A special race day at Wincanton honoured the late Keagan Kirkby, raising over £100,000 to benefit Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund. Kirkby, 25, who worked at Paul Nicholls’ stable in Ditcheat, tragically passed away in a fall during a point-to-point race at Charing in February, leaving a profound impact on the racing community.
The seven-race card on Sunday celebrated Kirkby’s life, with a charity race in his honour that featured many of his close friends. Bloodstock agent and former jockey Tom Malone took victory aboard Alexei, trained by Joe Tizzard, raising £35,000. Kirkby’s friends, Joe Wroe and Alfie Shalliker, also competed, with Shalliker remarking, “I miss him every day. It was emotional but more a celebration than sadness, because he was a great guy.”
Paul Nicholls reflected on Kirkby’s impact, stating, “It’s hard to express the void Keagan left. Racing Welfare’s support, especially from Lucinda Gould, was a lifeline for our team during this difficult time.”
Funds raised will support both charities in their work aiding racing personnel. Racing Welfare’s CEO, Dawn Goodfellow, acknowledged the community’s support: “The Wincanton racing community wanted to give back in Keagan’s memory, and it’s incredible to see the turnout and generosity.”
With an estimated £116,000 raised, Wincanton's tribute underscored the unity and compassion of the racing world, ensuring continued support for mental health, financial aid, and crisis assistance for those in the sport.