Hugely Talented’ Rising Jockey Star Tommie Jakes Dies at Home at Age 19

Rising English jockey, Tommie Jakes, has reportedly died at the age of 19.

The teen, who rode 59 winners over the past few years including 25 this year, died at his home on Thursday, according to the BBC.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, the Professional Jockeys Association shared a statement on X alongside a photo of Jakes.

“The PJA team and our members are devastated about the loss of Tommie Jakes and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends,” they wrote. “Tommie was a much loved and popular young jockey who will be greatly missed.”

They added, “Support is available to those affected whenever they may need it.”

Judgment Call ridden by Tommie Jakes during the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap at Southwell Racecourse. Picture date: Friday January 3, 2025. — **Tommie Jakes at Southwell Racecourse on January 3, 2025.**Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty

Jakes was a member of George Boughey’s racing team, the Injured Jockeys Fund and Professional Jockeys Association said in a statement, per the BBC.

He had just completed a ride the day before his passing in Nottingham and was set to have two rides in Chelmsford on Thursday, the outlet reported.

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Trainer Brian Meehan, who gave Jakes three winners, said the teen was “a regular at the yard and would ride work for me a couple of times each week,” per the BBC.

“He was in last Thursday, he was a lovely lad. He had great promise and gave Gascony in the Sangster colours an outstanding ride to win a nursery at Epsom,” he continued. “It’s terrible news, a shock to everybody that knew him.”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,” The British Horseracing Authority’s acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said in a statement on X.

“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,” he added. “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.”