Racing at track where jockey Keagan Kirkby died cancelled as investigation into tragedy continues

RACING has been cancelled at a track where a jockey died after a horse fell on top of him.

The sport has been mourning the tragic loss of 25-year-old Keagan Kirkby, a hugely popular amateur rider who worked at Paul Nicholls’ yard.

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Kirkby, middle, sadly died during a race at Charing point-to-point in Kent, where their next scheduled meeting has now been cancelled[/caption]

Kirkby sadly died from injuries sustained during a race at Charing point-to-point in Kent earlier this month.

An inquest heard the horse he was riding turned from a jump and then bolted before throwing Kirkby off and landing on top of him.

The stricken jockey received immediate first aid but not could be saved.

A fundraiser set up in his honour has now raised more than £54,000 and both Nicholls and top rider Bryony Frost have spoken of the devastation they have felt at his passing.

But now it has emerged that the next scheduled meeting at the racecourse has been cancelled while investigations into the incident continue.

Charing was set to host its next fixture on Sunday, February 25, but racing bosses have called it off.

A spokesperson for the Point to Point Authority (PPA) said: “Following the tragic events at Charing on February 4, investigations remain ongoing, with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and us working alongside the local environmental health team.

“The BHA and PPA have deemed that the next fixture for that course is too soon and so it has been called off.

“It should be noted that this is not a reflection on the course itself, or the team that runs the fixtures, who did everything they could and more on the day, as they always do.”

Legendary 20-time jockey AP McCoy called Kirkby’s passing ‘heartbreaking’ as a photo of him with a young Kirkby was posted online.

A ‘mortified’ Nicholls told Sun Racing about the enormity of the loss at his Ditcheat yard.

He said: “He was passionate about his horses and his jobs. He was passionate about everything really. He was a lovely lad.

“He was one of life’s genuine people and you wouldn’t meet a nicer man. I know everyone always says those sorts of things afterwards, but he was such a nice lad that he would do anything for you.

“He worked hard and he had a very kind heart.

“It is sad, and accidents happen, but he was so enthusiastic about riding in point-to-point races. It is incredibly sad for his family and the whole team here.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with in my career.”