Racing mourns young jockey Stefano Cherchi

Jockey Stefano Cherchi has passed away following injuries sustained in a fall at Canberra on March 20.

The Italian-born jockey, 23, who had been based at Warwick Farm, was placed in an induced coma after suffering head injuries and internal bleeding in the fall at Thoroughbred Park.

“With deep sadness, the Cherchi family have announced their beloved son Stefano passed away peacefully today,” a NSW Jockeys’ Association statement read on Wednesday.

“The family are very grateful for the love, prayers and messages sent by the racing community across the world.”

Cherchi had ridden two winners in Australia since beginning his stint in January. Before that he had been based in England, riding 106 winners, having relocated there from Italy.

Cherchi’s sad passing comes less than 12 months after Victorian jockey Dean Holland was killed in race fall at Donald.

National Jockeys Trust records show nearly 900 jockeys have died on Australian racetracks since 1847.