Apprentice jockey Izzy Neale remains in a critical condition at Dubbo Hospital after a serious fall at Warren racecourse in regional New South Wales on Sunday afternoon, an incident that has shaken the racing community and led to the postponement of Monday’s meeting at Scone.
The 22-year-old came off her mount Marnoo with around 400 metres remaining in Race 6, the Warren Shire Cotton Cup (1600m). Fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca was also unseated from Shadow Dane in the same incident. Neale lost consciousness and was airlifted to hospital for urgent treatment. Montes de Oca sustained a suspected broken left foot and was transported to Dubbo by ambulance. Marnoo was euthanised after suffering a near-foreleg injury. Stewards abandoned the final race of the Warren card as emergency services responded.
On Monday morning, Racing NSW announced the postponement of the Scone meeting after consultation with jockeys and trainers. In a statement, the organisation said: “Izzy remains in Dubbo Hospital in a critical condition, with her family by her side. 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.”
The Australian Jockeys’ Association also sent support, stating it was “sending all our love and support to Izzy and Diego after a dreadful fall at Warren.”
Born and raised in Merriwa, she left school at 16 and gained early experience working with horses at studs and in pre-training, building on a background that included camp drafting and barrel racing. She began trackwork under trainer Pat Farrell before spending two years with Rod Northam at Scone. After time with John Thompson in Sydney, she started riding on the picnic circuit and recorded her first winner at Condobolin in February 2024 aboard Scruff’s Magic.
She later moved into the professional ranks and has been based in the Dubbo area, frequently riding for trainers including Brett Robb. Earlier this year, she achieved a significant milestone by riding her first metropolitan winner when she partnered the Brett Robb-trained It’s A Tata to victory in a TAB Highway Handicap at Rosehill in July. She has continued to build a solid record of winners across country and provincial tracks.
The fall at Warren has drawn widespread messages of concern and support from across the industry.
As of Monday morning, Neale remains critical with her family at her side, and the racing community continues to wait for further updates on her condition.
Our thoughts are with Izzy Neale, her family, friends, and everyone involved.
