Apprentice jockey deaths left racing world reeling

By Louise Hosie
BBC News, North Yorkshire

Jamie Kyne was described as being "born to ride"

The deaths of promising jockeys Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson in a fire at a block of flats stunned the North Yorkshire market town of Malton and shocked the racing community.

Mr Kyne, 18, from County Galway, in the Irish Republic, was described as a young man "born to ride" who was tipped to be named Apprentice Jockey of the Year.

Miss Wilson, 19, from Forfar in Angus, was said to be a "determined and totally fearless" rider who had been living out her childhood dream of becoming a jockey.

The Racing Welfare charity has told BBC News that money raised through a fund set up in their memory would now be used to support young jockeys in the north of England and Scotland.

'Competitive spirit'

After the jockeys' deaths, tributes poured in and silences were held at several racecourses across Britain and the Irish Republic.

Flowers from former champion jockey Kieren Fallon were laid at the scene and Malton jockey Frederick Tylicki dedicated his title of Champion Apprentice 2009 to Mr Kyne and Miss Wilson.

Mr Kyne's father Gerry said he had been immensely proud of his son, whom he said had also been a "great friend" to him.

Jan Wilson dreamt of being a jockey as a child

"Jamie was following his dream - this champion was inside his head and his heart. I remember him having 11 rides one day. He was so popular, he was hitting the limelight big time.

"I was so proud, I remember I texted him on his way to one [race] meeting, saying 'no matter what, you'll always be our champion'. Every time we looked at him he was our champion."

He said Mr Kyne's death had left their family "totally devastated".

Miss Wilson's parents Margaret and Drew said their daughter had wanted to be a jockey from an early age and had moved to England to pursue her career.

They said her outgoing personality, "can-do" attitude, friendly manner, ambition and competitive spirit would be missed.

"She did indeed live the dream, if not for long," they added.

Appeal fund

At her funeral, Miss Wilson's former trainer Paul Murphy spoke equally highly of her, describing her as "one of the most delightful, loveable, persistent girls I've ever seen in my life".

After the fire, The Malton Disaster Appeal Fund was set up by Racing Welfare.

Former champion jockey Lester Piggott was among the contributors to the fund, which has so far raised £140,000.

Racing Welfare spokesman Richard Negus said some of the money would help fund a project to support young people involved in racing.

"It was very sad because not only were they talented, but they were young people whose lives were taken away in horrible circumstances," he said.

"I think what happened has affected those in Malton very strongly, but we now want to make sure we help as many young people as possible.

"I think it is something Jamie and Jan would have very much appreciated."