Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, 22, has died after a fall during Sunday’s race meeting at Warren in country New South Wales.
Neale was riding Marnoo in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup (1600m) when she was dislodged at around the 400m mark and lost consciousness. Senior rider Diego Montes de Oca was also dislodged, from his horse Shadow Dane, and suffered a suspected broken foot, according to the Racing NSW integrity team.
Both riders were taken to Dubbo Hospital, where Neale was placed on life support. She died on Tuesday evening with her family by her side.
Marnoo was euthanized after suffering a near foreleg injury in the fall, and the final race of Sunday’s program at Warren was abandoned because of the incident.
Neale had ridden in four earlier races that day, including a fourth-place finish aboard Tampa Bay in Race 1. Across her career she recorded 88 wins from 699 starts.
Her family released a statement following her death:
It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends. 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.
The family also thanked those who supported them through the ordeal.
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. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical staff who cared for Izzy with such compassion. As we come to terms with our loss, we ask that our family’s privacy be respected. Izzy was dearly loved and will forever be in our hearts.
Tributes have come in from across the racing community. Analyst Brad Davidson said, “Such tragic news. Thoughts go out to Izzy’s family and everyone who knew her.” Former jockey Kayla Nisbett wrote, “Absolutely devastating. Thinking of all her family, friends and colleagues.” Racing reporter Trent Masenhelder called it an “unimaginable tragedy,” while Sky Racing presenter Lewis Willoughby said, “Properly devastating. Thoughts to her family and friends. RIP.” Thoroughbred trainer Tracey Bartley added, “Devastating. Much love to Izzy’s family and friends.”
Neale’s brother Tommy also posted a message on social media after her death.
Izzy, I can’t believe what’s happened, aye … didn’t expect to be having meetings with doctors about pulling your life support. Just know I love you so much and you’ll always be my lil baby sister; you were my best friend, and we always were so close. I dunno how I’m gonna deal with this. I’m so sorry I spent years in jail and didn’t spend much time together before this accident. I can’t even comprehend how I feel … till we meet again, sis. gonna miss you so much!!
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