Tragedy struck the world of horse racing with the untimely death of Tommie Jakes, a 19-year-old apprentice jockey. Jakes was part of the esteemed George Boughey racing team and had quickly garnered attention as a rising star in the sport.
Tommie Jakes: A Promising Talent
Jakes began his racing career at the young age of 16, achieving his first win on a horse just four years younger than himself. He demonstrated remarkable skill and potential, particularly in his early seasons.
Career Highlights
- His first full season saw him riding 11 winners.
- In 2024, he had an incredible performance with 29 victories.
- This year alone, he achieved 19 wins from 188 rides.
- Notably, he excelled at Newcastle, winning 16 times from 102 rides.
Community Reaction
The racing community responded with profound sadness. A joint statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) highlighted their grief over Jakes’s death, which occurred at his home near Newmarket.
Brant Dunshea, acting CEO of the British Horseracing Authority, expressed his condolences, emphasizing Tommie’s exceptional talent and the significant loss felt by family, friends, and colleagues. He stated, “He was a talented young rider with the world at his feet.”
Support for Family and Friends
In a request for privacy, Jakes’s parents, Jeremy and Tonie, asked to be respected during this difficult time. To commemorate their loss, marks of respect will be observed at Chelmsford and Southwell racecourses, as well as throughout the larger racing community.
The sport’s support services are set to assist those affected by this tragedy, ensuring that the community comes together in mourning for Tommie Jakes, a beloved young jockey whose promising career was cut short.
