The racing community is in mourning after the death of 22-year-old apprentice jockey Izzy Neale, who died following a fall at Warren on Sunday when her mount Marnoo broke down on the home turn with a catastrophic injury. It was the first race fall death of a jockey in NSW since Darren Jones in 2017.
Senior jockey Alysha Collett said the tight-knit jockeys' room is reeling from the loss, describing Neale as “a lovely girl” and the situation as “brutal.” Collett, a 32-year-old group 1 winner, said the female apprentices in NSW, a large and growing group, have been supporting each other through the tragedy.
Neale's family announced her death on Tuesday night. She had been riding professionally for less than three years. Collett, who often mentors younger riders, said senior riders, including Rachel King, are open to sharing their views with younger riders: “If they ever ask what did I think of that ride, or what could I have done different, we are all open for opinions and help.”
The article also covers Collett's rides on $5.50 favourite Sweynesday in Saturday's $1 million The Hunter at Newcastle, and Zuleika in the $300,000 Beauford, as well as trainer Declan Maher's hopes for veteran stayer Fawkner Park in the same race.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The death of a young jockey highlights the inherent dangers of horse racing.
- The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and support within the racing community, especially among female apprentices.
- It underscores the need for ongoing safety measures and mental health support for riders.
Background
Izzy Neale was a 22-year-old apprentice jockey who had been riding professionally for less than three years. She died after her mount suffered a catastrophic injury during a race at Warren in NSW on Sunday, November 8, 2026. This is the first fatal race fall in NSW since 2017.
Key Perspectives
Alysha Collett (senior jockey): Described the jockeys' room as “a little family” and the death as “devastating” and “unfair.” She said the female apprentices have “all stuck together” and that she and other senior jockeys are open to offering help and advice.
What to Watch
- The outcome of any stewards' inquiry or Racing NSW review into the incident.
- How the racing community continues to support Neale's family and her fellow apprentices.
- Whether any new safety protocols are introduced following the tragedy.