Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has tragically passed away at the age of 22 after a horrific fall during Sunday’s meet at Warren in country NSW.
Neale “lost consciousness” after she was reportedly dislodged from her horse Marnoo at around the 400m mark in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup (1600m).
Senior rider Diego Montes de Oca was also dislodged from his horse Shadow Dane, with the Racing NSW integrity team later revealing he had suffered a “suspected broken foot.”
Neale and Montes de Oca were both transferred to Dubbo Hospital, where Neale was placed on life support.
She sadly could not be saved despite the efforts of doctors, and she passed away with her family by her side on Tuesday evening.
“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 Neale family statement 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.
“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.”
Neale won 88 races from 699 career starts in her young career.
She had four rides in earlier races on Sunday, including a fourth-place finish in Race 1 piloting Tampa Bay.
The final race of the program at Warren on Sunday was abandoned as a result of the incident involving Neale and Montes de Oca, while Marnoo was euthanized after suffering a near foreleg injury.
Tributes have poured in for Neale, with the racing community rallying behind her family since the news of her fall.
“Such tragic news. Thoughts go out to Izzy’s family and everyone who knew her,” said analyst Brad Davidson.
“Absolutely devastating. Thinking of all her family, friends and colleagues,” wrote former jokcey Kayla Nisbett.
“Unimaginable tragedy. Thoughts with Izzy’s family and friends, and the wider racing community,” wrote racing reporter Trent Masenhelder.
“Properly devastating. Thoughts to her family and friends. RIP,” said Sky Racing presenter Lewis Willoughby.
“Devastating. Much love to Izzy’s family and friends,” added Thoroughbred trainer Tracey Bartley.
Neale’s brother Tommy also shared a message on social media following her death.
“Izzy, I can’t believe what’s happened, aye … didn’t expect to be having meetings with doctors about pulling your life support,” he wrote on social media.
“Just know I love you so much and you’ll always be my lil baby sister; you were my best friend, and we always were so close.
“I dunno how I’m gonna deal with this. I’m so sorry I spent years in jail and didn’t spend much time together before this accident.
“I can’t even comprehend how I feel … till we meet again, sis. gonna miss you so much!!”
