Racing Authorities Initiate Full Review into Keagan Kirkby Death

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) have launched a full review of the death of Keagan Kirkby Sunday. A member of the Paul Nicholls team in Ditcheat, the 25-year-old was riding at a meeting at Charing in Kent when his horse ran through the wing of a fence in the final race of the day.

“The necessary steps in response to this tragic incident commenced immediately after the race on Sunday and have continued [Monday],” stated a joint-statement from the BHA and PPA. “The BHA are visiting the site and will work with the PPA, the racecourse and attending medical teams to ensure that the incident is fully reviewed. All of the relevant bodies will also assist the police and/or Environmental Health Officer with any enquiries they wish to make.”

The statement continued, “The medical facilities and teams at Charing racecourse on Sunday were fully compliant with the required standards and included two racecourse doctors and three fully equipped ambulances with paramedic crews.”

“The medical team attended Mr. Kirkby within 30 seconds of his fall. Further support was provided by 999 road and air ambulances. Despite the immediate medical attention, the injuries were of such an extent that it was not possible to save Mr. Kirkby's life. It is important that, with any incident such as this, we do all that we can to understand what caused it, and whether there is anything we can learn from it.”

“There is a risk attached to racing which can never be entirely removed, but we are committed to ensure that we assess every incident and use any findings to help continually improve our safety record.”

“Our thoughts remain with Keagan Kirkby's family and his many friends and colleagues from within the racing industry and beyond. The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) are coordinating support for the Kirkby family, his places of work and any staff member or participant at the event.”

 

Tributes Pour In..

“Tragically sad news. My thoughts are with Keagan's family, friends and everyone at Ditcheat.”–-Sir Anthony McCoy

“Every now and then, things happen that make you regain perspective. A very sad day for racing. Love to those who lost a friend.”-Trainer Fergal O'Brien

“A terrible tragedy. Keagan loved his job and was an integral part of Team Ditcheat.”--Nicholls' stable jockey Harry Cobden

“A heartbreaking day, Keagan was as kind and enthusiastic a guy you could meet. We started at Paul's on the same day four and a half years ago and became great friends. I am and always will be proud to be your friend and will miss you greatly.”–Assistant trainer Charlie Davies

“Heartbroken is an understatement, to have you as a best friend has been the biggest privilege life has given to me. Such a kind soul and an absolute gentleman and to know that I won't be able to give you a hug and catch up with you anymore tears me up.”–Ditcheat team member Scott Sainsbury

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Keagan Kirkby Dies After Fall At Charing Point-To-Point in Kent

Trainer Paul Nicholls has led the tributes to Keagan Kirkby, the amateur rider who tragically died after a fall at Charing point-to-point on Sunday.

In a statement released by the Injured Jockeys Fund, the 14-time Champion National Hunt trainer, with whom Kirkby was based, described Kirkby as “one of our best, hardworking lads.”

Nicholls said, “Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today. Sadly, Keagan Kirkby, one of our best, hardworking lads lost his life today riding in a point-to-point. All at Team Ditcheat are mortified. Thoughts with all his friends and family.”

According to the IFJ, the incident occurred on the second circuit of the final race, when the rider's mount ran out through the wing of a fence. Despite immediate attention by the on-course medical team as well as additional support from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services crew, Kirkby could not be saved.

Kirkby joined Nicholls's operation in 2019 and had been awarded employee of the month in December 2021. He was also shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider/Groom category for 2024.

“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 industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential,” said British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chief Executive Julie Harrington.

“The esteem in which he was held is clear from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and made it through to the final 10 in his category. The nomination spoke of 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 affable, helpful nature and popularity on the yard. We call on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan's family and the Paul Nicholls yard.”

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