Australian apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has passed away at the age of 22 after falling from her horse during a race at Warren Racecourse in New South Wales on Sunday.
During the race, Neale fell from her horse, Marnoo, and was airlifted to Dubbo Hospital, where she received medical care.
On Tuesday, her family announced her death on X in a joint statement with Racing NSW, saying she died 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 said Neale’s love of horses was a lifelong passion, noting that she had been riding since 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 shared that Neale would become an organ donor, bringing hope to others even amid 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.
The Cotton Cup meeting was called off after the incident, while Marnoo was euthanized as a result of a serious leg injury.
Another jockey in the same race, Diego Montes de Oca, also suffered injuries to his foot. He was released from the hospital at a later point.
During her professional riding career, Neale rode 88 winners, and members of the Australian racing community recalled her as a talented young jockey.
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The Australian Turf Club called her a “talented young rider with a bright future.”
Trainer John Thompson, for whom Neale worked, also honored the young jockey in a message shared 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 their gratitude to the racing community, the medical staff, friends, and members of the public for the support they received during this 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.”
