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Apprentice jockey Tommy Jakes, one of raceThe most promising young rider died at the age of 19.
The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) issued a joint statement on Thursday afternoon, saying: “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of 19-year-old licensed apprentice jockey Tommy Jakes, who tragically died at home near Newmarket this morning.
“Tommy was a much-loved son and brother, and a popular member of George Baughey’s racing team.
“His parents Jeremy and Tony want his privacy to be respected at this terrible time.”
Jake has ridden 59 winners from 519 rides on the Flat over the past three years, including 19 winners from 188 rides this year, his first winner coming at just 16 years of age.
He was recently apprenticed to George Boughey, partnering Boughey’s Foronohfever to his most recent success at Catterick on 18 October, while he has also enjoyed successful partnerships with trainers including Linda Perratt.
Jake raced for the last time at Nottingham on Wednesday afternoon, finishing seventh of the nine runners aboard the Ismail Mohammed-trained Guarantee. He had to book two rides in Chelmsford on Thursday.
Brent Dunshea, acting chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “We are shocked to hear the news about Tommy.
“He was a talented young rider with the world at his feet, and over the past few months he had earned a lot of praise from trainers for his horsemanship and attitude.
“His family and friends, colleagues at the George Baughey yard and everyone who worked with him at Newmarket will be mourning today, and all of us in the racing community will share that pain.
“Sports Support Services and the BHA will provide care and support to those close to Tommy, and welcome and encourage calls from anyone affected by this.”
Dunshea said both Chelmsford and Southwell would pay their respects on Thursday evening and further racecourses would follow on Friday.
Trainer Brian Meehan, who provided Jake with three winners this year, paid tribute to him from Del Mar, California, where he is for the Breeders’ Cup Turf this Saturday. He said: “He was a regular at the yard and came to work for me a couple of times every week.
“He was there last Thursday, he was a lovely boy. He showed great promise and he gave an excellent ride to win the nursery at Epsom for Gascony in Sangster colors [in August],
“This is terrible news, a shock to everyone who knew him.”