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Australian apprentice jockey Izzy Neale was airlifted to hospital and is fighting for her life after a serious fall at Warren on Sunday afternoon. The 22-year-old was riding Marnoo in the Cotton Cup when she was unseated and sustained severe injuries. Neale was representing trainer Kiran Hazelton at the regional New South Wales course in a 1600m race when both she and fellow jockey Diego Montes de Oca, aboard Shadow Dane, were thrown from their horses with approximately 400m remaining.
The remainder of the day's racing was abandoned, with one race still left on the programme.
The horse Marnoo was put down after sustaining a "near foreleg injury," according to Racing NSW Stewards. Neale was flown by helicopter to Dubbo Hospital in a critical condition after losing consciousness on the track following the incident.
Montes de Oca was transported by ambulance and has since been released after fortunately escaping with only soft tissue damage to his left foot. Neale remains in a life-threatening condition, having reportedly suffered serious head injuries.
Monday's scheduled race meeting at Scone has been pushed back to Wednesday. Racing NSW released the following statement: "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.
"The decision follows the serious race fall involving apprentice jockey Izzy Neale at Warren yesterday. 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."
An investigation into the incident has been launched.
Born in Merriwa, Neale progressed from the academy system in 2024 and won on her first professional race ride at Condobolin. She has secured 88 victories to date from 699 outings.
On Saturday, the 22-year-old was competing at Rosehill as part of Five Diamonds Day. She revealed to Sky Racing that she was on the verge of completing the purchase of her first property this week.
Messages of support have poured in from the Australian racing family, with former jockey Melinda Turner saying: "Praying for a miracle tonight. A terrible day for our industry,".
The Australian Jockeys' Association wrote: "Sending all our love and support to Izzy and Diego after a dreadful fall at Warren. Will update conditions ASAP."
Melbourne Cup-winning rider Robbie Dolan added: "Tough day to be a jockey when things like this happen."