Jockey killed 'on horse known to fall'

A 25-year-old jump jockey was riding a horse with a reputation for falling when he received fatal injuries after his mount stumbled in a steeplechase, an inquest heard today.

Kieran Kelly, of Ruanbeg Close, Kildare Town, Co Kildare, died from serious brain injuries he received after Balmy Native fell at the fifth fence at Kilbeggan racetrack on August 8, 2003.

Kelly was the first jockey to lose his life on an Irish racecourse in 17 years.

Professional jockey Ken Whelan, who was also racing in the 7.30pm three-mile steeplechase, said: “Kieran’s horse had a reputation for falling.”

He added: “He was one I’d rather not be behind. He was an experienced horse but he had fallen previously.”

Whelan added: “It happened so fast, a split second, he seemed to be going into it all right so I watched my own horse.”

He said that when he cleared the fence he saw Kelly’s horse getting back up from a fall but his mount then collided with Balmy Native.

The inquest later heard that after the collision, Kelly’s mount rolled over on top of the jockey.