according to acting chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, Brant Dunshea.

He had received a lot of praise from trainers for his horsemanship and attitude in the final few months because he was a gifted young rider who had the world at his feet.

“All of us in the racing industry will experience the pain he’s going through today, along with his family, friends, George Boughey yard employees, and everyone who worked with him in Newmarket.”

“Anyone who is affected by this will welcome and be encouraged to call the sport’s support services and the BHA, and the sport’s support services and the BHA will provide care and support to those close to Tommie.”