Apprentice Jockey Izzy Neale Dies After Race Fall at Warren

Warren Race Fall

Australian jockey Izzy Neale has died at age 22 following a race fall at Warren on Sunday. The apprentice rider was competing aboard Marnoo in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup over 1600 metres when the incident occurred.

Neale and fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca, who was riding Shadow Dane, were unseated near the 400-metre mark. Following the fall, stewards abandoned the remainder of the race card.

Neale was airlifted to hospital while Marnoo was euthanised

Neale was airlifted to Dubbo Hospital in a critical condition after losing consciousness during the fall. Marnoo sustained a near foreleg injury during the incident and was subsequently euthanised.

Heartbreaking news. We are devastated to learn of the passing of jockey Izzy Neale, aged 22. pic.twitter.com/C0xnkcBGkb

— Post by @AtTheRaces on X

Montes de Oca was transported to the hospital by ambulance. He was discharged on Sunday night after sustaining soft tissue damage to his left foot.

Neale's family confirms her passing and organ donation

Neale’s family released a statement confirming her passing after she spent time on life support. “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 in a statement.

The statement added that Neale would help others through organ donation. “Through organ donation, Izzy will give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss,” her family said.

Racing Calendar Disruptions

Racing New South Wales postponed a scheduled meeting at Scone on Monday following the accident. The fatality marks the first racing death in New South Wales since 2017, when jockey Darren Jones died after a three-horse fall at Warialda.

Everyone at Horse Racing Ireland offers their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of apprentice jockey Izzy Neale. May she rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/RwChcOm5JG

— Post by @HRIRacing on X

Trainers and racing figures shared tributes online following the announcement. Top trainer John Thompson wrote on X that Neale was always smiling.

Neale grew up in Merriwa and rode 88 winners

Neale was raised in Merriwa in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales. She secured her first winner aboard Scruff’s Magic at the Condobolin picnic races in February 2024, riding a total of 88 winners across the state.

Neale was employed by trainer Brett Robb and also worked for trainers Pat Farrell in Muswellbrook, Rod Northam in Scone, and John Thompson in Randwick. At the time of her passing, she was on loan to Scone trainer Scott Singleton and had recently been finalising the purchase of her first home.

Which race meeting was affected and how many winners did Neale ride?

Which race meeting was affected by the incident?

The incident occurred during the Warren Shire Cotton Cup meeting on Sunday, which led stewards to abandon the final race on the card. Racing New South Wales also postponed a subsequent meeting scheduled at Scone on Monday.

The following is a statement from the family of jockey Izzy Neale. pic.twitter.com/KqfdhUFem6

— Post by @racing_nsw on X

How many career winners did Izzy Neale ride?

Neale rode 88 winners under rules across New South Wales after securing her first professional victory at Condobolin in February 2024.

When was the last previous racing fatality in New South Wales?

The last racing fatality in the region occurred in 2017, when jockey Darren Jones died following a three-horse fall at Warialda.

Following consultation with jockeys and trainers engaged to participate at today's race meeting at Scone, a decision has been made to postpone the meeting. The decision follows the serious race fall involving apprentice jockey Izzy Neale at Warren yesterday. Izzy remains in…

— Post by @racing_nsw on X