Tributes are flowing for apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, who died on Tuesday after a race fall in regional NSW.
In a statement, the 22-year-old’s family said she was surrounded by her “closest family and friends” after being flown to Dubbo Hospital.
“It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy,” the family said. They said she had donated her organs and “will give others a chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss”.
Neale was injured when her horse, Marnoo, fell in race six at Warren on Sunday, with 400 metres left to run. Apprentice Diego Montes de Oca was also thrown from his horse, Shadow Dane, and was taken to Dubbo Hospital with a foot injury. Racing NSW stewards said Marnoo was euthanised after suffering a foreleg injury.
Neale was an apprentice to Scone trainer Scott Singleton and was well known in the Hunter racing community. The rising talent from Merriwa had recorded 88 wins from 699 career starts, including her first win in Sydney earlier this year.
“Izzy rode horses before she could walk,” her family said.
The family thanked Racing NSW and the NSW Jockeys Association for their support, and asked for their privacy to be respected.
