AN INQUEST has been opened and adjourned into the death of former National Hunt jockey James Banks at his Cotswolds home earlier this month.

Assistant Gloucestershire coroner Roland Wooderson heard that police were called to the 36-year-old's home in Naunton, near Stow-on-the-Wold on the morning of February 3 after he did not turn up for work at the stables where he worked.

His boss went to check on him, saw a note he had left, and then called the police.

Coroner's officer Andrew Wasley said: "Mr James Banks, aged 36, retired as a professional jockey on February 2 2018.

"He was the head lad at a local stables. On the morning of February 3, he did not arrive for work, which was out of character.

"His boss went to his home and found a note left on view, as a result of which she made an emergency call."

Mr Wasley said that police were called to the address, where they found the body of Mr Banks.

There were no suspicious circumstances.

The court heard the cause of death had not yet been ascertained and further tests were awaited.

During his career, Mr Banks rode 85 winners.

His body was released to his family to proceed with funeral arrangements.

The inquest was adjourned until June 11.