Key Highlights
- Tommie Jakes, a promising 19-year-old apprentice jockey, tragically passed away at his family home near Newmarket.
- Jakes had only been in the sport for three years and rode 59 winners from 519 rides during that time.
- His last race was on Wednesday at Nottingham, where he partnered Guarantee to finish seventh out of nine runners.
- Trainers and colleagues expressed shock and sadness over Jakes’ sudden death, with no signs of prior health issues detected.
Tragic Loss in the Racing Community
The British racing community mourned on Thursday as apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes passed away at the age of 19. His family home near Newmarket was the site of this unexpected loss, which has shaken the racing fraternity deeply.
Early Career and Last Race
Tommie Jakes had only been in racing for three years but quickly made a name for himself by winning 59 races out of 519 rides. His last competitive ride was at Nottingham on Wednesday, where he partnered the Ismail Mohammed-trained Guarantee to finish seventh of nine runners.
Reactions from Industry Leaders
The loss has been felt widely within the racing community. Jose Santos, assistant to Mohammed, expressed his shock and grief. “We’re really shocked,” he said. “It’s hard to believe. I feel completely empty as he rode out for us twice a week and always seemed happy and positive.” Santos added that Jakes had shown no signs of having any health issues.
Alice Haynes, another trainer who had worked with Jakes, echoed these sentiments: “It’s very sad.
He had one of his first jobs in racing with us. He was keen and very enthusiastic and rode well. He rode me my first winner at Newmarket.” Haynes added that Jakes was a likeable lad coming from a lovely family.
Apprenticeship Journey
Jakes began his journey under trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam, where he won his first race on the yard’s Suzi’s Connoisseur at Lingfield in March 2023. He then moved to George Boughey and secured a series of wins for Boughey before the tragic event.
Trainer Linda Perratt, who gave Jakes more rides than any other trainer in his career – 169 including 17 winners – expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “It’s dreadful news,” she said. “I’m really upset and my thoughts are with Tommie’s family.” She recalled that Jakes used to stay at her yard, where he rode many of her horses on the all-weather surface through the winter.
Industry Response and Support
The Injured Jockeys Fund and Professional Jockeys Association issued a joint statement expressing their sadness over the death. “Tommie was a much-loved son and brother, and a member of George Boughey’s racing team,” the statement read.
Racing Welfare’s team is available 24/7 for support, offering counseling services to those affected by this tragic news. The organization’s support line can be reached at 0800 6300 443 or through their website at racingwelfare.co.uk. Additionally, the Samaritans offer round-the-clock support via a helpline on 116 123 and can be contacted online at samaritans.org.
David Milnes, Newmarket correspondent, reported that Jakes had also ridden for Brian Meehan this year, securing three winners from 17 rides. His career was cut short by a tragic end, leaving the racing community in mourning.
Industry Context and Reflection
The death of Tommie Jakes serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by young jockeys entering the sport. While the exact cause of his death remains unknown, it highlights the challenges and dangers inherent in this high-stress profession.
Racing organizations are often criticized for the physical demands placed on young riders, who must endure long hours and rigorous training regimens. The industry continues to grapple with how to best support these promising young athletes as they navigate their careers.
