Izzy Neale, 22, dead after fall from horse during race; Australian apprentice jockey won 88 races
Fall during the Cotton Cup
Neale was riding Marnoo in the Cotton Cup at Warren Racecourse on Sunday when the horse suffered a leg injury and she was thrown. She was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital, where she died, according to Australia’s ABC.
Senior rider Diego Montes de Oca also fell while riding Shadow Dane and broke his leg, News.com.au reported. Neale had ridden in four races that Sunday before the incident.
Family announces her death
Neale’s family and Racing NSW announced her death in a joint statement on Tuesday. They said she died surrounded by close family and friends. Her family described her love of horses as a lifelong passion that developed into a love of racing. They also said organ donation would give others the chance of life and bring some comfort amid their loss.
A career in racing
Neale won 88 races during her professional career. She began riding horses before she could walk, according to the joint statement. A photograph caption identifies Neale riding It's A Tata to win Race 2, the TAB Highway Handicap, at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney on July 4, 2026.
Key points
- Izzy Neale died at 22 after a fall during the Cotton Cup in New South Wales.
- Her horse, Marnoo, suffered a leg injury before the incident.
- Senior rider Diego Montes de Oca also fell and broke his leg.
- Neale won 88 races, and her family said she would be an organ donor.