Top trainer Paul Nicholls ‘mortified’ after his jockey and yard work Keagan Kirkby dies in awful racing accident

LEGENDARY trainer Paul Nicholls has said he is totally ‘mortified’ at the death of his jockey and yard worker Keagan Kirkby.

The talented horseman, who started working for the 14-time champion trainer in 2019, died while riding at a point-to-point meeting at Charing in Kent on Sunday.

Kirkby, middle, with Nicholls, left, and top rider Harry Cobden, right, has sadly died in a terrible racing accident

Kirkby won a prestigious ’employee of the month’ award in 2022 and was described as a ‘real trooper’ of Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard in Somerset.

A shellshocked Nicholls wrote on X: “Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today.

“Sadly Keagan Kirkby 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.

“He was passionate about his job and his riding and rode Afadil every day. Last thing he said to me on friday was “boss Afadil will win tomorrow “. How right he was . RIP Keag we will all miss you terribly.”

On-site medical crews rushed to the aid of Kirkby after he was thrown from his horse during the final race at Charing’s meeting.

An air ambulance was also called to the course but they were not able to save him.

The awful news has sent shockwaves through the sport.

A statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund said: “It is with deep sadness that we have to report that West Country point-to-point rider, Keagan Kirkby, 25, has died following a fall at Charing point-to-point in Kent today.

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

“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 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider / Groom category 2024.

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

Nicholls’ fellow trainer Fergal O’Brien wrote in reply to his messages: “So sorry to hear this news. Thoughts with all of your team.”

Another person replied: “Devastating news absolutely heartbreaking.”

While a third wrote: “Oh my God life is so cruel my very deepest condolences to everyone.”

This is a particularly tough time for Nicholls coming just a day after he lost superstar horse Hermes Allen.

The Sir Alex Ferguson-owned chaser suffered a fatal injury two flights from home in the Scilly Isles at Sandown.

The horse was immediately attended to by the on-course team of vets, but the sad news was confirmed a short time later that he had been put to sleep.

Ged Mason, a multi-millionaire businessman who owned the horse with Sir Alex, was quick to pay tribute to one of their best horses in a series of posts on X.

He wrote: “Blessed to have had Hermes. Gone too soon. To all the team at Ditcheat who gave so much care and love to our fella.

“Massive thank you on behalf of all our owners. Gutted is an understatement. Thanks for the memories.”