Jockey Stefano Cherchi has tragically died two weeks after falling from a horse at the Canberra Races in Australia, the NSW Jockeys Association said on Wednesday.
23-year-old Cherchi from Sardinia, who had ridden over 100 winners in the UK, fell during a meeting at Canberra. On 20 March 24, his mount Hasime fell in the Affinity Electrical Technologies Plate, and two other riders narrowly avoided serious injury when they became unseated during the incident.
After receiving emergency medical treatment at the track, Cherchi was rushed to hospital, where it was discovered he had sustained a serious head injury and internal bleeding.
His girlfriend Brittany, daughter of former Irish flat racing jockey Kieren Fallon, travelled to be at his bedside. However, the Cherchi family announced the passing of their beloved family member two weeks following the initial accident.
The British Horse Racing Authority has since taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express its condolences:
We are heartbroken to hear the news that Stefano Cherchi has died following a fall at Canberra Racecourse last month.
— British Horseracing Authority (@BHAHorseracing) April 3, 2024
Stefano rode over 100 winners in Britain before moving to Australia, and the high esteem in which he was held around the world is clear to see.
Our thoughts are… pic.twitter.com/gVFBqbua8I
New South Wales Jockey’s Association released a statement saying:
“With deep sadness, the Cherchi family announced their beloved son Stefano passed away peacefully today”
The family have expressed their thanks for the love, prayers and messages sent from across the world. Brittany left a heartfelt message on social media:
“Life will never be the same. I’ll love you forever, thank you for showing me the most passionate kind of love I could have only ever imagined,”
Cherchi partnered 38 winners for trainer Marco Botti before moving to Australia earlier in the year to decide whether to move there permanently or return to the UK. Despite his young age, Cherchi impressed with his track skills in his final race in Australia with a surprising win on a 60-1 outsider, Flying Bat. He was very popular in the weighing room, being described as having humility, kindness, and a keen sense of humour.
The sportsman is reported to have had an estimated net worth of $500,000, which is attributed to his talent and dedication to the sport of horse racing, which he amassed during his victories in both the UK and Australia.
The racing world has been left shocked and in mourning, and we send condolences to his family.
Feature image retrieved from Facebook: Jockey Stefano Cherchi https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10216722189946342&set=a.1402503421826
News Reporter, Everything Horse