When we drop the flag on the 2024-25 Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Season, we’ll be remembering amateur jockey Keagan Kirkby with our Keagan Kirkby Remembrance CONDITIONS Race (Level 2), for Grass Roots Riders and raising funds for charity too.
All entry fees for this race will be donated to the charity Friends of Young Carers in the Bath and Northeast Somerset Area – and we’ll also be shaking a bucket or two to raise as much as we can on the day.
Keagan had an infectious passion for racing. Two years ago, we witnessed his thrill of riding his first winner – Ask For Glory owned by his family and trained by Sam Loxton - in our Novice & Veteran Riders’ Race.
Last season Keagan tragically lost his life in a racing fall. Remembered by many as a good friend, and an enthusiastic ambassador for amateur racing, what is less widely known is Keagan’s role as a young carer for his mother Zoe.
Dunsmore Racing Club Point to Point Chairman Robert Chanin explained
“Dunsmore was a special place for Keagan and his family, and we wanted to remember him by naming this year’s renewal of the race he won in his memory, and by raising funds for a charity of his family’s choice.
They have nominated Friends of Young Carers in the Bath and Northeast Somerset Area in recognition of the support given to Keagan as a young carer and hope that in addition to raising some much-needed funds for this small charity that it will also be an opportunity to raise awareness of their important impact on the community.
We are very grateful for the support we have received for this race so far by so many in the sport. The race is sponsored by Paul Nicholls Racing Limited which is wonderful gesture by Keagan’s former employer.
We would like to actively encourage all owners and trainers to please consider entering this race. The Point-to-Point Racing Company have kindly agreed to waive their admin costs for this race so the full amount of your entry fee, along with our bucket collection will be donated to the charity.”
In addition to funds raised on the day, the Charity has a JustGiving page for anyone who would like to donate https://www.justgiving.com/youngcarers-bath. Simply follow the link through to the Friends of Young Carers Bath Just Giving page and you can donate online to the charity, directly.
Keagan and Imperial Esprit at the Thurlow, 31st December, 2023