The horse racing world is in mourning following the tragic death of talented 19-year-old apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes. A joint statement was released on Thursday afternoon by The Injured Jockeys’ Fund and Professional Jockeys Association, expressing their deep sorrow over the loss.

They said: “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of licenced 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. His parents Jeremy and Tonie ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.”

Jakes, who had ridden at Nottingham only on Wednesday, was scheduled to ride two horses for trainer Ismail Mohammed at Chelmsford on Thursday evening.

Regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the weighing room, the teenager had an impressive record of 59 wins from 519 races since 2023.

His first victory as an apprentice was aboard the Jane Chapple-Hyam-trained veteran Suzi’s Connoisseur at Lingfield in March of that year.

Coming from a family deeply rooted in racing, Jakes followed his father into the sport, who himself rode work for Michael Dickinson, the trainer behind the first five horses in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Jakes had a memorable win on Two The Manor Born at Warwick during his only outing on the pony racing circuit, crossing the line a clear 12 lengths ahead.

Sadly, his final victory came on October 18, riding Fouroneohfever, trained by Classic-winning handler Boughey, to victory at Catterick.

Jakes also enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Scottish trainer Linda Perratt and spent part of his career under the guidance of Newmarket-based Alice Haynes.

Brant Dunshea, the acting chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, expressed his sorrow: “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.

“His family and friends, colleagues at the George Boughey yard and everyone who worked with him in Newmarket will be grieving today, and all of us in the racing community will share that pain.

“The sport’s support services and the BHA will provide care and support to those close to Tommie, and welcome and encourage calls from anyone affected by this.

“There will be marks of respect at Chelmsford and Southwell this evening and at racecourses tomorrow.”

A message on Boughey’s social media account read: “We are heartbroken by the news that our apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has passed away. Tommie has been an integral and much-loved member of our team.

“He was not only a hugely talented young rider with so much to look forward to, but an incredibly kind, popular and hard-working young man. We will miss him immensely.”

The IJF and PJA have announced that support is available via the jockey’s helpline (07780 008877), Racing Welfare (0800 6300443) and Samaritans (116 123).