Will amateur jockeys please note that plans are underway at the BHA for rules on safety equipment (helmets and body protectors) to be updated in 2024. Details will follow as soon as they are available but in the meantime all body protectors will have to be Racesafe’s RaceMotion 2.
Due to the costs involved, we are most grateful to the Injured Jockeys Fund who have kindly agreed to help with the purchase of one body protector per amateur jockey by offering a contribution of 50% based on the purchase price of £260.
To receive your claim form please e-mail jockeys@ijf.org.uk
Today is truly a tragic day for amateur jockeys worldwide.
In addition to the devastating loss of Keagan Kirkby at Charing point-to-point this afternoon which will be keenly felt across the point-to-point fraternity, we have also lost Dominik Pastuszka today. A friend to our amateur riders who venture abroad, Dominik was a 35-year-old Polish amateur jockey based in Italy who succumbed to his injuries following a bad fall at Pisa on Thursday.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Dominik’s family and friends and to the Italian Amateur Club on this great loss. May he Rest In Peace.
We are greatly saddened to have to share the devastating news that Keagan Kirkby lost his life today when riding in the point-to-point at Charing.
We send our deepest condolences to Keagan’s family and to all the team at Ditcheat where he played such an integral part and was held in the highest regard.
We are thinking of all those who mourn this tragic loss and our hearts go out to them.
God bless you Keagan. Rest In Peace.
Statement from the IJF:
“It is with deep sadness that we have to report that West Country point-to-point rider, Keagan Kirkby, 25, has died following a fall at Charing point-to-point in Kent today.
His horse, trained locally, 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.
We kindly ask that everyone respects the privacy of Keagan’s family and the team at Paul Nicholls Racing at this tragic time.”
