Izzy Neale, the 22-year-old apprentice jockey hurt in a fall at Warren on Sunday, has died, her family said in a statement released through Racing NSW on Tuesday night.
The family statement said Neale died “surrounded by her closest family and friends”.
“It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy,” 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.”
What happened at Warren
Read more: Izzy Neale Critical After Warren Fall as Scone Meeting Postponed
Neale was riding Marnoo in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup, the sixth race on Sunday’s program, when the horse fell entering the home straight, AAP reported. She was treated on course and airlifted to Dubbo Hospital, where she remained in a critical condition, ABC News reported.
Marnoo, a six-year-old gelding, was euthanased after a foreleg injury. Fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca, who was dislodged from Shadow Dane shortly after Neale’s fall, suffered soft tissue injuries to his left foot and was later discharged from hospital, AAP reported.
The final race at Warren was abandoned and Monday’s meeting at Scone was postponed. Racing NSW rescheduled the Scone meeting for Wednesday 11 November.
Neale had ridden 88 winners from 699 career starts, Nine reported.
Racing pays tribute
The family thanked Racing NSW, the NSW Jockeys Association and the medical staff who cared for her.
“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 statement said.
The Australian Turf Club said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Izzy Neale, aged just 22”. “A talented young rider with a bright future, Izzy’s passion for horses and racing will always be remembered,” the club said.
Sydney trainer Richard Freedman posted: “Words are not enough. Love and support to her family.” Fellow trainer John Thompson said: “The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking.”
The family has asked for privacy. “As we come to terms with our loss, we ask that our family’s privacy be respected,” the statement said. “Izzy was dearly loved and will forever be in our hearts.”
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