Death of promising young rider Tim Jones leaves Micky Hammond team devastated

Micky Hammond's yard has been left 'absolutely devastated' by the sudden death of teenager Tim Jones, who had been part of the team since the age of ten.

The Middleham trainer paid full tribute to the student and promising event rider who died on Thursday at the age of 17.

Jones had become a familiar sight on course, leading up the yard's runners for several years, and Hammond said: "He was a smiling face that always brightened up weekends and half-terms or any day for that matter.

"We'd known him since he was ten. His parents, Simon and Sally, have interests in a couple of horses with us, and Timmy had worked here on and off since then.

"He started mucking out and sweeping up and he rode out his first lot at 13. He was always on hand to help no matter what the job."

Tim Jones: had been with Micky Hammond since the age of ten

Jones had been attending Askham Bryan College and, having started out in pony racing, he had been competing in British Eventing BE100 class – a three-day event compressed into one day.

"He was an unbelievably talented rider and rode at Badminton just a couple of weeks ago," Hammond said. "It's an achievement in itself to get there and compete at such a young age.

"Everyone in the yard and a lot of people in the village were shocked and upset, and I have to say there was a very sombre mood in the yard on Friday morning."

Reporting Jones's death on the yard's Facebook page, Hammond concluded: "Rest easy Timmy. The yard will not be the same without you."

He urged anyone affected by the news to contact Racing Welfare, which can be done online or via the 24-hour helpline on 0800 6300 443.