BREAKING NEWS! Racing director George Boughey has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of 19-year-old jockey Tommie Jakes at his home near Newmarket, sending shockwaves through the racing community as his chilling testimony is released. See more details in the comments section
In a stunning development that has rocked the British horseracing world, prominent trainer George Boughey was taken into custody by Suffolk Police on November 8, 2025, following new evidence emerging in the investigation into the death of his apprentice jockey, Tommie Jakes. The 19-year-old rising star was found dead at his family home in Freckenham, near Newmarket, on October 30, 2025, just hours after competing at Nottingham racecourse. What was initially treated as a non-suspicious sudden death has now escalated into a criminal probe, with Boughey, 33, arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and involvement in supplying controlled substances.
Police sources confirm that Boughey was detained at his Craven House Stables early Saturday morning after forensic analysis and witness statements pointed to potential foul play. Detectives are examining whether performance-enhancing drugs or other prohibited substances played a role in Jakes’ untimely demise, amid whispers of intense pressure in the high-stakes world of Flat racing. Boughey, who has been released on bail pending further inquiries, issued a brief statement through his legal team denying any wrongdoing and expressing profound grief over the loss of his “talented young rider.”
The arrest comes just ten days after the racing community mourned Jakes in unified silence at tracks across the country. Tributes had poured in from figures like British Horseracing Authority acting CEO Brant Dunshea, who called the teenager “a talented young rider with the world at his feet.” Jakes, apprenticed to Boughey’s yard, had notched 59 career wins from 519 rides, including 19 victories in 2025 alone. His final triumph came aboard Boughey-trained Fouroneohfever at Catterick on October 18, a partnership that once symbolized promise but now lies at the heart of scrutiny.
In a bombshell twist, Boughey’s police interview transcript—leaked anonymously to media outlets—reveals a chilling testimony where the trainer allegedly admitted to providing Jakes with “supplements” to maintain his lightweight frame and edge in races. “He was struggling with the weight, like so many apprentices,” Boughey reportedly said. “I thought it would help him stay competitive. Tommie was family to us—he had everything ahead.” The statement has ignited outrage, with former jockeys accusing the industry of turning a blind eye to the physical toll on young riders, including extreme dieting and substance use.
Jakes’ family, parents Jeremy and Tonie, released a heartbroken response: “Our son was taken too soon, and now these revelations compound our pain. We trusted the system to protect him.” The Injured Jockeys Fund and Professional Jockeys Association, which initially announced his passing as tragic but unexplained, have called for an independent review of welfare protocols in training yards.
The racing fraternity, still reeling from the initial shock, now grapples with betrayal and questions about oversight. Trainers like Linda Perratt, who gave Jakes 17 winners, described him as “a confident, fun-loving young man who grew before our eyes.” Others, including Alice Haynes, where Jakes began his apprenticeship, lament a “shocking” turn that tarnishes the sport.
As the coroner’s inquest looms, toxicology reports are expected to clarify the exact cause of death, potentially revealing banned substances linked to Boughey’s stable. The British Horseracing Authority has suspended operations at Craven House pending investigation, vowing “zero tolerance” for breaches.
This arrest underscores the dark underbelly of a glamorous industry where youth and ambition collide with relentless demands. Jakes’ story—from his first win at 16 aboard Suzi’s Connoisseur to his promising partnerships—embodied hope for a new generation. Now, it serves as a stark warning. The community that once united in grief now demands justice, ensuring no other bright talent fades in silence. As one weighing room veteran put it: “Tommie deserved better. We all do.”
