Racing Industry Left Reeling as Talented Teen Jockey Tommie Jakes, 19, Dies Suddenly at Home
- Shocking death of rising star Tommie Jakes sends shockwaves through British racing community
- Police confirm 19-year-old jockey’s death is not being treated as suspicious, but cause remains unknown
- Trainers and colleagues pay tribute to ‘lovely lad’ who had the world at his feet
The British racing industry is in mourning after the sudden and tragic death of talented teen jockey Tommie Jakes, who was found dead at his home in the early hours of Thursday morning. The 19-year-old apprentice jockey had ridden at Nottingham just the day before, and his death has left those closest to him stunned and heartbroken.
Police were called to Jakes’ family home near Newmarket after the ambulance service reported the sudden death of a man at 5.45am. A statement from the police confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, but the cause remains unknown. A file will now be prepared for the coroner.
Jakes’ colleagues and trainers have been paying tribute to the young jockey, who had been making a name for himself in the industry. Ismail Mohammed, the trainer Jakes had been riding for, said: “We’re really shocked. It’s hard to believe. I feel completely empty. He rode out for us twice a week and always seemed happy and positive.”
Jose Santos, Mohammed’s assistant, added: “He never showed any signs of having any kind of problems. I know he didn’t smoke, I know he didn’t do drugs or drink. He was coming to the yard twice a week and I treated him like my son.”
Jakes had guided home 59 winners from his 519 career rides and had partnered with Scottish-based trainer Linda Perratt for 169 rides. Perratt said: “It’s dreadful news. I’m really upset and my thoughts are with Tommie’s family. He rode lots of winners for us and we watched him on the telly riding yesterday. He even messaged my head girl last night. There are no words.”
The Injured Jockeys Fund and the Professional Jockeys Association released a joint statement, saying: “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of licensed 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.”
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) also paid tribute to Jakes, saying: “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.”