HEARTBREAKING LOSS: 22-YEAR-OLD JOCKEY IZZY NEALE diᩚєs AFTER HORRIFIC RACE FALL — FAMILY MAKES EMOTIONAL ORGAN DONATION DECISION

NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA — November 13, 2026

The Australian horse racing community is mourning the tragic dєatᩚh of apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, who died at just 22 years old after suffering devastating injuries in a fall during a race in regional New South Wales.

Neale was competing in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup at Warren Racecourse on Sunday, November 8, when she was thrown from her horse, Marnoo, during the 1,600-metre event.

The young jockey suffered severe head injuries and was left unconscious following the fall. She received emergency treatment at the racecourse before being airlifted to Dubbo Hospital, where she remained in ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal condition.

Despite the efforts of medical teams, Neale died on Tuesday, November 10, surrounded by her closest family and friends.

Her dєatᩚh has sent shockwaves through Australia’s racing industry, with fellow jockeys, trainers, racing organizations and supporters expressing their grief over the loss of a young woman whose career was only beginning to flourish.

A DEVASTATING FALL DURING THE WARREN SHIRE COTTON CUP

The incident happened during the sixth race of Sunday’s program at Warren Racecourse in western New South Wales.

Neale was riding a six-year-old horse named Marnoo when the horse fell near the 400-metre mark, as the field approached the home straight.

The fall left the 22-year-old with ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal injuries. Emergency medical personnel immediately attended to her before arranging an air transfer to Dubbo Hospital.

Another apprentice jockey, Diego Montes de Oca, was also dislodged from his horse, Shadow Dane, shortly after Neale’s fall.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance after suffering soft-tissue injuries to his left foot. Medical examinations found no fractures, and he was later discharged.

Marnoo also suffered a serious injury to his near foreleg. Despite the efforts to assess the horse’s condition, the six-year-old gelding was euthanized.

The final race of the Warren meeting was abandoned following the incident.

FAMILY CONFIRMS HER dєatᩚh IN HEARTBREAKING STATEMENT

On Tuesday evening, Neale’s family announced that the young jockey had passed away.

In a statement shared through Racing NSW, her loved ones expressed their devastation at losing someone they described as deeply loved.

“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 family said.

They also revealed that Neale’s decision to become an organ donor would allow others to have a chance at life.

“Through organ donation, Izzy will give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss.”

The family said they were grateful for the kindness and support shown by friends, colleagues and members of the racing community throughout the difficult days.

They also thanked Racing NSW, the NSW Jockeys Association and the medical professionals who cared for Neale.

As they begin to come to terms with their loss, the family asked for privacy and remembered Izzy as someone who would forever remain in their hearts.

‘SHE RODE HORSES BEFORE SHE COULD WALK’

One of the most touching details shared by Neale’s family was that her love of horses began when she was very young.

According to their statement, Izzy rode horses before she could even walk.

Her passion for horses remained a constant throughout her childhood and eventually developed into a deep love of competitive racing.

For those who knew her, horse racing was more than simply a profession. It was something she had loved for almost her entire life.

Neale was originally from Merriwa in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales and had become a familiar face within the regional racing community.

Her determination, dedication and enthusiasm helped her establish herself as a promising young apprentice.

A PROMISING CAREER CUT SHORT AT JUST 22

Although she was still in the early stages of her professional career, Neale had already achieved impressive results.

She began riding professionally in February 2024 and went on to record 88 victories from 699 race starts.

Her first professional winner came at the Condobolin Picnic Races in February 2024, where she secured an impressive victory despite riding a horse considered one of the outsiders of the meeting.

Race caller Colin Hodges later recalled that performance, describing how Neale had traveled hundreds of kilometres to compete and demonstrated remarkable confidence.

In July 2026, she reached another important milestone by securing her first metropolitan victory in Sydney.

She rode It’s A Tata to victory in a TAB Highway Handicap at Rosehill Gardens, marking a significant achievement in her developing career.

Those who followed her progress believed she had a bright future ahead of her.

Her dєatᩚh has left many in the racing industry reflecting on the talent and potential that have been lost.

TRAINER REMEMBERS HER AS A YOUNG WOMAN WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART

Trainer Scott Singleton, who worked closely with Neale, was devastated by the news of her passing.

Speaking about the young jockey, he described her as an exceptionally kind person who always had a smile on her face.

He said she was someone who would go out of her way to help others and was loved by the people around her.

Singleton recalled telling her that he hoped his own daughter would grow up to be like Izzy.

“We feel like we’ve lost a daughter,” he said.

His words reflected the close relationships that often develop between jockeys, trainers and stable staff within the racing community.

For those who worked alongside Neale, she was not simply a talented apprentice. She was a much-loved young woman whose presence brought happiness to those around her.

RACING COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE YOUNG JOCKEY

Following the announcement of her dєatᩚh, tributes poured in from across Australia’s horse racing industry.

Racing NSW expressed its condolences to Neale’s family, friends and colleagues, acknowledging the devastating impact of the loss.

The NSW Jockeys Association also paid tribute to the young rider, saying she would be deeply missed.

Racing Victoria described her passing as an incredibly sad loss and extended its heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew her.

The Australian Trainers’ Association also released an emotional tribute, reflecting on the family’s words about a girl who had loved horses since before she could walk.

The organization highlighted the courage and dedication shown by young jockeys, who face considerable risks every time they compete.

Former colleagues and trainers also shared memories of Neale’s cheerful personality, describing her as someone who was always happy, smiling and loved by everyone who met her.

RACE MEETINGS POSTPONED FOLLOWING THE tᩚraɢedy

The impact of the incident extended beyond Warren Racecourse.

Racing NSW announced that a scheduled race meeting at Scone on Monday would be postponed following consultation with jockeys and trainers.

The decision was made out of respect for Neale and the racing community as they dealt with the 𝘴h☉𝔠king news.

An official inquiry into the race fall is also being conducted by Racing NSW stewards.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by jockeys, even in the professional sport they dedicate their lives to.

HER FINAL GIFT: GIVING OTHERS A CHANCE TO LIVE

Perhaps the most emotional part of Neale’s family’s announcement was their decision to honor her wish to donate her organs.

Even amid their devastating grief, her loved ones found some comfort in knowing that her final gift could help other people continue their lives.

Through organ donation, Neale may give hope to families facing their own medical struggles.

It is a lasting legacy from a young woman whose life was cut short far too soon.

At just 22, she had already achieved so much in the sport she loved. She had dreams, ambitions and many more races ahead of her.

Instead, her family, friends and the entire Australian racing community are now left remembering a talented young jockey whose smile and passion for horses will not be forgotten.

Izzy Neale was only 22 years old. She loved horses before she could walk, built a promising career through dedication and determination, and leaves behind a legacy that may help save other lives.

May she rest in peace. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone who loved her.