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 at a race in Kent in front of horrified spectators.

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

Kirkby worked for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who has been devastated.

He wrote on X: ‘Life is so hard sometimes, the wins are completely insignificant compared to what happened today.

‘Unfortunately Keagan Kirby lost his life today one of our best, hard working boys driving from point to point.

‘Everyone on team Ditcheat is horrified. Thoughts with all his friends and family.

‘He was passionate about his job and his riding and rode Afadil every day.’

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Julie Harrington released a statement saying they were ‘devastated to hear the tragic news’.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends and everyone in the Paul Nicholls farm. The entire Racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential.

‘The esteem in which he was held is evident from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category in the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, progressing 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, understands their characters and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his amiable, helpful nature and popularity on the farm.

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

A statement from the Injured Jockeys’ Fund said: ‘It is with deep sadness that we have to report that West Country point-to-point jockey Keagan Kirkby, 25, has died following a fall at Charing point-two -point in Kent today.

‘His horse, trained locally, ran out through the wing of a fence on the second lap of the last race.

‘The on course medical team attended immediately and despite further support from a 999 helicopter emergency crew, he could not be saved.

‘Keagan was a respected member of the Paul Nicholls team who joined in 2019 and had been named Employee of the Month for December 2021.

‘He was nominated for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the category Rider/Groom 2024.

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