Apprentice jockey Tommy Jakes, one of racing’s most promising young riders, has died aged 19.
The Injured Jockeys’ Fund (IJF) and Professional Jockeys’ Association (PJA) issued a joint statement on Thursday afternoon, saying: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of 19-year-old Licensed Apprentice Tommy Jake, who tragically died this morning at home near Newmarket.
Tommy was a much loved son and brother and a popular member of the George Boogie racing team.
His parents, Jeremy and Tony, ask that their privacy be respected during this terrible time.
British Horseracing Authority chief executive Brant Danshi said: “We are devastated to hear the news about Tommy.
He was a talented young rider with the world at his feet and in just the past few months he had been praised by trainers for his riding and behavior.
His family and friends, his colleagues at George Bogie’s yard and all those who worked with him at Newmarket will be grieving today and all of us in the racing community will share in the pain.
