Tragic accident in Kent.
This Sunday, during a “point-to-point” race held in Kent, south-east of London, jockey Keagan Kirkby was the victim of a fatal accident.
A member of Paul Nicholls' team, in Ditcheat, and a specialist in this type of event, the 25-year-old was seriously injured when his horse crossed the wing of a barrier during the last day of racing .
His fall was fatal to him.
“It is with deep sadness that we have to announce that West Country point-to-point rider Keagan Kirkby has died following a fall at Charing Point-to-Point in Kent today. today, explained the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) in a press release.
His horse, trained locally, went off the wing of a barrier on the second circuit of the final race.
The racecourse medical team immediately attended the scene and, despite further assistance provided by the 999 helicopter emergency services team, he could not be saved.
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RIP At our thoughts are with your family and friends.
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— Jeremy RM Scott (@holworthyfarm) February 4, 2024
On X (formerly Twitter), his trainer, Paul Nicholls, paid him a vibrant tribute.
“Life is so hard sometimes, victories are totally insignificant compared to what happened today,” he wrote.
Unfortunately, Keagan Kirby, one of our best and hardest working players, lost his life today while participating in a point-to-point event.
The entire Ditcheat team is mortified.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”
The British Horseracing Authority, the organizer of these events, also had a little word for the jockey.
“Keagan was a thoughtful rider who developed a personal connection with his horses, understood their character and adapted his riding accordingly,” said Julie Harrington, the authority's executive director.