RACING enthusiasts will observe a poignant anniversary at York’s Knavesmire today, a year after tragic jockey Jamie Kyne rode to his biggest victory in the sprint.

At Leeds Crown Court on Thursday, Peter Brown was convicted of the manslaughter of Jamie and fellow jockey Jan Wilson, who both died when Brown set fire to a block of flats in Norton last September.

James Brennan, the marketing manager at York Racecourse, said the thoughts or racegoers would be with the families of the two jockeys as the Spring Festival got underway. At last year’s event, Jamie won the Sportingbet Sprint Handicap aboard Ishetoo.

Mr Brennan said: “It must have been a particularly difficult week for the family and friends of Jan and Jamie. Perhaps today will provide an opportunity to reflect on the talent Jan and Jamie had at the end of what would have been a particularly difficult week for those who knew them.”

“Ishetoo provided a big win here last year, and the biggest of a too- tragically short career.”

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has revealed it is reviewing the fire safety of the flats at Buckrose Court in Norton.

Trevor Lund, group manager of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s community risk section, said: “The fire service notes the verdict passed down on the accused, Peter William Brown, and we also wish to reaffirm that our thoughts are still with the families of Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson, who died, for the loss they have suffered. We are continuing to look at the issues surrounding the incident in terms of regulatory enforcement requirements surrounding the premises and are therefore not in a position to comment further at this time.”

Ryedale District Councillor Brian Maud, who is vice-chairman of the authority’s planning committee, said: “On the face of it, it appears as though a fire escape would have been a very useful addition. It’s very sad.”