The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) have promised to conduct a full review into the tragic death of jockey Keagan Kirkby. The 25-year-old was a valued member of the Paul Nicholls team in Ditcheat, Somerset.
Kirkby was riding at a meeting in Kent when his horse ran through the wing of a fence during the final race of the day. Despite immediate medical attention and support from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services crew, he sadly passed away.
Investigations are now underway to understand what caused the incident and if any lessons can be learned. A joint statement from the BHA and PPA said: "The necessary steps in response to this tragic incident commenced immediately after the race on Sunday and have continued today. 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."
Read next:
Met Office snow warning latest as South West faces drenching
Son of dead Devon sub-postmaster receives apology
"All of the relevant bodies will also assist the police and/or Environmental Health Officer with any enquiries they wish to make. 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 have poured in for Kirkby, led by horse racing hero, Sir Anthony McCoy who wrote on X: "Tragically sad news. My thoughts are with Keagan's family, friends and everyone at Ditcheat."
Champion trainer Nicholls paid tribute on his X account, saying: "Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today. Sadly Keagan Kirby, 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."
He also said: "He was passionate about his job and his riding and rode Afadil every day. Last thing he said to me on Friday was 'boss Afadil will win tomorrow' (at Musselburgh). How right he was. RIP Keag we will all miss you terribly."
Julie Harrington, the head of the British Horseracing Authority, stated: "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."
"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."
Top trainer Fergal O'Brien said: "Every now and then, things happen that make you regain perspective. A very sad day for racing. Love to those who lost a friend."
Nicholls' main jockey Harry Cobden stated: "A terrible tragedy. Keagan loved his job and was an integral part of Team Ditcheat."
Assistant trainer Charlie Davies added: "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."
Fellow Ditcheat team member Scott Sainsbury posted: "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."
