JOCKEY Keagan Kirby – who worked at the Somerset yard of trainer Paul Nicholls – died after a fall at a race in Kent at the weekend.

The 25-year-old was riding in the final race at the Charing point-to-point on Sunday (February 4) when his horse veered off course and into the side of a jump.

Despite being treated by on-site medics and air ambulance paramedics, Mr Kirby died due to his injuries.

After the incident, Mr Nicholls, one of racing’s most successful trainers and who is based at Ditcheat, said: “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.”

The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) said his horse ran through the wing of a fence.

“His horse, trained locally, ran out through the wing of a fence on the second circuit of the final race,” a statement said.

“The on-course medical team attended immediately and despite additional support from a 999 helicopter emergency services crew, he could not be saved.

“Keagan was a respected member of the Paul Nicholls team, who joined in 2019 and who had been awarded employee of the month in December 2021. He was shortlisted for the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee awards in the rider/groom category.

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

Chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, Julie Harrington, added: “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.”