Jockey Izzy Neale, 22, tragically dies after horror fall as heartbroken household pay tribute
Australian jockey Izzy Neale has died aged 22 after falling from her horse during the Cotton Cup race at Warren, New South Wales, with her heartbroken family announcing the ‘devastating loss’ and confirming she will donate her organs
Izzy Neale has sadly died(Image: Getty Images)
Australian jockey Izzy Neale has tragically died in hospital following a fall during a race, her devastated family have confirmed. The 22-year-old was airlifted to hospital after the incident at the Cotton Cup in Warren, New South Wales, on Sunday.
The apprentice jockey was riding Marnoo for trainer Kiran Hazelton in a 1600m race when she fell approximately 400m from the finish line.
Neale lost consciousness and was transported by helicopter to Dubbo Hospital, while Marnoo was sadly euthanised after sustaining a “near foreleg injury”. Racing New South Wales confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday that she had lost her fight for life.
Izzy suffered a horror fall(Image: Getty)
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“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 statement from Izzy’s family read.
“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.
“We would like to thank Racing NSW and the NSW Jockeys Association for their care, compassion and support during this incredibly difficult time.
The 22-year-old has tragically died(Image: Getty)
“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 be in our hearts.”
Fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca, who was riding Shadow Dane, also took a tumble during the race but was discharged from hospital after sustaining soft tissue damage to his left foot.
Racing was abandoned for the remainder of the day following Neale’s fall, with Racing New South Wales stating: “The thoughts and heartfelt support of Racing NSW and the entire racing community are with Izzy, her family, friends and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.”
A Merriwa native, Neale graduated from the academy ranks in 2024 and marked her professional debut with a victory at Condobolin on her very first race ride.
She amassed an impressive 88 wins from 699 starts throughout her career. The 22-year-old was competing at Rosehill on Saturday as part of Five Diamonds Day, and had told Sky Racing that she was on the verge of completing the purchase of her first home that week.
