Mourners asked to wear Bristol Rovers colours to tragic jockey's funeral

21 February 2024 , 14:56

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The funeral of Keagan Kirkby (left) will be held in Ditcheat

Mourners attending the funeral of tragic jockey Keagan Kirkby have been asked to dress colourfully.

The service will take place in Ditcheat, Somerset, where he worked for 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls, on Tuesday, March 5, seven days before the Cheltenham Festival.

And the family have requested attendees come in blue and white, the colours of League One football club Bristol Rovers, or wear their favourite racing silks.

Kirkby, 25, was riding in a point-to-point at Charing in Kent on February 4 when he lost his life.

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, according to details reported at the opening of his inquest..

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Kirkby suffered multiple injuries but could not be saved by paramedics.

described as “one of the kindest, most genuine lads”, to help raise funds for his funeral and a memorial has now exceeded £55,000.

Details of the funeral have now been announced via the Injured Jockeys Fund.

“The funeral of point-to-point jockey Keagan Kirkby will be held on Tuesday 5 March in Ditcheat, Somerset at 12.15pm," the notice said.

“Keagan’s family request that people wear blue and white (Bristol Rovers related) or their favourite horse racing colours. And no flowers please.

“Keagan’s mother, Zoe, and his family would like to thank everyone for all the love, support and kind messages that they have received during the last few difficult weeks.”

Jon Lees