Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died following a severe fall at a regional racecourse in New South Wales. The 22-year-old suffered critical injuries when her horse, Marnoo, fell as they entered the home straight during the Warren Shire Cotton Cup on Sunday.
Tragic Passing and Family Tribute
Neale fell heavily during the race and remained unconscious when she was airlifted by emergency helicopter to Dubbo Hospital. On Tuesday night, her family issued a statement confirming that she had succumbed to her injuries.
“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 stated, adding that she had ridden horses since before she could walk.
The family also shared that Neale would help others through organ donation, bringing them some comfort amid the loss. They expressed gratitude to friends, the racing community, Racing NSW, and the NSW Jockeys Association for their support.
Racing Community Tributes
Members of the horse racing industry shared tributes and condolences on social media following the tragedy. Trainer Richard Freedman wrote on social media, “Words are not enough. Love and support to her family.” Fellow Sydney trainer John Thompson added that the world is poorer for losing a beautiful young lady.
The six-year-old gelding Marnoo was euthanized after suffering a foreleg injury during the incident, which occurred in the sixth race of the program. Another jockey, Diego Montes de Oca, was unseated from his mount, Shadow Dane, shortly after the initial fall.
Montes de Oca was transported to the hospital by ambulance with soft tissue injuries to his left foot and was later discharged. Following the accident, the seventh and final race of Sunday’s Warren meeting was canceled, and a subsequent race meeting at Scone scheduled for Monday was postponed after discussions involving officials, jockeys, and trainers.
