The partner of a young jockey who died after a fall in a horror race has shared a heartbreaking message following the tragedy.
Stefano Cherchi, 23, fell from a horse during a race in Australia in an incident involving two other horses on March 20.
The Sardinia-born jockey had been in an induced coma in the intensive care unit of a Canberra hospital, but died on Wednesday.
Cherchi rode more than 100 winners in Britain while at Newmarket and had had two successes since arriving in Australia in January.
His parents and his girlfriend. Brittany Fallon, daughter of former British champion jockey Kieren Fallon, had flown to Australia to be at Cherchi’s bedside.
The girlfriend of a young jockey who died after a tragic accident has shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram
Brittany Fallon’s boyfriend Stefano Cherchi died in Australia after an accident on March 30
And now Brittany took to Instagram to pay tribute to her boyfriend and said she will love Cherchi forever.
“Life will never be the same,” she posted alongside a video montage of their happiest moments together.
“I will love you forever, thank you for showing me the most passionate kind of love I could have ever imagined.”
Following Cherchi’s death, it emerged that he was deliberating on whether to extend his stay in Australia or return to England with Brittany and resume his career there.
He arrived in Australia with fellow jockey Eoin Walsh, who was devastated by the tragic death of his close friend.
“In October last year, Stefano and I talked about moving to Australia,” he said.
‘”Fuck buddy, let’s do it.” I wish this conversation had never happened.
‘Kindest guy I’ve ever met and it’s been a real pleasure looking after you over the last few years. Never forget you.’
Cherchi rode more than 100 winners in Britain before two successes after arriving in Australia.
In a statement, the New South Wales Jockeys’ Association said: “It is with deep sadness that the Cherchi family has announced that their beloved son Stefano passed away peacefully today.
“The family is so grateful for the love, prayers and messages sent by the racing community around the world.”
Italian trainer Marco Botti paid tribute to Cherchi, who had achieved victories with his horses on 38 occasions.
Botti admitted Cherchi was “like a son” and said he feels like he has lost “a family member.”
“This is devastating news for all of us,” Botti told the PA news agency.
‘We knew it was a bad fall and we knew things weren’t looking very good, but you live with hope and expect a miracle. I hope he goes to a better place and we never forget, he will always be with us.
‘His charm and the way he carried himself with people, he was such a nice guy. To me, to be honest, he was a bit like a son.
“When he went to Australia we chatted and in a way I was glad he was trying to make a run there. He had a couple of winners recently and things were looking up and then this happened. “Life is hard.
Fallon said he will love Cherchi forever in heartbreaking message after her death
‘For us he was always a good judge in the mornings. He rode some of our good horses and the feedback from him was incredible. As a jockey he only needed to ride good horses and he would have proven his worth.
‘Out of the chair he has always been a very good guy. We were texting through the winter and I was hoping he would come back in the spring.
‘It is very sad for the family and all his friends. To be honest, it’s like we’ve lost a family member.
The British Horseracing Authority was among those to join in the tributes, saying the organization was “heartbroken” at the loss of a “talented young man.”
‘Stefano rode over 100 winners in Britain before moving to Australia, and the high regard in which he was held around the world is evident.
Cherchi’s girlfriend, Britanny, daughter of champion jockey Kieren Fallon, had been at his bedside at the hospital.
‘Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him.
“The entire racing industry will be mourning the loss of such a talented young man.”
Cherchi won four races for David Loughnane during his career, and the trainer said he was “devastated” by the Italian’s death.
“We are all completely devastated by the loss of Stefano Cherchi,” Loughnane wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
‘He was an absolute gentleman and it was a pleasure to have known and worked with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends #RIP’