Charity raceday will celebrate Kirkby - Nicholls

Keagan Kirkby was an amateur jockey who also worked at trainer Paul Nicholls' Ditcheat yard

A charity raceday in memory of jockey Keagan Kirkby this weekend is a day to "celebrate Keagan's life", said his former trainer Paul Nicholls.

Kirby, 25, died during a race on 4 February this year when his horse ran into the side of a jump at a point-to-point race at Charing Racecourse in Kent.

The event in his honour takes place this Sunday, 27 October, at Wincanton Racecourse.

"Anything to keep Keagan's name in lights is fantastic. To have a charity event in Keagan's name and whole day of racing is fantastic," Nicholls told BBC Radio Somerset.

"He was a wonderful guy, wonderful team player for us and he's missed by us and all his family."

Kirkby was working at the time of his death for Nicholls at his yard in Ditcheat, Somerset. He joined the staff in 2019 and had been shortlisted this year for an industry employees award this year.

A review was carried out by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Point-to-Point Authority to see if any lessons could be learned from the incidents around Kirkby's death.

Funds raised from the raceday will go to The Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare charities.

"We're delighted to be able to host that day and give back to the local community and also have a venue that people can come together," said Blaithin Murphy, manager at Wincanton Racecourse.

"Racing really is the heart of the south west and that day will put it all into play."