More than £50,000 has been raised towards a jockey’s funeral following a horror racecourse accident.

Young talent Keagan Kirkby, described as a “shining beacon” in tributes, was killed when he was thrown from his horse in the final event at Charing over the weekend.

The Injured Jockeys Fund said the 25-year-old’s locally-trained mount ran out through the wing of a fence on the second circuit of the last race.

Police and paramedics were called to the incident on Sunday at about 3.30pm - with an air ambulance also landing at the scene.

But sadly the Somerset-based jockey could not be saved and died at the scene.

A fundraiser was set up the following day to raise cash for his funeral and a memorial for him.

It says “the world sadly lost one of the kindest, most genuine lads” on Sunday.

“As a young boy, Keagan could only dream of working for the champion trainer and riding winners,” it states.

“With hard work and sheer determination, he got there and achieved everything he dreamt of and more.

“He truly was an inspiration to all those who have a dream and he never gave up.

“He always had a smile and kind words to say to anyone he met.

“Keagan, you will be missed by so many people - you really were one of a kind.

“This page has been set up to help Keagan’s family who have lost the shining beacon of the family.

“Money raised will go towards funding his funeral and some sort of memorial in his honour.”

The organisers of the JustGiving page set a target of £5,000 but it has since raised more than £53,000 in just a couple of days. You can donate to the fundraiser here.

Moving tributes flooded in from family, friends and the racing community when news of the tragic incident broke.

Keagan’s 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.”

Keagan worked for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who posted a tribute on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The winners are totally insignificant compared to what has happened today...”

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

“Sadly Keagan Kirkby, one of our best, hardworking lads, lost his life today riding in a point-to-point. All at team Ditcheat are mortified. Thoughts with all his friends and family. He was passionate about his job and his riding.”

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Julie Harrington released a statement saying it is “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.

“The esteem in which he was held is clear from the fact that he was nominated for the Rider/Groom category of the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and made it through to the final 10 in his category.

“The nomination spoke of Keagan's qualities as a thoughtful rider who develops a personal bond with his horses, understands their characters and adapts his riding accordingly, as well as his affable, helpful nature and popularity on the yard.

“We call on everyone to respect the privacy of Keagan's family and the Paul Nicholls yard.”

Legendary champion jockey AP McCoy said: “Tragically sad news. My thoughts are with Keagan’s family, friends and everyone at Ditcheat.”