Jockeys in silent tribute to blaze victims Jan Wilson and Jamie Kyne at York races (From York Press)

Jockeys in silent tribute to blaze victims Jan Wilson and Jamie Kyne at York races

8:14am Monday 7th September 2009 in

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His face etched with sadness, young jockey Ian Brennan stood with fellow riders at York races yesterday in silent tribute to blaze victims Jan Wilson and Jamie Kyne.

But, unknown to the thousands of watching racegoers, the minute’s silence was particularly painful for Ian as Jan, aged 19 was his girlfriend and Jamie, 18, was one of his best friends.

Ian, 20, was in the same block of flats on the night of the blaze but managed to jump from a window to safety.

Amazingly, after being discharged from hospital, he rode just hours later at Thirsk on Saturday and again at York yesterday.

The deaths of Irishman Jamie, and Scot, Jan, shocked the racing community and tributes poured in for the two rising stars yesterday. Flags flew at half-mast at Knavesmire and silences were also observed at meetings at Thirsk and Haydock Park on Saturday for the teenagers. Jockeys at Stratford also showed their respect by wearing black armbands.

William Derby, chief executive and clerk of the course at York, said: “To lose two people with so much to look forward to is a tragedy.

“Jamie Kyne had won a big race here in May and had been set to renew that successful partnership with Ishetoo.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many friends he has made while riding in Yorkshire.”

Jamie, whose family runs Kiltrogue stud farm in Claregalway, Co Galway, had been described as one of the most promising young riders on the northern circuit.

Attached to Malton trainer John Quinn, he partnered eight winners last season, but had come into his own in 2009, with 29 victories.

Mr Quinn said: “It is devastating for their families, everyone in the stable and for the whole of Norton and Malton.

“Jamie had been with us about 18 months. He was a great little lad and a very good young rider who had a great attitude to his work and his riding.

“He had a good career ahead of him, it is still hard to believe what has happened.

“We went to the yard on Saturday morning, mucked the horses out and did all the jobs which needed doing. I then said to the lads and lasses, ‘We can either carry on or pack up and go home’, but what good would have going home have done?

“You have to pick yourself up, carry on and try to be positive and carry on for Jamie.”

The family of Mr Kyne said they were devastated and shocked.

His parents, Gerry and Madeline, and his four brothers and younger sister were being comforted by relatives.

Galway councillor Jarlaith McDonagh, a second cousin of the young jockey, said it was difficult to come to terms with what happened.

“They are absolutely devastated, it's a great shock,” he said.

“It’s a terrible tragedy for the family.

“They really admired him. They always watched him racing on television. They were so proud of him.”