Funeral for jockey James Banks to be held on Wednesday

The funeral of James Banks will take place at St Mary’s Church in Marlborough on Wednesday with mourners encouraged to wear a touch of colour to “in celebration” of the former jockey.

Banks, 36, was found dead at his home in Naunton, Gloucestershire this month and an inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned, with the coroner told there were “no suspicious circumstances” around the death.

The court was told that police were called at 9.04am on Monday, February 3 after a note, which had been left out, was found at his home by his boss after the ex-rider failed to turn up for work, which was “out of character”.

Coroner's officer Andrew Wasley said: "Police received the 999 call at 9.04am. They attended and entered the address where they found the body of Mr Banks.

"The time of death was confirmed at 9.28am. There were no suspicious circumstances."

The court heard the cause of death had not yet been ascertained and further tests were awaited. The inquest was adjourned until June 11.

Banks's body was released to his family to proceed with the funeral, which will take place at 1.30pm in Marlborough with the wake to follow at Newbury racecourse.

Banks had been a popular figure in the weighing room with tributes pouring in for the rider since his death. As such, his family have set the dress code as “a touch of colour in celebration of James”.

Family flowers only are requested, with any donations to be made to Mind and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

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