Italian jockey Stefano Cherchi has died aged 23, two weeks after being injured in a fall during a race in Canberra.
Cherchi’s girlfriend, Brittany, daughter of former British jockey Kieren Fallon, had traveled to Australia to be at his bedside.
“It is with deep sadness that the Cherchi family has announced that their beloved son Stefano passed away peacefully today,” the New South Wales Jockeys Association wrote in a statement.
“The family is so grateful for the love, prayers and messages sent by the racing community around the world.”
Cherchi was admitted to intensive care with a serious head injury after his mount fell during a race in Canberra on March 20. His horse, Hasime, fell in an incident involving two other horses.
While the other two riders and all the horses avoided injury, Cherchi was treated by doctors at the track for about an hour before being taken to hospital.
Cherchi, who was based at Warwick Farm, rode more than 100 winners in Britain before moving to Australia at the beginning of the year.
“Today is an absolutely heartbreaking day for all of us, but Stefano will always be with us. His charming character and smile can never be forgotten,” said coach Marco Botti.
“Our thoughts are with the Cherchi family and their closest friends.”
The jockey was “much loved and will be missed,” the Professional Jockeys Association said.
“In addition to being a talented pilot, Stefano was immensely popular in the weighing room due to his humility, kindness and sense of humor,” it said.
Leading jockey Hollie Doyle posted on X: “Stefano will be sorely missed, he was one of the good ones.”
The British Horseracing Authority said Cherchi was held in high esteem around the world.
“The entire racing industry will be mourning the loss of such a talented young man,” he added.
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