Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died at the age of 22 after suffering a devastating fall at Sunday’s meeting in Warren, in regional NSW.
Neale reportedly lost consciousness after being dislodged from her mount, Marnoo, near the 400-metre mark of the Warren Shire Cotton Cup over 1600 metres.
Senior rider Diego Montes de Oca was also thrown from his horse, Shadow Dane. Racing NSW’s integrity team later said he had suffered a suspected broken foot.
Both Neale and Montes de Oca were taken to Dubbo Hospital, where Neale was placed on life support.
Despite doctors’ efforts, Neale could not be saved and died on Tuesday evening with her family by her side.
“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 Neale family said in a statement.
“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 supported us 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 period.
“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 remain in our hearts.”
Neale recorded 88 wins from 699 career starts during her young riding career.
She had four rides earlier in Sunday’s program, including a fourth-place finish aboard Tampa Bay in Race 1.
The final race at Warren was abandoned following the incident involving Neale and Montes de Oca. Marnoo was later euthanized after sustaining a serious near-foreleg injury.
Tributes have flowed for Neale, with members of the racing community rallying around her family since news of the fall emerged.
“Such tragic news. Thoughts go out to Izzy’s family and everyone who knew her,” analyst Brad Davidson said.
“Absolutely devastating. Thinking of all her family, friends and colleagues,” former jockey Kayla Nisbett wrote.
“Unimaginable tragedy. Thoughts with Izzy’s family and friends, and the wider racing community,” racing reporter Trent Masenhelder wrote.
“Properly devastating. Thoughts to her family and friends. RIP,” Sky Racing presenter Lewis Willoughby said.
“Devastating. Much love to Izzy’s family and friends,” Thoroughbred trainer Tracey Bartley added.
Neale’s brother Tommy also posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media after her death.
“Izzy, I can’t believe what’s happened, aye … I didn’t expect to be having meetings with doctors about turning off your life support,” he wrote.
“Just know I love you so much and you’ll always be my little baby sister. You were my best friend, and we were always so close.
“I don’t know how I’m going to deal with this. I’m so sorry I spent years in jail and didn’t spend much time with you before this accident.
“I can’t even comprehend how I feel … until we meet again, sis. I’m going to miss you so much!”
