Jockey killed on horse with ‘a reputation for falling’
Kieran Kelly, aged 25, 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.
Mr 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 was one I’d rather not be behind. He was an experienced horse but he had fallen previously.
“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 Mr Kelly’s horse get up from a fall but his mount then collided with Balmy Native.
The inquest later heard that after the collision, Mr Kelly’s mount rolled over on top of the jockey. The sport was described in court as a “dangerous occupation”.
The inquest heard Mr Kelly’s reputation “preceded him as an excellent horseman”.
Dr Brian Farrell, the coroner, said: “It suggests that it was the initial fall that caused the head injury.”
PJ Murphy from the Health and Safety Authority said Mr Kelly was an “extremely accomplished” jockey.
“The horse was an 11-year-old who had ran 63 times and only fallen twice.” The jury passed a verdict of accidental death.
