Jockey Stefano Cherchi has died aged 23 two weeks after being damage in a fall.
The Sardinian, who beforehand rode in Britain, fell throughout a gathering at Canberra, Australia.
His girlfriend Brittany, daughter of legendary former jockey Kieren Fallon, had travelled to be at his bedside.
“With deep unhappiness, the Cherchi household have introduced their beloved son Stefano handed away peacefully immediately,” stated the New South Wales Jockeys Affiliation.
“The household are very grateful for the love, prayers and messages despatched by the racing group internationally.”
The rider was positioned in intensive care with a critical head harm after his mount fell throughout a race at Canberra on 20 March.
Cherchi’s horse Hasime got here down in an incident that concerned two different horses.
Whereas the opposite two riders and all the horses prevented harm, Cherchi was attended to by medics on the observe for about an hour earlier than being taken to hospital with a head harm and inner bleeding.
Cherchi, who had been an apprentice jockey with Newmarket coach Marco Botti, rode greater than 100 winners in Britain earlier than relocating to Australia in the beginning of the 12 months.
“At the moment is a completely heartbreaking day for us all however Stefano will all the time be with us. His charming character and smile can by no means be forgotten,” stated Botti.
“Our ideas are with the Cherchi household and his shut mates.”
The rider was “a lot cherished and shall be missed” stated the Skilled Jockeys Affiliation.
“In addition to being a gifted rider, Stefano was immensely fashionable within the weighing room resulting from his humility, kindness and sense of humour,” it stated.
Main jockey Hollie Doyle posted on X: “Stefano shall be sorely missed, he was one of many good guys.”
The British Horseracing Authority stated Cherchi was held in excessive esteem around the globe.
“The whole racing trade shall be in mourning after the lack of such a gifted younger man,” it added.