Quinn yard in grief at Kyne loss

John Quinn’s yard are in mourning following the death of their leading apprentice, Jamie Kyne from Ireland, in a fire in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Kyne, 18, and fellow apprentice Jan Wilson, 19, perished in the blaze in Norton, near Malton, North Yorkshire. They were having a party at the time.

A local man in his 30s was being questioned by detectives.

Police have not yet confirmed the identities of the two victims, but the teenagers have been missing since the inferno swept through their block in the early hours.

Hundreds of people have joined a Facebook group in tribute to Kyne and Miss Wilson.

Sean Quinn, the trainer’s son and assistant, said on Facebook: “Me and dad were just talking about those horses you won on that no-on else could.

“The yard was silent (on Saturday morning) which makes a change and shows just how popular you were.

“Anyway, you’re in a better place now, please god.

“Our family will be doing everything we can to help the cause, mate, and we will stay in touch with your family.”

Kyne had this season ridden 12 winners for Quinn, who said on Sunday morning he will not be releasing a statement until the police have confirmed Kyne’s death as one of the two bodies which still remain in the third-floor flat.

The family of Galway-born Kyne said they were devastated and shocked.

His aunt said: “The family are devastated. Jamie was a star.”

Of his parents, she added: “They are so proud of him. At the moment they are just devastated and shocked.”

Miss Wilson had been due to ride Imperial Sword, owned by her mother, Margaret, at Thirsk on Saturday.

The horse was declared a non-runner on Saturday morning.

Mrs Wilson, of Greenhead Farm, Rescobie, said of reports her daughter had been a victim of the blaze: “It hasn’t been confirmed. We are waiting to find out.”

Kyne’s friend and fellow apprentice jockey, Ian Brennan was also in the third-floor flat and jumped to safety when the fire ripped through the building at 2.15am.

The 20-year-old was released from hospital in the early hours of the morning and went on to ride at Thirsk.

A fourth person in the block – believed to be an apprentice jockey – was also taken to York District Hospital and treated for burns and smoke inhalation.

The bodies of the victims remained in the burned-out building overnight as emergency services worked to make the structure safe enough for them to enter.

They are expected to be removed today.