Young Australian Jockey Dies After Race Fall

Australian apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died at just 22 years old. She fell from her horse during a race at Warren Racecourse in New South Wales on Sunday.

Neale was thrown off her horse, Marnoo, during the race and was airlifted to Dubbo Hospital for treatment.

Her family shared the sad news of her death on Tuesday through X. They made the announcement along with Racing NSW, stating she passed away surrounded by her loved ones.

“It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends,” the statement said.

The family spoke about Neale’s lifelong love for horses. They said she had been riding horses before she could even walk. “Izzy rode horses before she could walk. Her love of horses was a lifelong passion that, more recently, had grown into a love of racing,” they added.

They also shared that Neale would become an organ donor. This decision brings some hope to others despite the family's great loss. “Through organ donation, Izzy will give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss,” they said.

The Cotton Cup meeting was called off after the incident. Sadly, Marnoo was put down after suffering a severe leg injury.

A second jockey in the same race, Diego Montes de Oca, also got hurt. He had injuries to his foot but was later discharged from the hospital.

Neale had 88 wins in her professional riding career. The Australian racing community remembered her as a talented young jockey.

The Australian Turf Club described her as a “talented young rider with a bright future.”

Trainer John Thompson, who worked with Neale, also paid tribute to her. He posted a message on X, saying, “An absolute beacon of shining light. Always happy. Always smiling. Loved by everyone who met her.”

“The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking,” he added.

Neale’s family thanked the racing community, medical staff, friends, and the public for their support during this tough time. “As we come to terms with our loss, we ask that our family’s privacy be respected,” they said.

“Izzy was dearly loved and will forever be in our hearts.”