New statement issued after jockey Keagan Kirkby’s death as AP McCoy speaks of his ‘heartbreak’

THE BHA have released a new joint-statement following the tragic death of jockey Keagan Kirkby.

The amateur rider, 25, died while competing in a point-to-point at Charing racecourse in Kent on Sunday.

Kirkby, middle, was a yard worker for top trainer Nicholls, left, at his Ditcheat yard in Somerset

Kirkby’s girlfriend spoke of her unimaginable sorrow at his death

The statement confirmed medical crews got to Kirkby within 30 seconds of his fall but that his injuries ‘were of such an extent that it was not possible to save’ him.

It came as legendary rider AP McCoy spoke of his ‘heartbreak’ at the loss – which left 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls ‘mortified’.

Kirkby was a yard worker at Nicholls’ Ditcheat stables in Somerset and the trainer posted last night: “Life’s so hard sometimes.”

The new statement posted by the BHA and Point-to-Point Authority read: “The necessary steps in response to this tragic incident commenced immediately after the race on Sunday and have continued today.

“The BHA are visiting the site and will work with the PPA, the racecourse and attending medical teams to ensure that the incident is fully reviewed.

“All of the relevant bodies will also assist the police and/or Environmental Health Officer with any enquiries they wish to make.

“The medical facilities and teams at Charing racecourse on Sunday were fully compliant with the required standards and included two racecourse doctors and three fully equipped ambulances with paramedic crews.

“The medical team attended Mr Kirkby within 30 seconds of his fall. Further support was provided by 999 road and air ambulances.

“Despite the immediate medical attention the injuries were of such an extent that it was not possible to save Mr Kirkby’s life.

“It is important that, with any incident such as this, we do all that we can to understand what caused it, and whether there is anything we can learn from it.

“There is a risk attached to racing which can never be entirely removed, but we are committed to ensure that we assess every incident and use any findings to help continually improve our safety record.

“Our thoughts remain with Keagan Kirkby’s family and his many friends and colleagues from within the racing industry and beyond.

“The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) are coordinating support for the Kirkby family, his places of work and any staff member or participant at the event.”

A photo of young Kirkby posing for a photo with McCoy was posted online and the former rider wrote in response to it: “Heartbreaking.”

He had earlier said: “Tragically sad news. My thoughts are with Keagan’s family, friends and everyone at Ditcheat. RIP Keagan Kirby.”

The racing community as a whole has come together to offer their sympathies to those who loved and knew Kirkby.

Harry Cobden, Nicholls’ No1 rider and a regular at Ditcheat, said: “A terrible tragedy.

“Keagan loved his job and was an integral part of Team Ditcheat. My thoughts are with all of Keagan’s family and friends.”

While Nicholls’ daughter and ITV Racing pundit Megan Nicholls said: “Can’t really get my head around it but to be one of many lucky people to have known Keagan is a privilege. RIP Keag.”

Kirkby’s girlfriend Emily Bruge called him her ‘light’ and wrote a heartbreaking post in tribute.

She said: “I never thought in a million years I would find someone like you who cared and looked after me the way you did.

“I’m absolutely heartbroken and always will be.

“You were the light at the end of a long week at work.

“I’m so sorry and I will love you forever.”