THE WORLD of racing joined Ryedale residents to remember Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson, the two jockeys who died a year ago when fire swept through their living accommodation at Norton.

The Roman Catholic church of St Leonard and St Mary in Malton was packed with some 300 family members, friends, racing industry leaders, jockeys, and residents for a special mass yesterday, exactly a year after the tragedy.

In a moving tribute, Press racing columnist and broadcaster Tom O’Ryan said: “It was a tragedy that touched racing people both near and far and produced an outpouring of grief and sadness, which was moving in the extreme.

“This was a tragedy that wasn’t confined to racing. It went much deeper than that – it went to the heart of many communities, here in Yorkshire, throughout England, in Ireland and Scotland.

“To see two popular, vibrant, enthusiastic and talented people lose their lives at such a tender age was shocking, numbing, and heart-breaking for their many, many friends. They were both following their dream – the dream of becoming successful jockeys.”

He said Jan and Jamie would never be forgotten by the racing fraternity, particularly in the north of England.

Parish priest Father Tim Bywater said afterwards it had been a very moving occasion.

“The first anniversary of any tragedy is always a difficult time, but the turnout reflected the high esteem in which both Jamie and Jan were held by so many people locally and in the national racing world.”

Leading jockey Paul Hanagan said he was delighted with the big turnout not only from the racing world but also from local residents.

A two-minute silence was observed for the two jockeys during the service.

Labourer Peter Brown was found guilty of the jockeys’ manslaughter earlier this year but has not yet been sentenced.