A horse racing fixture has been cancelled following the death of a jockey at the course.

Keagan Kirkby, 25, died when his horse bolted into a fence after refusing a jump at Charing Point to Point on Sunday, February 4.

An event was planned for February 25, but has now been called off, while investigations continue.

The Point to Point Authority (PPA) said: “Following the tragic events at Charing on February 4, investigations remain ongoing, with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and us working alongside the local environmental health team.

“The BHA and PPA have deemed that the next fixture for that course is too soon and so it has been called off.

“It should be noted that this is not a reflection on the course itself, or the team that runs the fixtures, who did everything they could and more on the day, as they always do.”

An inquest into Mr Kirkby’s death, held on Monday, heard that his horse turned from the jump, bolted into a fence - throwing the jockey off and then falling on him.

The athlete, who worked for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, was given immediate first aid following the accident and the air ambulance attended.

Despite best efforts from the paramedics, he died at the scene.

Friends and family have described Mr Kirkby as a “shining beacon”, saying: “He always had a smile and kind words to say to anyone he met.”

A JustGiving page set up to raise money for the funeral and a memorial has already raised more than £54,000.

Tributes flooded in following the sad news.

His girlfriend, Emily Burge, said: “I never thought in a million years I would find someone like you who cared and looked after me the way you did. I am absolutely heartbroken and always will be.

“You were the light at the end of a long week at work.

“We had so many plans over the summer to go to the lakes and show you where I grew up in Exmoor.”

Trainer Paul Nicholls posted a tribute on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, describing Mr Kirkby as “one of our best, hardworking lads”.

He wrote: “Life is so hard sometimes, the winners are totally insignificant compared to what has happened today.”

BHA chief executive Julie Harrington released a statement saying she was “devastated to hear the tragic news”.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls,” she said.

“The entire racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential.”