The horse racing community is in sorrow following the untimely passing of apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes at the age of 19.
A joint statement from the Injured Jockeys’ Fund and Professional Jockeys Association conveyed the sad news, stating that Tommie Jakes, a licensed apprentice jockey, tragically passed away at his home near Newmarket.
Known as a beloved son, brother, and valued member of George Boughey’s racing team, Tommie’s family requested privacy during this difficult time.
Tommie, who recently rode at Nottingham, was scheduled to ride for trainer Ismail Mohammed at Chelmsford. With an impressive track record of 59 wins from 519 appearances since 2023, he was considered a rising star in the racing world.
Born into a racing family, Tommie followed his father’s footsteps into the sport and had notable successes with various trainers, including Linda Perratt and Alice Haynes.
The British Horseracing Authority expressed deep sadness over Tommie’s passing, highlighting his exceptional talent and the outpouring of support from the racing community.
Expressions of grief and condolences flooded social media platforms following the news of Tommie’s passing, with many acknowledging his talent, kindness, and dedication to the sport.
Support services have been made available for those affected by this loss, including helplines and counseling services for the racing community to cope with the tragedy.
