Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale dies after fall at Australian racecourse

Accident details and immediate aftermath

Neale was dislodged from her mount Marnoo while entering the home straight of the sixth race. She fell heavily and remained unconscious when medics airlifted her to Dubbo Hospital on Sunday. Her family announced her passing on Tuesday after she did not recover from severe injuries. The horse Marnoo sustained a serious foreleg injury and was subsequently euthanised following the crash.

Injuries to other riders

A second rider named Diego Montes de Oca was also dislodged shortly after Neale fell during the same event. He suffered soft tissue injuries to his left foot and has since been discharged from hospital. Officials abandoned the seventh and final race on Sunday's program immediately after these incidents occurred. The meeting at Scone in the Hunter Valley was postponed for Monday following consultation between officials.

Family statement and tributes

Neale's family released a joint statement expressing deep sadness and broken hearts regarding her loss. They noted that she rode horses before she could walk and described her love of racing as a lifelong passion. Through organ donation, Neale will give others the chance of life to bring comfort to her grieving family. Trainer John Thompson called her an absolute beacon of shining light who was loved by everyone.