- Amateur jockey Keagan Kirkby died tragically after a fall in a point-to-point
- A JustGiving page was set up to help cover his funeral costs and arrange a memorial service
- Despite last Sunday’s tragic fall, the campaign has already raised more than £50,000
A JustGiving page set up to cover funeral costs and provide a memorial for amateur jockey Keagan Kirkby, who died last Sunday after a fall in a point-to-point, has raised more than £50,000.
Kirkby, 25, who has worked for champion trainer Paul Nicholls since 2019, was riding at Charing in Kent when his horse ran through the wing of a fence.
Among the donations to the fund is the winning prize money of £3,797 donated by owner Michael Geoghegan from novice hurdler Fire Flyer’s win at Taunton on Tuesday.
The horse was Kirkby’s regular ride in the Nicholls’ gallop and his victory prompted an emotional post-race tribute to him from jockey Harry Cobden.
Nicholls said: “I’m not surprised at how the fund has gone. My owners have strongly supported it, as have people from all walks of life.
A JustGiving page set up to help cover funeral costs and provide a memorial for amateur jockey Keagan Kirkby, who died after a fall last Sunday, has raised more than £50,000.
“It shows how the racing industry is coming together and it’s incredible. It also shows how popular Keagan was.
‘It was a terrible week. Keagan was such a big part of our team. Everyone has had all the help they need, so the staff is fine.”