British Horse Racing continues to investigate the death of jockey Keegan Kirkby, 25, who crashed through the wing of a fence during a race at Charing, Kent, on Sunday. .
In a joint statement with the Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) on Monday, the BHA said: “The necessary measures to respond to this tragic incident were initiated immediately after Sunday’s race and are continuing.” said.
The statement continued: “The BHA is visiting the scene and will work with the PPA, the racecourse and the participating medical teams to ensure the incident is fully investigated.” All relevant agencies will also respond to inquiries from police and environmental health officers if they wish.
“The medical facilities and team at Charing Racecourse on Sunday fully met required standards, including three fully equipped ambulances carrying two racecourse doctors and paramedics. Mr Kirkby said: was attended to within 30 seconds of the fall. A further 999 road and air ambulances provided assistance. Despite immediate medical attention, the severity of his injuries was such that it was impossible to save Mr Kirkby’s life. I couldn’t.
“When an incident like this occurs, it is important that we do everything we can to understand what caused it and whether we can learn anything from it. Racing involves risks that cannot be completely eliminated. However, we are committed to ensuring that all incidents are evaluated and the results are used to continuously improve our safety record.
“Our thoughts are with Keegan Kirkby’s family and his many friends and colleagues within and outside the racing industry. The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) would like to extend our condolences to the Kirkby family, his employer and event staff. and coordinating support for participants.”
Kirkby has been an invaluable member of champion jumping trainer Paul Nicholls’ team at his Somerset yard and rode Afadil to victory at Musselburgh on Saturday. He was named the stable’s Employee of the Month for December 2021 and a finalist in the Jockey/Groom category for the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee of the Year Award.
“He was passionate about his work and riding and rode Afadil every day.” In his eulogy for X, Mr. Nichols said: (Old Twitter) Sunday. “The last thing he said to me on Friday was, “Coach Afadil will win tomorrow.” He was so right. Rest in Peace Keeg, we all miss you. I will be very sad without you.”
BHA chief executive Julie Harrington said on Sunday night: “The entire racing industry will be saddened by the loss of someone so young and with so much potential.”
“How highly regarded he was is evidenced by the fact that he was nominated in the Rider/Groom category for the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee of the Year Award and was one of the final 10 in that category. It spoke to Keegan’s qualities as a thoughtful jockey who developed a personal bond with his horse, understood his horse’s personality and adjusted his riding accordingly, and his affable and kind personality and popularity at the track. ”
