A GOFUNDME page set up in honour of jockey Tommie Jakes has seen a surge in donations following his sudden and tragic death at just 19, leaving horse racing facing the huge heartbreak of losing one of its rising stars ‘when the world lay at his feet’.
The horse racing world, often a whirlwind of thundering hooves and triumphant finishes, has been brought to a standstill by the untimely passing of Tommie Jakes, a 19-year-old apprentice jockey whose infectious enthusiasm and raw talent lit up the tracks of Britain. Jakes was found dead at his home near Newmarket on October 30, 2025, mere hours after completing his final ride at Nottingham Racecourse. The circumstances surrounding his death are not being treated as suspicious, with Suffolk Police confirming that a file will be prepared for the coroner. No official cause has been disclosed, and Jakes’ family has requested privacy as they navigate this profound loss.
In the wake of this shattering news, a GoFundMe campaign launched on November 3 by family friend Paul Corrigan has exploded with support, raising tens of thousands of pounds in its first day. Titled “Support for Tommie Jakes’ Family and Friends,” the fundraiser aims not only to ease financial burdens on his loved ones but also to establish a fund aiding young people in the racing community who may be struggling with mental health challenges. Corrigan’s poignant post reads: “Tommie Jakes, a talented young jockey with a bright future ahead, tragically passed away on October 30, 2025, at just 19 years old. Tommie was more than a jockey; he was a son, brother, and friend who brought joy to everyone around him.” As of November 4, donations have poured in from fellow jockeys, trainers, racing enthusiasts, and strangers touched by Jakes’ story, pushing the total well beyond its initial £10,000 goal. Prominent figures in the sport, including trainer Linda Perratt—who once partnered with Jakes for multiple victories—have publicly endorsed the page, calling him “a bright star” whose light burned too briefly.
Jakes’ career, though heartbreakingly short, was a testament to his prodigious skill and unyielding determination. Hailing from a racing family—his father had once worked with legendary trainer Michael Dickinson, who dominated the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup—Jakes seemed destined for the saddle. He claimed his first winner at the tender age of 16, guiding a horse younger than himself to victory in a moment that foreshadowed his potential. Over the ensuing three years, the young rider amassed 59 triumphs on the Flat in Britain, with 19 notched in 2025 alone. His most recent success came just 12 days before his death, aboard George Boughey’s Fouroneohfever at Catterick on October 18. Jakes had forged strong alliances with top stables, including Boughey’s Newmarket operation, where he was a fixture, and Scottish trainer Perratt’s yard. He also spent formative time with Alice Haynes and enjoyed a stellar record at Newcastle, boasting 16 winners from 102 rides.
Those who knew Jakes paint a portrait of a young man as remarkable off the track as he was on it. Boughey, his longtime trainer, shared a raw tribute on social media: “We are heartbroken by the news that our apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes has passed away. Tommie has been an integral and much-loved member of our team. He was not only a hugely talented young rider with so much to look forward to, but an incredibly kind, popular and hard-working young man. We will miss him immensely.” Fellow jockeys echoed this sentiment, describing him as “a joy to be around,” “humble and full of energy,” and “one of the kindest people in the weighing room.” His final ride at Nottingham—a seventh-place finish on a 125-1 outsider—had been unremarkable, but Jakes had two mounts booked for Chelmsford that evening, a routine step in what promised to be a glittering ascent. At 19, with the weighing room’s camaraderie and the roar of crowds still fresh, the world truly did lay at his feet. Now, that potential hangs like an unfinished gallop, a poignant reminder of racing’s fragility.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), acting chief executive Brant Dunshea, captured the collective devastation: “We are devastated to hear the news about Tommie. He was a gifted young rider with the world ahead of him.” The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), in a joint statement, mourned “a much-loved son, brother, and friend,” while pledging comprehensive support for those affected. Across the sport, grief has manifested in solemn gestures: moments of silence at Chelmsford and Southwell on October 30, black armbands worn by jockeys at subsequent meetings, and an outpouring of tributes on social media. Hashtags like #RIP_TommieJakes and #RacingFamily trended as fans and professionals shared photos of the smiling teen, often mid-laugh, his silks vibrant against the turf.
This tragedy strikes at the heart of horse racing’s dual nature—a sport of exhilarating highs shadowed by profound risks, both physical and emotional. Jockeys, among the fittest athletes, face immense pressures: the relentless pursuit of weight, the isolation of travel, and the mental toll of setbacks. Jakes’ death, coming so soon after another young rider’s struggles made headlines, has reignited calls for enhanced mental health resources. The GoFundMe’s dual purpose—to honor Jakes while bolstering support for vulnerable peers—resonates deeply. As donations climb, with contributions from as far as Australia and the U.S., it underscores a community bound by more than just the thrill of the race.
In Newmarket, the spiritual home of British racing, flags fly at half-mast, and whispers of “what if” linger in the stables. Tommie Jakes leaves behind a legacy not just in victories, but in the warmth he shared. His story, though cut short, inspires a vow: to cherish the rising stars while they shine, and to extend a hand to those galloping alone. As the fundraiser swells, so does the hope that from this heartbreak, a brighter, more supportive future for young jockeys might emerge—one where no one falls without a safety net.
