Izzy Neale dies two days after Warren race fall

NSW apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died, two days after a tragic race fall at Warren in the central west of the state.

Neale, who fell from the Kieren Hazelton-trained Marnoo near the 400m mark of the 1600m Cotton Cup on Sunday, was 22.

The jockey was airlifted to Dubbo Base Hospital where she fought for her life but she succumbed to the injuries.

Her devastated family confirmed the terrible news via Racing NSW late on Tuesday.

“It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends,” the 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.”

Neale’s organs will be donated, “bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss”, the family said. 

“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 read.

“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.”

Fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca, who also fell from Shadow Dane in the incident, was transported by ambulance to Dubbo Base Hospital where he was later released with soft tissue injuries.

Marnoo was euthanised as a result of the fall.

Neale, who started her career as a jockey riding on the NSW picnic circuit, entered the winner’s enclosure at her first race ride aboard Scruff’s Magic at the Condobolin amateur races in February 2024.

Since then she progressed to the professional circuit, riding 88 winners, including a metropolitan winner in Sydney in July for her Dubbo-based master Brett Robb, at a healthy 13 per cent strike-rate.

Her last winner came on Derby day at Newcastle where she rode Ole Steele to win a Super Maiden over 900m for Scone trainer Scott Singleton, having also ridden stablemate Think Back to victory the previous day at Moree.