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Jockey Izzy Neale died after a fall during a race on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images
The racing industry in Australia is mourning the loss of apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, who tragically died after falling from her horse during a race in rural New South Wales on Sunday.
The 22-year-old lost consciousness after she was dislodged from her horse, Marnoo, entering the home straight during race
six in the 1600m Warren Shire Cotton Cup at Warren Racecourse.
Neale was treated by on-track paramedics before being airlifted to Dubbo Hospital, 120km away, where she was placed on life support and, despite the efforts of medical staff, she was unable to be saved and died on Tuesday night.
“It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends,” her family said in a statement, released by Racing New South Wales.
“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.”
Racing was suspended after the accident, as Marnoo was euthanised after sustaining a serious leg injury in the accident.
The stewards’ report from the race says an inquiry will be scheduled for a date to be determined.
Another jockey, Diego Montes de Oca, was injured in the same race, suffering injuries to his foot, but he has since been discharged from hospital.
A race meet in Scone – Neale’s home track – was called off on Monday with the races scheduled to go ahead on Wednesday.
The following is a statement from the family of jockey Izzy Neale. pic.twitter.com/KqfdhUFem6
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) November 10, 2026
The Australian Turf Club described Neale as a “talented young rider with a bright future”.
Trainer John Thompson, who Neale worked for, also paid tribute.
“An absolute beacon of shining light. Always happy. Always smiling. Loved by everyone who met her,” he said on X.
“The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking.”
Tributes extended from beyond the racing scene, with former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe and Canterbury Bulldogs NRL manager Phil Gould paying their respects.
“Izzy Neale was a star… this is the saddest of days … her smile lit up the mounting enclosure … the love and respect she had for the horse was obvious … it was an absolute honour to have known her… my condolences to her family … she will be remembered forever … R.I.P,” O’Keeffe wrote on X.
Gould wrote: “I never met young jockey Izzy Neale … But I have a great love of horse racing and tremendous respect and appreciation for our jockeys, the sacrifices they make, and the risks they take.
“It’s so sad to hear of the passing of this young lady … It reminds us yet again of the danger of their jobs, and the courage they show each and every day … My sincere condolences to Izzy’s family, friends, colleagues, and the whole industry … RIP.”
Neale won 88 races and had 269 placings from 699 career starts in her career, which began in 2024.
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