Kyle McHugh takes impressive Chelmsford win after emotional week for young jockeys

Donegal jockey Kyle McHugh was back in the winners’ enclosure at Chelmsford on Thursday night - just a week after the tragic death of a fellow young jockey and friend.

McHugh took Renesmee to victory in the Play Different With Betfair Handicap at Chelmsford.

Aboard the Michael Keady-trained Renesmee, a 22/2 chance, the Ballybofey jockey took victory by fourth lengths from Love Your Work (8/1), with Hector Crouch in the saddle.

On her return to all-weather, Renesmee had won at Lingfield in August and McHugh’s 7lb claim was seen as a boost. Sure enough, McHugh steered her to a fine win.

It was a victory, though, that was surely tinged with sadness.

Nineteen-year-old apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes was found at his home near Newmarket early on October 30. 

 A promising young rider with 59 career winners to his name, including 19 so far this season, Jakes had recently ridden his final winner for trainer George Boughey at Catterick on 18 October and competed at Nottingham just the day before his passing. 

A joint statement from the Professional Jockeys Association and the Injured Jockeys Fund said he was “a much-loved son and brother, and a popular member of George Boughey’s racing team.

The British Horseracing Authority confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file has been prepared for the coroner. 

George Boughey Racing said: “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 hardworking young man. We will miss him immensely.

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“We would like to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out. We are here to support.”

Meanwhile, Oisin Orr won on 11/4 favourite Coramento at Newcastle on Thursday evening. Orr took Coramento to victory by half-a-length from Imola (100/30).