3 minute read
The racing community has come together to raise more than £20,000 in memory of Keagan Kirkby following the tragic death of the West Country point-to-point jockey at Charing on Sunday.
Keagan Kirkby, a 25-year-old point-to-point jockey and member of Paul Nicholls' team, tragically lost his life when his horse ran through the wing of a fence.
Tributes have poured in for Kirkby, with Nicholls' stable jockey Harry Cobden saying: "A terrible tragedy. Keagan loved his job and was an integral part of Team Ditcheat."
Assistant trainer Charlie Davies commented: "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."
Sir Anthony McCoy, Kirkby's idol and racing hero, said on X (formerly known as Twitter): "Tragically sad news. My thoughts are with Keagan's family, friends and everyone at Ditcheat."
Leading rider Harry Skelton also commented on X: "So awfully sad, thoughts with his family and friends."
A JustGiving page, which was set up on Monday to help towards Kirkby's funeral and memorial in his honour, has already passed the £20,000 mark.