A jockey from Kent tragically passed away following a horrific fall during a race.
Keagan Kirkby was helped by on-site medical staff following his fall during Sunday’s last race at Charing racetrack in Kent.
The course also dispatched an air ambulance, but unfortunately, they could not revive him. The devastating news has shaken the whole sport.
This year, 25-year-old Kirkby was nominated for an award at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards for his performance as a stable staff member for champion trainer Paul Nicholls. In 2022, he was called a “true trooper” of the renowned stables after receiving an additional award.
After his locally trained horse went out on the second circle of the final race, the on-course medical staff rushed to his aid, but they could not rescue him, even with the help of a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services Crew. Keagan was a member of the Paul Nicholls Racing team. Keagan joined them in 2019 and was a highly regarded employee, having been named Employee of the Month in December 2021 and nominated for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider/Groom category in 2024.
On X, the governing body of horse racing in Ireland expressed their deepest condolences for the loss of Kirkby. They extended their heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones and friends, particularly his coworkers.
In a statement, Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, expressed their “devastation” upon hearing the unfortunate news.
The on-course team of veterinarians wasted no time in tending to the horse, Hermes, but it was only after a short while that the unfortunate word spread that he had been euthanized.
In a series of tweets on X, multi-millionaire businessman Ged Mason—who shared ownership of the horse with Sir Alex—quickly paid respect to one of their finest animals.
Having Hermes in his life was a blessing, he wrote.
