Keagan Kirkby, a valued member of the Paul Nicholls team and a point-to-point rider, tragically lost his life at Charing point-to-point in Kent on Sunday, have a look at his cause of death and girlfriend
The 25-year-old rider was participating in the final race of the day when his horse veered through the wing of a fence.
Who is jockey Keagan Kirkby as he dies after fall at Charing Racecourse, cause of death, obituary, bio, age and girlfriend
Keagan Kirkby, 25 was pictured with his girlfriend Emily Burge before he died during the final race at Charing racecourse in Kent yesterday afternoon after he was flung to the ground in front of horrified spectators.
Love and thoughts with all of the family and friends of Keagan Kirkby. Such a devastating loss to all who knew and loved him. Rest peacefully xx pic.twitter.com/jgQv67IXkw
— Becky Bailey (@BecsBailey) February 5, 2024
Tragic News Confirmed by IJF
The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) shared a somber update, expressing, “With profound sadness, we regret to inform that Keagan Kirkby, a 25-year-old point-to-point rider from the West Country, has passed away after a fall at the Charing point-to-point in Kent today.
“During the final race, his horse, under local training, veered out through the wing of a fence on the second circuit. Despite prompt attention from the on-course medical team and additional assistance from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services crew, his life could not be saved.”
About Keagan Kirkby
Keagan, who joined the Paul Nicholls team in 2019 and had been honored as the employee of the month in December 2021, was also nominated for the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee awards in the rider/groom category.
The IJF urged everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan’s family and the Paul Nicholls Racing team during this tragic time.
Tributes Poured In
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls expressed his grief on social media, saying, “Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today.
“Unfortunately, Keagan Kirby, one of our dedicated and hardworking team members, tragically lost his life today while participating in a point-to-point event. The entire Ditcheat team is deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time.”
Absolutely lost for words to comprehend the sadness the racing family experienced yesterday. Keagan Kirkby, you were so well-respected, and you will be very much missed by Team Ditcheat, your family and friends.
Rest in peace, thoughts with everyone who knew you. pic.twitter.com/u0LI09xpWj
— JTW Equine Images (@JTWEquineImag) February 5, 2024
Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, also shared condolences, stating, “We are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Keagan Kirkby.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls. The entire racing community will grieve the passing of an individual who was both young and filled with immense potential.”
Harrington highlighted Keagan’s nomination for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee awards, describing his qualities as a thoughtful rider with a personal connection to his horses, an understanding of their characters, and an adaptable riding style.
She called on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan’s family and the Paul Nicholls yard during this difficult time.
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