Charing marred by tragedy

West Country point-to-point rider, Keagan Kirkby, 25, has died following a fall at Charing point-to-point in Kent yesterday.

His horse, trained locally by Hannah Grissell, ran out through the wing of a fence on the second circuit of the final race. The on course Medical Team attended immediately and despite additional support from a 999 Helicopter Emergency Services Crew, he could not be saved. 

Keagan was a respected member of the Paul Nicholls team, who joined in 2019 and who had been awarded employee of the month in December 2021. He was shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in the Rider / Groom category 2024.