Australian jockey Izzy Neale has died after a tragic fall during a race on Saturday, November 7. She was 22.
Neale was unconscious when she was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition after falling from her horse, Marnoo, during the Warren Shire Cotton Cup in Warren, Australia. Marnoo was euthanized at the track after suffering a severe injury to its leg.
The jockey’s family announced she Neale had died as a result of the fall in a statement released on Tuesday, November 10.
“It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest friends and family,” the statement read. “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.”
The family added, “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.”
The statement revealed that Neale had chosen to be an organ donor, saying she will posthumously “give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss.”
“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical staff who cared for Izzy with such compassion,” her family said. “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.”
Jockey Diego Montes de Oca was also thrown from his horse during the incident, suffering a leg injury and taken to a local hospital.
“Diego sustained soft tissue injuries to his left foot, with no fractures identified, and has subsequently been discharged,” Racing NSW announced on Sunday, November 8.
Horse trainer John P. Thompson, who worked with Neale, called her “an absolute beacon of shining light.”
“Always Happy, Always Smiling, Loved by everyone who met Her,” Thompson shared via X on Tuesday. “The World is poorer for the loss of a Beautiful young Lady. Heartbreaking. 💔”
The late jockey’s brother, Tommy, wrote a gut-wrenching post about his sister on social media after her death.
“Didn’t expect to be having meetings with doctors about pulling your life support,” Tommy shared via Facebook. “Just know I love you so f***ing much an you’ll always be my lil baby sister, you were my best friend an we always was so close so I dunno how I’m gonna deal with this.”
He added, “I can’t even comprehend how I feel till we meet again sis gonna miss you so much!!”
