The thoroughbred racing industry is devastated tonight following news that apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, aged 22, has tragically died as the result of a race fall at Warren on Sunday.
A shining light of the female apprentice ranks, Neale fell from her horse Marnoo in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup after it suffered a fatal foreleg injury at the 400 metre mark.
The much-loved apprentice lost consciousness and on-track paramedics immediately organised for her to be airlifted to Dubbo Hospital in a critical condition.
Neale was placed on life support and despite the best efforts of medical experts and the hopes and prayers of the entire racing industry, she passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Tuesday evening.
The family of Izzy Neale have requested that Racing NSW release the below statement on their behalf:
It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends.
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.
