A fundraising web page arrange in reminiscence of “one of the vital kindest, maximum authentic lads”, Keagan Kirkby, has raised greater than £40,000 for his funeral and memorial.
Kegan, 25, died on Sunday (4 February) in a point-to-pointing twist of fate at Charing. Tributes have poured in from around the racing group, mourning the lack of one among their very own.
A JustGiving web page used to be introduced on Monday to lend a hand Keagan’s circle of relatives with funeral prices and for a memorial to the rider, following the lack of the “shining beacon of the circle of relatives”.
The web page description mentioned that the arena has “unfortunately misplaced one of the vital kindest, maximum authentic lads”.
“His pastime for racing and horses will ceaselessly live to tell the tale via the ones folks who have been fortunate sufficient to have had him in our lives,” reads the outline.
“As a tender boy Keagan may handiest dream of running for the champion instructor and driving winners.
“With exhausting paintings and sheer resolution he were given there and completed the whole thing he dreamt of and extra.
“He in point of fact used to be an inspiration to all those that have a dream, he by no means gave up. He at all times had a grin and type phrase to mention to any individual he met. Keagan, you’ll be neglected by way of such a lot of other folks, you truly have been one among a sort.”
Keagan were a piece rider for Paul Nicholls since 2019 and used to be shortlisted for the 2024 Thoroughbred Trade Worker Awards. British Horseracing Authority leader government Julie Harrington, who’s amongst the ones to pay tribute, mentioned the nomination spoke of Kegan’s qualities as a “considerate rider who develops a non-public bond together with his horses, understands their characters and adapts his driving accordingly, in addition to his affable, useful nature and recognition at the backyard”.
The ones phrases were echoed within the loads of tributes which have been paid to Keagan.
Racing Welfare’s improve line is to be had 24 hours for any individual suffering from the inside track on 0800 6300 443, as is the Injured Jockeys Fund/Wearing Likelihood helpline on 07780 008877.
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