Izzy Neale, ‘dearly loved’ Australian apprentice jockey, dies after fall at regional track

Twenty-two-year-old suffered severe injuries at race on Sunday

‘Words are not enough,’ says trainer Richard Freedman

Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died following a fall at a regional racecourse.

Neale suffered severe injuries when her mount Marnoo fell entering the home straight in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup in NSW.

The 22-year-old fell heavily and was unconscious when airlifted to Dubbo Hospital on Sunday.

On Tuesday night, her family released a statement saying she had not recovered.

“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 family said.

“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.

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

“We are deeply grateful for the love, kindness and support shown to Izzy and our family by her friends, the racing community and everyone who has been by our side during this heartbreaking time.

“We would like to thank Racing NSW and the NSW Jockeys Association for their care, compassion and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

Racing industry figures took to social media to express condolences, including trainer Richard Freedman, who posted: “Words are not enough. Love and support to her family.”

Fellow Sydney trainer John Thompson said: “The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking.”

Six-year-old gelding Marnoo was euthanased after sustaining a foreleg injury in the fall, which occurred during the sixth race on the program

Fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca, who was riding Shadow Dane, was dislodged shortly after Neale’s fall.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance, sustained soft tissue injuries to his left foot and was later discharged from hospital.

The seventh and final race on Sunday’s Warren program was abandoned following the incident, while Monday’s meeting at Scone in the Hunter Valley was postponed after consultation between officials, jockeys and trainers.