22-YEAR-OLD JOCKEY IZZY NEALE DIES AFTER HORRIFIC RACE FALL — HER FAMILY MAKES A HEARTBREAKING DECISION TO HELP OTHERS LIVE

The horse-racing community is mourning the loss of Izzy Neale, a 22-year-old apprentice jockey whose life was cut short following a devastating fall during a race in Australia.

Neale suffered critical injuries on Sunday, November 8, while competing in the Warren Shire Cotton Cup at Warren Racecourse in New South Wales. Two days later, her family confirmed that she had died, surrounded by her closest loved ones.

A FALL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Neale was riding her horse, Marnoo, in the 1,600-meter race when the horse fell near the 400-meter mark, as the field approached the home straight.

She was thrown from the horse and lost consciousness. Emergency medical staff treated her at the scene before she was airlifted to Dubbo Hospital, where she remained in critical condition.

Despite medical efforts, she could not be saved.

Another jockey, Diego Montes de Oca, was also dislodged during the incident. He was taken to hospital with an injury to his foot and was later discharged.

Marnoo suffered a serious foreleg injury and was euthanized. The remaining race on the Warren program was abandoned following the incident. <

“IZZY RODE HORSES BEFORE SHE COULD WALK”

In a statement released through Racing NSW on November 10, Neale’s family shared the heartbreaking news of her passing.

“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.

The family described how horses had been part of Neale’s life from the very beginning.

“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.”

For Neale, riding was more than a profession. It was a passion she had carried since childhood.

A FINAL ACT OF GENEROSITY

Amid their unimaginable grief, Neale’s family revealed that she would become an organ donor.

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

It is a deeply meaningful decision — one that means her legacy may continue through the lives of others.

The family also expressed gratitude to the friends, racing community, Racing NSW, the NSW Jockeys Association and the medical staff who cared for Neale.

They asked for privacy as they begin to come to terms with their loss.

A YOUNG CAREER, AND SO MUCH STILL AHEAD

Neale had recorded 88 wins from 699 career starts. Her professional riding career began in 2024, and she had already made her mark in Australian racing.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from people across the racing world. Trainer John Thompson remembered her as a joyful young woman with a smile, saying she was loved by everyone who met her.

At just 22, Izzy Neale had so much more life ahead of her.

But the family’s words offer a glimpse of the passion that defined her — a young woman who loved horses from before she could walk, and whose final legacy will be one of generosity and hope.

She was dearly loved, and she will forever be in the hearts of those who knew her.

Rest in peace, Izzy. 🤍