'Dedicated' apprentice jockey critical after race meet fall

An apprentice jockey is fighting for her life after falling from a horse during a race in western NSW on the weekend.

Izzy Neale was riding in the Cotton Cup at Warren on Sunday when she suffered head injuries following a fall at the 400-metre mark during a 1,600m event.

The 22-year-old was treated onsite before being airlifted to Dubbo Hospital for further medical care, where she remains in a critical condition.

The horse she was riding, six-year-old Marnoo, suffered a near foreleg injury and was euthanased.

"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," Racing NSW posted in a statement on X.

Fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca was also dislodged from his horse, Shadow Dane.

He was transported to Dubbo hospital via road for injuries to his foot.

A Racing NSW spokesperson said Montes de Oca had since been discharged from hospital.

"Diego sustained soft tissue injuries to his left foot, with no fractures identified," the spokesperson said.

In a statement on social media, the Warren Jockey Club said its thoughts were with Izzy and her loved ones.

"The racing community is a close-knit one, and moments like these remind us just how much we stand together," the club said.

"We are all hoping for the very best for Izzy and are sending her strength, courage and our sincerest well wishes."

A 'dedicated' rider

Race caller Colin Hodges said the mood turned "very glum" after Neale was dislodged in front of the roughly 600 people in the crowd

The veteran caller of 57 years said he still remembered her first race at the Condobolin Picnic Races in 2024, where she pulled off an upset.

"She'd driven hundreds and hundreds of kilometres to western NSW," he said.

"[The horse] was probably the outsider of the whole race meeting."

Mr Hodges said Neale had assured her trainer at the Condobolin meet that she would ride well despite the odds.

"She certainly did because the horse was back running midfield and she just got into the perfect spot and won," he said.

Neale has had 88 wins out of 699 starts.

"She's become very, very successful," Mr Hodges said.

Race meeting postponed

In a statement on X, Racing NSW said it had postponed a meet in Scone today following consultation with jockeys and trainers that were set to take part.

"The decision follows the serious race fall involving apprentice jockey Izzy Neale at Warren yesterday," the statement said.

Racing NSW will be conducting an inquiry into the incident.