Keagan Kirkby, a 25-year-old jockey, has died following a fall during a horse race in Kent. He was riding in the Charing point-to-point on Sunday when his horse veered off course and ran into the side of a jump. The horse ran through the wing of a jump during the final race of the event. He was treated by an on-course medical team and the crew of an air ambulance, but he succumbed to his injuries.
The owner of the stables where he worked, leading trainer Paul Nicholls, described Kirkby as “one of our best, hardworking lads”. He joined Nicholls’ stables near the village of Ditcheat, Somerset, in 2019. This year, he was shortlisted for an industry-wide employees’ award. Mr Nicholls, one of the UK’s most successful horse trainers said Kirkby was “passionate about his job and his riding” and would be missed “terribly”. “Life is so hard sometimes,” he said. “Winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today. All at team Ditcheat are mortified. Thoughts with all his friends and family.”
In a statement confirming his death, the Injured Jockeys Fund said that Kirkby’s nomination for the industry award spoke of a “thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses” and of “his affable, helpful nature, and popularity on the yard”. The entire racing industry is mourning the loss of someone so young and with such potential. The British Horseracing Authority said that they are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Kirkby. Their thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls.
A wing is usually made of plastic, wood, or metal that sits at an angle either side of a jump to guide the horse towards it. The entire racing community is heartbroken at the loss of such a young and promising jockey. Kirkby’s death is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with horse racing and the sport’s inherent danger. Our thoughts go out to Kirkby’s family and friends, and to everyone who knew him
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