Apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has tragically passed away at the young age of 19, a deeply saddening announcement made by both the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Professional Jockeys Association. Jakes passed unexpectedly at his home near Newmarket on Thursday morning.
Throughout his brief yet impactful career, Jakes achieved 59 victories in Flat racing across Britain over the past three years, with an impressive 19 wins recorded in 2025 alone. His most recent triumph came aboard the George Boughey-trained Fouroneohfever at Catterick on October 18. Just a day before his untimely death, Jakes had competed in Nottingham and was scheduled for two rides at Chelmsford that same day.
In a joint statement, the IJF and PJA expressed their profound sorrow, stating, “Tommie was a much-loved son and brother, and a popular member of George Boughey’s racing team.” His family has requested privacy during this challenging time as they cope with their unimaginable loss.
George Boughey Racing also took to social media to express their heartbreak over the news of Jakes’ passing, reinforcing the significant impact he made during his time in the sport. The racing community is now in mourning, reflecting on the potential of a young talent whose future was so bright yet tragically cut short.
This loss serves as a sobering reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of cherishing time with loved ones. As tributes continue to pour in, there is hope that Jakes’ legacy will not only be remembered but also serve as an inspiration for the close-knit racing community as they honor his memory and the contributions he made in his short career.