22-year-old jockey Izzy Neale dies after fall at Warren Racecourse

Jockey Izzy Neale, 22, died after falling from her horse during a race at Warren Racecourse in Australia on Sunday. Her family announced her death on Tuesday.

Neale turned professional in 2024 and rode 88 winners in her professional career. She was an apprentice rider. The remainder of the Cotton Cup meeting was abandoned following the incident. Neale's mount, Marnoo, was euthanised after sustaining a serious leg injury in the accident.

Neale was dislodged from Marnoo during the race and was airlifted to Dubbo hospital. A second rider in the same race, Diego Montes de Oca, suffered minor injuries to his foot and has since been discharged from hospital.

"It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends," a joint statement from the family and Racing NSW said. "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."

The Australian Turf Club described Neale as a "talented young rider with a bright future". Trainer John Thompson, for whom Neale worked, posted on X: "An absolute beacon of shining light. Always happy. Always smiling. Loved by everyone who met her," and added, "The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking."

Neale's family thanked the public, racing authorities and the medical staff who cared for her and asked for privacy as they grieve. "As we come to terms with our loss, we ask that our family's privacy be respected," they said. "Izzy was dearly loved and will forever be in our hearts."