Horror as jockey, 25, dies after falling from horse at Kent race in front of spectators

A jockey has died after falling from a horse in front of shocked spectators during a race in Kent.

Keagan Kirkby, 25, was thrown from his horse during the final race at Charing Racecourse today.

The medical team on course rushed to his aid and an air ambulance was also called as efforts were made to save his life.

Kirkby worked for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who was left ‘mortified’ by his death.

He was a hugely popular figure at Nicholls’ Ditcheat Stables and a talented rider, who looked after Afadil – a horse that won at Musselburgh on Saturday.

His skills were so great that last November he was nominated for a Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award in the best rider category.

Mr Nicholls wrote of X: ‘Life is so hard sometimes, the winners are completely insignificant compared to what has happened today.

Kirkby worked for champion trainer Nicholls, who was ‘mortified’ by his death

“Unfortunately, Keagan Kirby, one of our best, hard-working guys, lost his life today driving from point to point.

“Everyone at team Ditcheat is shocked. Thoughts with all his friends and family.

‘He was passionate about his work and his driving and rode Afadil every day.’

Kirkby drove into a Point-to-Point meeting. Point-to-Point is a form of amateur racing that is extremely popular across the country.

But the day took a terrible turn when Kirkby was thrown from the horse he was partnering in the final race.

He received immediate medical attention and an air ambulance was called, but Kirkby could not be saved. The heartbreaking incident has been felt far and wide within racing.

Last month the Bristol Rovers fan appeared on podcast Pointing Pointers and said he always wanted to be a jockey from a young age, but said ‘it wasn’t easy’.

“I was actually a young caregiver for my mother,” he said.

“It made me who I am, if I’m honest.”

Nicholls had had a difficult weekend, with one of his stars Hermes Allen – co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson – fatally injured after a fall during The Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown.

X, formerly Twitter, has been inundated with tributes in memory of Kirkby.

One person described him as a ‘gem of a boy’, while others said their thoughts were with his friends and family.

Governing body Horse Racing Ireland said on X: ‘We are so sorry to hear that Keagan Kirkby passed away today after a fall at Charing point to point in Kent. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends, especially to all his colleagues.”

Julie Harrington, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority, released a statement saying that she ‘devastated upon hearing the tragic news’.

‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at Paul Nicholls’ yard. The entire racing industry will mourn the loss of someone so young and with so much potential.

Kirkby pictured with racing legend Sir AP McCoy in November 2013

Kirkby was thrown from his horse during the final race at Charing Racecourse (photo not from today’s race)

He was a hugely popular figure in Nicholls’ Ditcheat Stables and a talented horseman, who looked after Afadil

His skills were so great that last November he was nominated for a Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award in the best rider category

Julie Harrington, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority, released a statement saying they were ‘devastated to hear the tragic news’

X., formerly Twitter, is flooded with tributes in memory of Kirkby and people are left heartbroken by his death

“The appreciation he received is evident from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards 2024 and advanced to the final 10 in his category.

‘The nomination spoke to Keagan’s qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses, understanding their characters and adapting his riding style accordingly, as well as his affable, helpful nature and popularity in the stable.

‘We urge everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan’s family and Paul Nicholls’ garden.’

A statement from the Injured Jockeys’ Fund said: ‘It is with great sadness that we have to report that West Country point-to-point rider, Keagan Kirkby, 25, has died after a fall at Charing point-to-point in Knows. Today.

‘His horse, locally trained, ran through the wing of a fence on the second circuit of the final race.

‘The on-course medical team attended immediately and despite additional support from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services Crew he could not be saved.

“Keagan was a respected member of the Paul Nicholls team, having joined in 2019 and being named Employee of the Month in December 2021.

“He was shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider/Groom category 2024.

‘We kindly ask that everyone respects the privacy of Keagan’s family and the Paul Nicholls Racing team at this tragic time.’