Australian horse rider dies at 22 after race fall

Izzy Neale turned professional in 2024 and rode 88 winners in her professional career Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Australian apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died at the age of 22 after falling from her horse during a race at Warren Racecourse in New South Wales on Sunday.

Neale was dislodged from her horse, Marnoo, during the race and airlifted to Dubbo Hospital, where she received medical treatment.

Her family announced her death on Tuesday on X in a joint statement with Racing NSW, saying 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 read.

The family described Neale’s love for horses as a lifelong passion, saying she had been riding before she could 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,” the statement added.

They also revealed that Neale would become an organ donor, offering hope to others despite the family’s devastating loss.

“Through organ donation, Izzy will give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss,” they said.

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The Cotton Cup meeting was abandoned following the incident, while Marnoo was euthanised after sustaining a serious leg injury.

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

Neale recorded 88 winners during her professional riding career and was remembered by members of the Australian racing community as a talented young jockey.

The Australian Turf Club described her as a “talented young rider with a bright future”.
Trainer John Thompson, who Neale worked for, also paid tribute to the young jockey in a message posted on X.

“An absolute beacon of shining light. Always happy. Always smiling. Loved by everyone who met her,” he wrote.

“The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking.”
Neale’s family expressed gratitude to the racing community, medical staff, friends and members of the public for their support during the difficult period.

“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.”