A jockey was airlifted to Dubbo Hospital and is in critical condition after falling at Warren racecourse on Sunday afternoon
Australian apprentice jockey Izzy Neale was airlifted to hospital and is fighting for her life after a serious fall at Warren on Sunday afternoon. The 22-year-old was unseated from her mount Marnoo during the Cotton Cup and sustained severe injuries.
Neale had been riding for trainer Kiran Hazelton at the regional New South Wales track in a 1600m race when both she and fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca, aboard Shadow Dane, were thrown from their horses with approximately 400m remaining.
The remainder of the day’s racing was abandoned, with one race still left on the card. Marnoo was sadly put down after sustaining a “near foreleg injury,” according to Racing NSW Stewards.
Make sure you never miss the most fun content in sport by making the Daily Star one of your Google preferred sources.
Neale was flown by helicopter to Dubbo Hospital in a critical condition after losing consciousness on the track following the fall. Montes de Oca was taken to hospital by ambulance but has since been discharged, having suffered only soft tissue damage to his left foot.
Neale, however, remains in a critical state after reportedly sustaining serious head injuries. Monday’s scheduled race meeting at Scone has been pushed back to Wednesday.
Racing NSW released the following statement: “Following consultation with jockeys and trainers engaged to participate at today’s race meeting at Scone, a decision has been made to postpone the meeting,” reports the Mirror.
“The decision follows the serious race fall involving apprentice jockey Izzy Neale at Warren yesterday. Izzy remains in Dubbo Hospital in a critical condition, with her family by her side.
“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.”
An investigation into the incident has been launched. Born in Merriwa, Neale progressed from the academy ranks in 2024 and started riding, securing victory at Condobolin on her debut professional race ride. She has achieved 88 wins to date from 699 starts.
On Saturday, the 22 year old was competing at Rosehill as part of Five Diamonds Day. She revealed to Sky Racing that she was on the verge of completing the purchase of her first house this week.
Support has poured in from the Australian racing community, with former jockey Melinda Turner saying: “Praying for a miracle tonight. A terrible day for our industry,”.
The Australian Jockeys’ Association stated: “Sending all our love and support to Izzy and Diego after a dreadful fall at Warren. Will update conditions ASAP.” Melbourne Cup-winning rider Robbie Dolan added: “Tough day to be a jockey when things like this happen.”