Jockey Izzy Neale dies aged 22 following race fall

Australian apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died aged 22 after suffering critical injuries in a race fall at Warren in New South Wales.

The Australian apprentice’s family has confirmed her death after Sunday’s fall at Warren, with tributes being organised by the racing community.

Neale was riding Marnoo in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup on Sunday 8 November when the fall occurred. She was treated at the racecourse before being airlifted to Dubbo Hospital. Her family confirmed her death in a statement released through Racing NSW on Tuesday.

In the statement published by Racing NSW, her family said she had died with those closest to her present.

“Izzy rode horses before she could walk,” they said.

They described a lifelong connection with horses that had developed into a passion for racing. The family also said her organ donation would help others and provide some consolation as they faced her loss.

Racing community pays tribute

Neale rode 88 winners during her professional career. The final race at Warren was abandoned following Sunday’s incident.

The Australian Turf Club announced that jockeys riding in the fifth race at Warwick Farm on Wednesday would wear black armbands in her memory. It is also working with Racing NSW and the NSW Jockeys Association on plans to name a race in her honour next week.

Australian Turf Club chief executive Steve McMahon described Neale as “an outstanding talent” and “a much-loved and admired young lady”, offering condolences to her family and fellow riders.

Neale’s family thanked the medical staff who cared for her, alongside friends, the racing community, Racing NSW and the NSW Jockeys Association. They have asked for privacy as they grieve.