British racing in mourning after ‘sudden death’ of rising jockey Tommie Jakes, aged 19

The racing industry is shocked, baffled and saddened by the “sudden death” of rising UK jockey, Tommie Jakes.

Jakes, 19, was found dead at his home in the early hours of Thursday morning (local time), the day after he had ridden at Nottingham in the EBF Stallions Golden Horn Maiden Stakes for two-year-olds.

In that race he chased the leaders but his horse, Guarantee, quickly fell off the pace and finished seventh out of the nine runners.

Police issued a statement after the much-loved apprentice jockey was found in his family home near Newmarket.

“Police were called by the ambulance service at 5.45am this morning to reports of the sudden death of a man in Freckenham,” the statement said.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.”

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