Jockey Keegan Kirkby recently died at the age of 25 due to a fall during a horse race in Kent on Sunday 4 February 2024. Kirkby was riding in a point-to-point chauffeur when his horse went off the track and ran through a fence pavilion.
In horse racing, the pavilion is usually made of metal, wood, and plastic, and is placed at either end of the fence. What is meant is to direct the horse towards him. The official statement from the Injured Knights Fund stated:
“It is with deep sadness that we have to report that West Country point-to-point rider, Keegan Kirkby, 25, has died after falling on the point-to-point charing in Kent today. His horse, which was trained locally, ran through a fence pavilion in the second leg of the race The final medical team on track attended immediately and despite additional support from a 999 helicopter emergency services crew, he could not be saved.
Keegan Kirkby worked with leading trainer Paul Nicholls at his stables. He joined Nicholls Stables in the village of Ditchit, Somerset, in 2019. He was nominated for the Rider/Groom category at the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Staff Awards, and made the top ten on the list.
He also received the 2021 Employee of the Month award.
After Kirkby was injured, he was treated by on-scene paramedics and an air ambulance crew. Unfortunately, the young coach died of his injuries.
Keegan Kirkby's colleagues and girlfriend paid tribute to him after his death
Paul Nicholls wrote to Kirkby on X, describing him as one of the “best hardworking players” after the coach's death. Kirkby “will be sorely missed,” he said.
Britain's riding regulatory body, the British Horseracing Association, also commented on Kirkby's death, saying they were “deeply saddened to hear the tragic news.” BHA chief executive Julie Harrington spoke about his nomination and how he spoke of Keegan's “qualities”.
“The entire racing industry will be mourning the loss of someone so young with such potential. The nomination spoke to Keegan's qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal relationship with his horses, understands their personalities and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his kind, helpful nature and his popularity in the yard.”
Keegan Kirkby's friend Emily Berg also wrote a message on Facebook in memory of the passenger:
“Never in a million years did I think I would find someone like you who would care for me and take care of me the way you did. I'm so sad and always will be. You were the light at the end of a hard week at work. We” I had a lot of plans over the summer to go to the lakes and show the place Where I grew up on Exmoor. I know I will always be your donut and you will always be my princess. I'm so sorry and I will love you forever. “
Condolences have been pouring in on various social media platforms to honor the young knight since his death on Sunday.
