Jockey Tommie Jakes,19, dies at home just hours after final ride as racing world mourns young star

The racing world is heartbroken after 19-year-old jockey Tommie Jakes was found dead at his home near Newmarket on October 30, 2025, just hours after his last race. Tommie was seen as one of the brightest young stars in horse racing and rode for top trainer George Boughey.

He got his first win at age 16 and had become a well-known face in the weighing room. The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) shared in a joint statement: “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 Jakes’ sudden death at 19 shocks the horse racing world

Tommie Jakes’ career began early and shined fast. He won his first race in March 2023 at Lingfield when he was only 16, riding Suzi’s Connoisseur for trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam.

Since then, he had 59 wins from more than 500 rides, including 19 victories this year alone, according to Sky Sports. His hard work and cheerful spirit made him a favorite among his peers.

George Boughey, his trainer, described Tommie Jakes as “a wonderful young man, talented, funny, and respected by everyone in the yard.” The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Acting CEO Brant Dunshea said, “We are devastated. Tommie was a gifted young rider with the world ahead of him.”

His final ride came at Nottingham, where he finished seventh on a 125-1 long shot, only hours before his sudden passing.

British racing world unites in grief over Tommie Jakes’ tragic death

Tributes flooded social media as jockeys, trainers, and fans shared their shock and sadness. Racing venues across the UK held a minute’s silence in his honor. Trainer Ismail Mohammed’s assistant, Jose Santos, told TalkSport: “We’re really shocked. It’s hard to believe. I feel completely empty.

He never showed any signs of problems. He was always smiling.”Also Read: Texas Longhorns Superfan Scott Wilson Dies At 74 After Never Missing A Game In 25 YearsFellow jockeys called him “a joy to be around” and “one of the kindest people in the weighing room.” Many described him as humble and full of energy. The BHA said support is being offered to all those who worked closely with him.Police confirmed that his death is not being treated as suspicious, and a coroner’s inquiry is underway. The loss of Tommie Jakes has left a deep void in British horse racing, a reminder of how short and fragile life can be, even for the brightest young stars.