Paul Nicholls opens up on final chat with Keagan Kirkby, 25, before tragic death
Paul Nicholls has said the death of Keagan Kirkby is "the hardest thing he's had to deal with" during his career.
The 25-year-old jockey died in a point to point race in Kent on Saturday after a fall. Medics were with Kirkby within 30 seconds of his fall but his injuries "were of such an extent that it was not possible to save" him.
One of the horses Kirkby rode daily at Nicholls' Ditcheat yard, Fire Flyer, claimed victory at Taunton on Monday with the jockey, Harry Cobden, paying tribute to Kirkby after the narrow win.
Legendary jockey AP McCoy, who was a great inspiration to Kirkby, said his death was "heartbreaking" in a social media post. Nicholls has now spoken for the first time since the tragic accident and told the Sun: “He used to ride Afadil every day and the last thing he said to me on Friday morning was 'boss this will win tomorrow' and he was right.
“He used to ride Fire Flyer every day and Blueking D’Oroux everyday. 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.
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“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. It was half an hour before the last race at Musselburgh and I said to my lot not to tell Harry who had to go out and ride. It wasn’t a case of receiving the news that Keagan has had an accident it was a case of Keagan’s had a fall and he is dead.
"I know if Keagan was still here and he would have been excited to see him. He probably would have been the first person to say I will ride him boss. I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before and I have always dreaded it. It has been so hard to come to terms with and the staff on Monday were all mortified."
Jockey Keagan Kirkby died after being thrown from a horse mid-race (FRANCESCA ALTOFT)British Horseracing Authority chief executive Julie Harrington said: "“We are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Keagan Kirkby.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls. The entire Racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential.
“The esteem in which he was held is clear from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and made it through to the final 10 in his category.
"The nomination spoke of Keagan’s qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses, understands their characters and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his affable, helpful nature and popularity on the yard.
“We call on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan’s family and the Paul Nicholls yard.”
A fundraiser set up to for Kirkby's funeral has now almost reached £35,000, some £30,000 more than their initial target, with a host of jockeys contributing to the Just Giving page.
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