Jockey, 19, died hours after 'dancing in the kitchen' as devastated parents speak out

The parents of Tommie Jakes, the gifted jockey who tragically died aged 19, have paid tribute to their 'brilliant' son. Jeremy and Tonie Jakes said their son appeared content and was making plans for the future before he sadly passed away a week ago. The teenager, who lived with them at the family home near the racing town of Newmarket, was among the sport's most promising young talents.

He was found dead at his residence last Thursday, just hours after his final race at Nottingham Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon. Following his maiden victory in 2023, Jakes went on to secure 58 additional wins and was employed by prominent trainer George Boughey.

Jakes' mother Tonie revealed her son, who has a twin brother Mickie and two additional siblings Vinnie and Kyle, had organised to attend a Halloween celebration with friends the following Saturday. "He was planning for the future, planning for rides, planning for parties, planning his life," she said.

Speaking to the Newmarket Journal, Tonie added: "He was brilliant, he had a lot of wonderful friends and nothing seemed to be worrying him."

Numerous tributes have been paid to Tommie, including from his friend and weighing room colleague Mason Paetel and handler Linda Perratt, amongst his most devoted supporters. Father Jeremy said his son 'loved' being a jockey and remained determined to improve his skills as time progressed.

He described how Tommie appeared upbeat after arriving home from Nottingham Racecourse, where he competed in one race on an outsider for Ismail Mohammed. "When he got home he was dancing in the kitchen and after his chicken dinner he told his mum it was the best chicken he had ever had," Jeremy said.

"He was up in his room and I could hear him chatting on the phone with his friends until gone midnight."

A GoFundMe page to support the family, established by their friend and racehorse owner Paul Corrigan, has collected just over £15,000 within a couple of days.

Jockeys have been wearing black armbands for Jakes, who made 519 appearances on the track, whilst numerous racecourses observed a moment's silence as a mark of respect.

His friend Mason Paetel, 17, spoke to Sky Sports Racing after guiding the Joe Tickle-trained Sant Alessio to victory in a 1m handicap on Tuesday evening. Becoming emotional, he said: "Tonight, a special night. I lost my friend Tommie the other day, my best friend so that was for Tommie. 100 per cent, I'll do him proud."

In a statement, Suffolk Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file was being prepared for the coroner.