15 February 2024 , 12:01
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A race meeting at the track where Keagan Kirkby lost his life will not go ahead with its next fixture.
The 25-year-old amateur rider, who worked for 14-time champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls, was competing at the February 4 point-to-point meeting at Charing in Kent.
An inquest was told - when it opened in Maidstone on Monday - that he died when his horse stopped at a fence, bolted into the side of a jump, throwing him off and then landed on top of him.
Kirkby suffered multiple injuries but could not be saved by paramedics. Charing was due to host its next meeting on February 25 but it has been cancelled while investigations continue.
In a statement 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.
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“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.”
A fundraiser for Kirkby, described as “one of the kindest, most genuine lads”, to help raise funds for his funeral and a memorial has now reached £54,000.
Keagan Kirkby worked for trainer Paul Nicholls and rode in point-to-points (Facebook)His boss Paul Nicholls said any money left over would go to charities chosen by his family.
“It’s over £54,000 now which shows what high esteem Keagan was held by everybody.” he said.
“Racing has pulled together, everybody has supported it from all walks of life. It’s fantastic.
“We can give him a great send-off. His Mum’s intention is that any money left over will go to any charity he would have felt close to. It helps us get through what has been a difficult time.”