Izzy Neale, 22, dies after fall at Warren Shire Cotton Cup

Izzy Neale, a 22-year-old Australian apprentice jockey, has died after sustaining severe injuries in a fall at the Warren Shire Cotton Cup at a regional racecourse in New South Wales on Sunday. She was airlifted unconscious to Dubbo Hospital following the incident.

The fall occurred when her mount, Marnoo, went down as the field entered the home straight in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup. Neale fell heavily during the incident and was taken by air to Dubbo Hospital on Sunday. Marnoo, a six-year-old gelding, was euthanased after sustaining a foreleg injury in the fall.

On Tuesday night her family released a statement about her condition. "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 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," the statement continued. "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. We would like to thank Racing NSW and the NSW Jockeys Association for their care, compassion and support during this incredibly difficult time."

Racing industry figures posted condolences on social media following the family's announcement. Trainer Richard Freedman wrote: "Words are not enough. Love and support to her family." Fellow Sydney trainer John Thompson posted: "The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking."

Fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca, who was riding Shadow Dane, was dislodged shortly after Neale’s fall. He was taken to hospital by ambulance. He sustained soft tissue injuries to his left foot and was later discharged from hospital.

The seventh and final race on Sunday’s Warren program was abandoned following the incident. Monday’s meeting at Scone in the Hunter Valley was postponed after consultation between officials, jockeys and trainers.