Jockey, 22, dies in horror fall after being thrown from horse during race

Australian jockey Izzy Neale has died after falling from her horse during a race.

The 22-year-old had been participating in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup on Sunday (8 November) when she fell from her horse, named Marnoo, mid-race. It was reported that she had 'lost consciousness' after falling from her horse.

Neale was then airlifted to a hospital in the city of Dubbo, New South Wales, where she was placed on life support but later passed away.

"It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends," read a joint statement, which was released on behalf of Neale's family and Racing NSW.

"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."

The statement went on to confirm that Neale's organs would be donated, giving '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 statement continued.

"We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical staff who cared for Izzy with such compassion."

The statement ended with the family asking for privacy while they come to terms with the loss, concluding: "Izzy was dearly loved and will forever be in our hearts."

Tributes have since poured in for Neale, with trainer John Thompson, whom Neale had worked for, writing: "An absolute beacon of shining light. Always happy. Always smiling. Loved by everyone who met her.

"The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking."

After breaking onto the amateur racing scene in 2024, Neale had a total of 88 races and 699 career starts.

"In the days ahead, racing will return to its familiar rhythms. For those who loved Izzy, everything will be different," added the Australian Trainers’ Association. "Our responsibility to care for them must continue long after the tributes have quietened.

"On behalf of our members across Australia, we will remember Izzy, the life she was building and the people who will always be missing her."

The Cotton Cup has since been abandoned.

According to BBC Sport, Neale's horse has also been euthanised after suffering a serious leg injury during the incident.

Neale wasn't the only rider to suffer a fall during the race, with senior jockey Diego Montes de Oca also falling from his horse.

Montes de Oca was taken to the same hospital as Neale, where he was diagnosed with a 'suspected broken foot'.