Jockey Keagan Kirkby dies after fall at horse race in Kent

Keagan Kirkby, a 25-year-old jokey, has died after a fall in a horse race in Kent. The incident happened during the Charing point-to-point on Sunday when his horse deviated off course and hit the side of a jump.

Despite immediate attention from the on-course medical team and air ambulance crew, Kirkby couldn’t survive his injuries.

Kirkby worked at the stables of renowned trainer Paul Nicholls, who praised him as one of their “best and hardworking lads.” He had been with Nicholls’ stables in Ditcheat, Somerset since 2019 and was a nominee for an industry-wide employees’ award this year.

The Injured Jockeys Fund confirmed Kirkby’s death, stating that the horse ran through the wing of a jump during the final race. 

Writing on X, Nicholls said Kirkby was “passionate about his job and his riding” and would be missed “terribly”.