The Australian racing community is mourning the death of apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, who died in hospital days after suffering a serious fall during a race in New South Wales.
The 22-year-old was riding Marnoo during the sixth race at Warren Racecourse, approximately 100 kilometres from Dubbo, on Sunday when she fell alongside another jockey about 400 metres from the finish line.
According to Racing NSW, Neale was knocked unconscious in the incident and airlifted to Dubbo Hospital.
Her family travelled to the hospital to be with her as she received medical treatment.
Family Confirms Her Death in Emotional Statement
Racing NSW and Neale’s family jointly announced her death on Tuesday, confirming that she passed away surrounded by her closest relatives and friends.
In a statement, her family described her as someone whose passion for horses began in early childhood and eventually developed into a career in horse racing.
“Neale rode horses before she could walk.
Her love of horses was a lifelong passion that, more recently, had grown into a love of racing,” the statement read.
The family also revealed that Neale would become an organ donor, giving others an opportunity to receive life-saving transplants.
“Through organ donation, Izzy will give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss,” they said.
They expressed appreciation for the support received from friends, members of the racing industry, Racing NSW, the NSW Jockeys Association and the medical professionals who cared for her.
The family also requested privacy as they come to terms with her death, adding that she would remain in their hearts.
Horse Involved in the Accident Also Dies
Marnoo, the horse Neale was riding when the accident occurred, sustained an injury to its near foreleg.
The horse, which was trained by Kieran Hazelton, was subsequently euthanised.
The accident also involved jockey Diego Montes de Oca, who was transported to Dubbo Hospital with a suspected broken foot.
Race Meeting Postponed Following Tragedy
A scheduled race meeting at Scone on Monday was postponed following discussions with jockeys and trainers.
Scone was Neale’s home track in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, where she grew up.
Racing NSW had earlier expressed its support for Neale, her family, friends and colleagues following the accident.
“The thoughts and heartfelt support of Racing NSW and the entire community are with Izzy, her family, friends and colleagues during this extremely difficult time,” the organisation said in an earlier statement.
Racing Community Pays Tribute to the Young Jockey
News of the accident prompted emotional reactions from members of the Australian racing industry, with several jockeys and former riders expressing their concern and support.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Robbie Dolan commented on the incident, writing: “Tough day to be a jockey when things like this happen.”
Former jockey Melinda Turner also shared her reaction, saying: “Praying for a miracle. A terrible day for our industry.”
Neale Had Won 88 Races During Her Career
Despite her young age, Neale had established herself as a promising apprentice jockey, recording 88 victories from 699 race starts.
She secured her first metropolitan race victory in July when she rode It’s A Tata to win the Highway Handicap at Rosehill.
Just one day before Sunday’s accident, Neale had competed at Rosehill during the Five Diamonds Day meeting in Sydney.
During an interview with Sky Racing that day, she revealed that she was expecting to complete the purchase of her first home later that week.
Her death has brought an end to the career of a young jockey who had developed a lifelong passion for horses and was making progress in Australian horse racing.
