Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale is in a critical condition at a Dubbo hospital after a sickening incident during Sunday’s meet at Warren in country NSW.
The 22-year-old “lost consciousness” after taking a fall during an incident where her horse Marnoo suffered a near foreleg injury and was euthanized after the race.
Racenet reports Neale and senior rider Diego Montes de Oca were dislodged from their respective mounts, Marnoo and Shadow Dane, at around the 400m mark in race six, the Warren Shire Cotton Cup (1600m).
The Racing NSW integrity team said Montes de Oca “had a suspected broken left foot” and had been “transferred to Dubbo hospital via ambulance.”
Racing NSW provided an update on Neale’s condition on Monday morning when announcing Monday’s meeting at Scone has been postponed.
The final race of the program at Warren on Sunday was abandoned as a result of the incident involving Neale and Montes de Oca.
“Izzy remains in Dubbo Hospital in a critical condition, with her family by her side,” Racing NSW said in a statement.
“The thoughts and heartfelt support of Racing NSW and the entire racing community are with Izzy, her family, friends and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.
“Following consultation with jockeys and trainers engaged to participate at today’s race meeting at Scone, a decision has been made to postpone the meeting.”
Neale has won 88 races from 699 career starts in her young career.
It was a busy day for Neale at Warren where she had four rides in earlier races.
She started the day finishing fourth in Race 1 while piloting Tampa Bay.
She also finished eighth in the Warren Services Club Class 2 Handicap Race 5 on board Andale.
Racing world rallies around Neale
Racing figures across the industry have shared thoughts and prayers as Neale remains in Dubbo Base Hospital.
Former jockey Melinda Turner wrote on X: “Praying for a miracle tonight. Terrible day for our industry.”
Racing commentator Dave Stanley posted: “Keep Izzy in your thoughts tonight.”
Trainer Debbie Prest posted: “Toughest part of the sport. ️Thinking of Izzy and all her family and friends.”
Racing Analyst Ben Walker wrote: “Today was a tough day. My thoughts and prayers are with Izzy, her family and many friends. Hug your loved ones and tell someone you love them. We’re all just doing our best in life.”
