Racing world mourns after the dying of Italian jockey Stefano Cherchi following race fall in Canberra

Italian jockey Stefano Cherchi has died aged 23, two weeks after being harm in a fall at race meet in Canberra.

Cherchi’s girlfriend Brittany, the daughter of former British jockey Kieren Fallon, had travelled to Australia to be at his bedside.

“With deep disappointment, the Cherchi household have introduced their beloved son Stefano handed away peacefully at this time,” the New South Wales Jockeys Affiliation wrote in a launch.

“The household are very grateful for the love, prayers and messages despatched by the racing group the world over.”

Cherchi was positioned in intensive care with a critical head harm after his mount fell throughout a race at Canberra on March 20. His horse, Hasime, got here down in an incident that concerned two different horses.

Whereas the opposite two riders and all the horses averted harm, Cherchi was attended to by medics on the observe for about an hour earlier than being taken to hospital.

Cherchi, who was primarily based out of Warwick Farm, rode greater than 100 winners in Britain earlier than relocating to Australia firstly of the yr.

“Immediately 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,” coach Marco Botti mentioned.

“Our ideas are with the Cherchi household and his shut associates.”

The rider was “a lot liked and will likely be missed” the Skilled Jockeys Affiliation mentioned.

“In addition to being a gifted rider, Stefano was immensely standard within the weighing room attributable to his humility, kindness and sense of humour,” it mentioned.

Main jockey Hollie Doyle posted on X: “Stefano will likely be sorely missed, he was one of many good guys.”

The British Horseracing Authority mentioned Cherchi was held in excessive esteem world wide.

“All the racing trade will likely be in mourning after the lack of such a gifted younger man,” it added.