A young jockey has tragically died after a horror fall at a race meeting in Kent over the weekend.
Keagan Kirkby was riding in the final event of the day at Charing when he was thrown from his horse.
But Mr Kirby was unable to be saved, leaving his girlfriend Emily Burge heartbroken.
She wrote online: "I never thought in a million years I would find someone like you who cared and looked after me the way you did.
Emily Burge posted a heartbreaking tribute online
"I'm absolutely heartbroken and always will be.
"You were the light at the end of a hard 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.
"I know I will always be your doughnut and you will always be my princess. I'm so sorry and I will love you forever."
Mr Kirby was a member of champion trainer Paul Nicholls' stable staff and was shortlisted for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards this year.
Nicholls paid tribute on X, formerly Twitter, writing: "Life is so hard sometimes, winners 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 and rode Afadil every day.
Keagan Kirkby died after a fall at a Kent race
"Last thing he said to me on Friday was 'boss Afadil will win tomorrow'. How right he was. RIP Keag we will all miss you terribly."
Chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, Julie Harrington, said: "We are devastated to hear the tragic news regarding the fatal injuries sustained by Keagan Kirkby.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone at the yard of Paul Nicholls. The entire racing industry will be in mourning at the loss of someone so young and with such potential.
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Keagan Kirkby trained with Paul Nicholls
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"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."
