Racing community in mourning after death of apprentice jockey

Racing is in mourning following the tragic death of rising apprentice jockey Bronte Simpson, who has died aged just 24 following a car accident on Monday night.

Simpson passed away after a single-vehicle crash in regional New South Wales. NSW Police confirmed she died at the scene after her SUV left the roadway and struck a tree on the Castlereagh Highway near Mendooran, about 80 kilometres north-west of Dubbo.

Emergency services were called shortly after 9.15pm on Monday when a passing motorist discovered the crashed vehicle. Despite assistance from passers-by, Simpson could not be saved.

The news has sent shockwaves through the racing community, with NSW Jockeys’ Association chief executive Tony Crisafi describing the loss as devastating.

“We’ve lost a member of our family in this devastating and tragic event,” Crisafi said.

“We have been left shattered by the news and, on behalf of the association and our fellow jockeys, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Bronte’s family.”

“We have many young female riders in our ranks, many of whom Bronte was very close with, and it has hit them the hardest. The association will wrap its arms around them and make sure the right support is in place to help them through this.”

Born and raised in Ballarat, Simpson had been involved with horses her entire life and officially launched her riding career in May this year. She made an immediate impression, riding her first winner aboard Stylebender at Muswellbrook for trainer Kristen Buchanan on debut.

Further success followed quickly, with Simpson riding 14 winners in total and reducing her apprentice claim from 4kg to 3kg.

Simpson spoke of her love for racing after suffering serious facial injuries after being kicked by a horse.

“There was no way I was going to quit,” Simpson said at the time. “I love the industry and always wanted to become a jockey.”